Background: Current international guidelines recommend against deep sedation as it is associated with worse outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, in Korea the prevalence of deep sedation and its impact on patients in the ICU are not well known. Methods: From April 2020 to July 2021, a multicenter, prospective, longitudinal, noninterventional cohort study was performed in 20 Korean ICUs. Sedation depth extent was divided into light and deep using a mean Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale value within the first 48 hours. Propensity score matching was used to balance covariables; the outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: Overall, 631 patients (418 [66.2%] and 213 [33.8%] in the deep and light sedation groups, respectively) were included. Mortality rates were 14.1% and 8.4% in the deep and light sedation groups (P = 0.039), respectively. Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that time to extubation (P < 0.001), ICU length of stay (P = 0.005), and death P = 0.041) differed between the groups. After adjusting for confounders, early deep sedation was only associated with delayed time to extubation (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% confidence inter val [CI], 0.55– 0.80; P < 0.001). In the matched cohort, deep sedation remained significantly associated with delayed time to extubation (HR, 0.68; 95% 0.56–0.83; P < 0.001) but was not associated with ICU length of stay (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.79–1.13; P = 0.500) and in-hospital mortality (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.65–2.17; P = 0.582). Conclusion In many Korean ICUs, early deep sedation was highly prevalent in mechanically ventilated patients and was associated with delayed extubation, but not prolonged ICU stay or in-hospital death.

Sudden death during or after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) could be led to potential medicolegal disputes. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and postmortem findings in PCI-related deaths-focusing on the current statusto inform preventive strategies against these fatalities. Forty-three cases were retrieved from the National Forensic Service's postmortem records between 2015 and 2021, and the corresponding postmortem findings and clinical information were analyzed. The analyses revealed a relatively consistent annual incidence of PCI-related deaths. Immediate deaths during or shortly after PCI occurred in 17 cases (39.5%), and delayed PCI-related deaths after discharge from the hospital occurred in 26 cases (60.5%). The causes of PCI-related deaths in the postmortem cases were categorized into four groups: PCI complications (11 cases, 26%), acute myocardial infarction (23 cases, 53%), ischemic heart disease (8 cases, 19%), and others (1 case, 2%). Postmortem examinations played a critical role in determining the cause of death and obtaining medical evidence, including pathological findings of the heart as well as those of coronary artery and stent insertion. Our findings suggest that a detailed examination of the heart, coronary arteries, stent status, and atherosclerosis in PCI-related deaths could help provide more accurate information as medical evidence and prevent/resolve potential medicolegal issues. Further, this could advance our understanding of PCI-related deaths and inform future preventive strategies.

Background/Aims: We aimed to analyze the efficacy of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) by the disease course of heart failure (HF). Methods: We evaluated 227 patients with HF in a multi-center retrospective cohort that included those with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40% undergoing ARNI treatment. The patients were divided into patients with newly diagnosed HF with ARNI treatment initiated within 6 months of diagnosis (de novo HF group) and those who were diagnosed or admitted for HF exacerbation for more than 6 months prior to initiation of ARNI treatment (prior HF group). The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and worsening HF, including hospitalization or an emergency visit for HF aggravation within 12 months. Results: No significant differences in baseline characteristics were reported between the de novo and prior HF groups. The prior HF group was significantly associated with a higher primary outcome (23.9 vs. 9.4%) than the de novo HF group (adjusted hazard ratio 2.52, 95% confidence interval 1.06–5.96, p = 0.036), although on a higher initial dose. The de novo HF group showed better LVEF improvement after 1 year (12.0% vs 7.4%, p = 0.010). Further, the discontinuation rate of diuretics after 1 year was numerically higher in the de novo group than the prior HF group (34.4 vs 18.5%, p = 0.064). Conclusions The de novo HF group had a lower risk of the primary composite outcome than the prior HF group in patients with reduced ejection fraction who were treated with ARNI.

Purpose: This study examined the effects of training using the slime on the hand function and problem behavior in adults with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Five adults with intellectual disabilities who were judged as Level 1 or Level 2 were selected. The training consisted of one session (50 min)/day, one day/week for 10 weeks (preparatory activities: 5 min, slime activities: 40 min, finishing activities: 5 min) The functions of the hand (Purdue Pegboard Test [PPT], grip strength test [GST]) and problem behavior (Korean Behavior Problems Inventory [K-BPI]) were assessed three times (first assessment; pre, second assessment; post-5 weeks, third assessment; post-10 weeks). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze changes in the subjects’ performance before and after the intervention. Results: In the PPT, the use of the non-dominant hand was increased significantly (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the remaining results, but the mean value increased. In addition, although the problem behavior was not statistically significant, an increase in the problem behavior score was noted. Conclusion The training using the slime for adults with intellectual disabilities is effective in hand function improvement and reducing problem behavior.

