Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

Objective: Suicide is a complex issue influenced by various factors, including mental illness, economic, and cultural elements. Mental and behavioral disorders are significant contributors to suicide risk, and individuals who attempt self-harm often present with comorbidities. This study aims to identify the significance of characteristics and comorbidities among hospitalized patients who engaged in self-harm and have been diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders. Methods: We targeted patients aged 19 or older who attempted self-harm and were hospitalized from the 2022 Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey covering the period from 2008 to 2021. After applying sampling weights, the estimated total sample size was 10,140. The analysis was conducted using a general linear model for complex samples, incorporating analysis of variance and regression analyses. Additionally, network analysis was used to explore relationships among comorbidities. Results: The incidence of self-harm varied seasonally, peaking in spring, with higher rates observed in winter. Hospitalization duration was significantly longer when surgical interventions were required or when comorbidities were present. The average length of hospitalization was 20.52 days, but patients with alcohol-related addictions had a significantly longer stay (71.57 days). For each additional comorbidity, the hospitalization duration increased by 1.889 days. About 46.78% of patients had one or more comorbidities, with strong associations between mental disorders (F00–F99) and cases of poisoning or external injuries (S00–T98). Conclusion This study underscores the importance of managing comorbidities in patients with mental illness to reduce the clinical and social costs of self-harm.

People with obesity maintain low levels of inflammation; therefore, their exposure to foreign antigens can trigger an excessive immune response. In people with obesity or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), symptoms are exacerbated by a reduction in the number of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and IL-10/TGF-β–modified macrophages (M2 macrophages) at the inflammatory site. Benefits of intermittent fasting (IF) have been demonstrated for many diseases; however, the immune responses regulated by macrophages and CD4+ T cells in obese ACD animal models are poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether IF suppresses inflammatory responses and upregulates the generation of Tregs and M2 macrophages in experimental ACD animal models of obese mice. The IF regimen relieved various ACD symptoms in inflamed and adipose tissues. We showed that the IF regimen upregulates Treg generation in a TGF-β-dependent manner and induces CD4+ T cell hypo-responsiveness. IF-M2 macrophages, which strongly express TGF-β and inhibit CD4+ T cell proliferation, directly regulated Treg differentiation from CD4+ T cells. These results indicate that the IF regimen enhances the TGF-β-producing ability of M2 macrophages and that the development of Tregs keeps mice healthy against ACD exacerbated by obesity. Therefore, the IF regimen may ameliorate inflammatory immune disorders caused by obesity.

Recent studies suggest that liver cirrhosis is reversible after administering oral nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy to patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, few studies have addressed whether esophageal varices can regress after such therapy. We report a case of complete regression of esophageal varices during entecavir therapy in patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis, suggesting that complications of liver cirrhosis such as esophageal varices can regress after the long-term suppression of HBV replication.
Abdomen/diagnostic imaging ; Antiviral Agents/*therapeutic use ; DNA, Viral/blood ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices/complications/prevention & control ; Guanine/*analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications/*drug therapy/virology ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis/*diagnosis/etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Ultrasonography

Some recent studies have found regression of liver cirrhosis after antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver cirrhosis, but there have been no reports of complete regression of esophageal varices after interferon/peg-interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. We describe two cases of complete regression of esophageal varices and splenomegaly after interferon-alpha and ribavirin combination therapy in patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis. Esophageal varices and splenomegaly regressed after 3 and 8 years of sustained virologic responses in cases 1 and 2, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that complications of liver cirrhosis, such as esophageal varices and splenomegaly, can regress after antiviral therapy in patients with HCV-related liver cirrhosis.
Abdomen/diagnostic imaging ; Antiviral Agents/*therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Esophageal and Gastric Varices/complications/prevention & control ; Female ; Hepatitis C/complications/*drug therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha/*therapeutic use ; Liver Cirrhosis/*etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polyethylene Glycols/*therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins/therapeutic use ; Ribavirin/*therapeutic use ; Splenomegaly/complications/prevention & control ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion occurs frequently in the immune reactive phase in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Therefore, observation for 3-6 months before commencing antiviral therapy is recommended in patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels that exceed twice the upper limit of normal (ULN). However, HBeAg seroconversion occurs infrequently in patients infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the waiting policy is necessary in endemic areas of HBV genotype C infection. METHODS: Ninety patients with HBeAg-positive CHB were followed prospectively without administering antiviral therapy for 6 months. Antiviral therapy was initiated promptly at any time if there was any evidence of biochemical (i.e., acute exacerbation of HBV infection or aggravation of jaundice) or symptomatic deterioration. After 6 months of observation, antiviral therapy was initiated according to the patient's ALT and HBV DNA levels. RESULTS: Only one patient (1.1%) achieved spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion. Biochemical and symptomatic deterioration occurred before 6 months in 17 patients (18.9%) and 5 patients, respectively. High ALT and HBV DNA levels were both independent risk factors for biochemical deterioration. Of 15 patients with HBV DNA > or =5.1x107 IU/mL and ALT > or =5xULN, biochemical deterioration occurred in 7 (46.7%), including 1 patient receiving liver transplantation due to liver failure. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB is rare within 6 months. Biochemical deterioration was common and may lead to liver failure. Immediate antiviral therapy should be considered, especially in patients with high ALT and HBV DNA levels in endemic areas of genotype C infection.
Adult ; Alanine Transaminase/blood ; Antiviral Agents/*therapeutic use ; DNA, Viral/blood ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genotype ; Guanine/analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use ; Hepatitis B e Antigens/*blood ; Hepatitis B virus/*genetics ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/*drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Korea. Colonoscopic screening with removal of adenomas is an effective strategy for reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. This study was conducted to investigate predictable factors of early colorectal cancer (ECC) in patients with advanced adenoma (AA), tumor in situ (Tis), and submucosal (SM) cancer diagnosed after colonoscopic polypectomy. METHODS: Between August 2003 and June 2012, a total of 1,001 patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy in Jeju National University Hospital were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Patients were classified into four groups; non-AA, AA, Tis, and SM cancer. Compared to the AA group, the ECC group (n=50) had large adenoma size (12.2+/-5.9 mm vs. 15.3+/-6.5 mm, P<0.01), distal location (39.3% vs. 52.0%, P=0.05) and diabetes mellitus (13.1% vs. 25.0%, P=0.04). However, age, sex, body mass index, the mean number of polyps, and morphological features (polypoid vs. nonpolypoid lesions) were not significantly different between the AA and ECC groups. In multivariate analysis, adenoma size >15 mm (odds ratio [OR], 4.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.40-8.38), distal location (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.33-5.05), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.07-4.43) were significantly associated with ECC. Of the 12 patients with SM cancer, 5 underwent additional operations and had no remnant carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Predictable factors of ECC after colonoscopic polypectomy may be adenoma size >15 mm, distal location and diabetes mellitus.
Adenoma ; Body Mass Index ; Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Multivariate Analysis ; Polyps