Purpose: This study examined the effects of training using the slime on the hand function and problem behavior in adults with intellectual disabilities. Methods: Five adults with intellectual disabilities who were judged as Level 1 or Level 2 were selected. The training consisted of one session (50 min)/day, one day/week for 10 weeks (preparatory activities: 5 min, slime activities: 40 min, finishing activities: 5 min) The functions of the hand (Purdue Pegboard Test [PPT], grip strength test [GST]) and problem behavior (Korean Behavior Problems Inventory [K-BPI]) were assessed three times (first assessment; pre, second assessment; post-5 weeks, third assessment; post-10 weeks). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze changes in the subjects’ performance before and after the intervention. Results: In the PPT, the use of the non-dominant hand was increased significantly (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the remaining results, but the mean value increased. In addition, although the problem behavior was not statistically significant, an increase in the problem behavior score was noted. Conclusion The training using the slime for adults with intellectual disabilities is effective in hand function improvement and reducing problem behavior.

Purpose: To report a case of successful treatment of bilateral infectious keratitis combined with endophthalmitis caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an immunocompromised patient.Case summary: A 66-year-old male with colon cancer and lung metastasis was referred to our clinic with ocular pain and reduced visual acuity in both eyes for 3 days. Visual acuity was “light perception” in both eyes at the first visit. On slit lamp examination, he presented with corneal central necrosis with mucopurulent discharge and anterior chamber hypopyon in both eyes. The left eye especially had vitreous haziness using a B-scan. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in the corneal scrape culture and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage culture. After administration of topical eye drops, intravitreal injection, and systemic antibiotics, visual acuity improved from “light perception” to 20/63 in the right eye and to 20/125 in the left eye. Conclusions Although bilateral corneal ulcers combined with endophthalmitis induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are rare it can occur in immunocompromised patients. In the case of corneal ulcers combined with endophthalmitis, thorough ocular examinations and active treatments with intravitreal injections and systemic administration of antibiotics can help to recover vision.

Objectives: The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published “A Guideline for Unknown Disease Outbreaks (UDO).” The aim of this report was to introduce tabletop exercises (TTX) to prepare for UDO in the future. Methods: The UDO Laboratory Analyses Task Force in Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in April 2018, assigned unknown diseases into 5 syndromes, designed an algorithm for diagnosis, and made a panel list for diagnosis by exclusion. Using the guidelines and laboratory analyses for UDO, TTX were introduced. Results: Since September 9th , 2018, the UDO Laboratory Analyses Task Force has been preparing TTX based on a scenario of an outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus. In December 2019, through TTX, individual missions, epidemiological investigations, sample treatments, diagnosis by exclusions, and next generation sequencing analysis were discussed, and a novel coronavirus was identified as the causal pathogen. Conclusion Guideline and laboratory analyses for UDO successfully applied in TTX. Conclusions drawn from TTX could be applied effectively in the analyses for the initial response to COVID-19, an ongoing epidemic of 2019 - 2020. Therefore, TTX should continuously be conducted for the response and preparation against UDO.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) modulates a variety of genes involved in the regulation of critical functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immunity. For many cancers, elevated levels of STAT3 signaling have been associated with a poor prognosis and the development of chemotherapy resistance. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of a novel small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3, STX-0119, on the cell viability and survival of human lung cancer cells. STX-0119 inhibited activated STAT3 and the expression of STAT3-regulated oncoproteins such as c-Myc, cyclin D1, and survivin in lung cancer cells. STX-0119 also decreased the amount of STAT3 in the nuclear fraction as well as induced apoptosis of these lung cancer cell lines as evidenced by increases in apoptotic cells (Annexin V positive) and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. The efficacy of STX-0119 in a mouse xenograft model was confirmed. However, a hematological side effect, which had not been previously reported, was observed. The level of white blood cells was significantly lowered when treated at the dose at which STX-0119 alone showed a significant tumor-suppressive effect. In conclusion, we suggest that STX-0119 may be a potent therapeutic agent against lung cancer. Consideration of the side effect suggests, it is necessary to study whether low-dose STX-0119 is effective for lung treatment with a combination of classic lung cancer therapeutics.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; Cyclin D1 ; Drug Therapy ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Leukocytes ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lung ; Mice ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Oncogene Proteins ; Prognosis ; STAT3 Transcription Factor