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Background Guidelines for switching to triple combination therapy directly after monotherapy failure are limited. This study investigated the efficacy, long-term sustainability, and safety of either mono or dual add-on therapy using alogliptin and pioglitazone for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who did not achieve their target glycemic range with metformin monotherapy. Methods The Practical Evidence of Antidiabetic Combination Therapy in Korea (PEAK) was a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial. A total of 214 participants were randomized to receive alogliptin+pioglitazone (Alo+Pio group, n=70), alogliptin (Alo group, n=75), or pioglitazone (Pio group, n=69). The primary outcome was the difference in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between the three groups at baseline to 24 weeks. For durability, the achievement of HbA1c levels

Abstract Severe pneumonia results in high morbidity and mortality despite advanced treatments. This study investigates thoracic muscle mass from chest CT scans as a biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes in ICU patients with severe pneumonia. Analyzing electronic medical records and chest CT scans of 778 ICU patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia from January 2016 to December 2021, AI-enhanced 3D segmentation was used to assess thoracic muscle mass. Patients were categorized into clusters based on muscle mass profiles derived from CT scans, and their effects on clinical outcomes such as extubation success and in-hospital mortality were assessed. The study identified three clusters, showing that higher muscle mass (Cluster 1) correlated with lower in-hospital mortality (8% vs. 29% in Cluster 3) and improved clinical outcomes like extubation success. The model integrating muscle mass metrics outperformed conventional scores, with an AUC of 0.844 for predicting extubation success and 0.696 for predicting mortality. These findings highlight the strong predictive capacity of muscle mass evaluation over indices such as APACHE II and SOFA. Using AI to analyze thoracic muscle mass via chest CT provides a promising prognostic approach in severe pneumonia, advocating for its integration into clinical practice for better outcome predictions and personalized patient management.

This study aimed to assess the current status of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis and management, and the demand for a digital healthcare system, in order to develop an optimal digital-based management model for GDM. An anonymous online survey was conducted targeting pregnant/postpartum women (Group W), internal medicine physicians (Group P), and obstetricians (group O) from September 6, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The survey assessed the women’s knowledge of GDM and gathered information about healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) current GDM management practices. All groups were asked about their acceptance of and demands for a digital healthcare system for GDM. Statistical comparisons between groups were conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate. A total of 168 participants were in Group W, 185 in Group P, and 256 in Group O. Participants from all groups recognized the need for a digital healthcare system for GDM (Group W: 95.8%, Group P: 85.9%, Group O: 60%). However, HCPs showed less willingness to integrate these systems into their clinics than pregnant/postpartum women. Essential features identified were recording blood glucose levels and insulin, along with automatic data linkage from self-monitoring devices. Group W showed a higher preference for lab test access, search functionality, and fetal weight assessment than groups P and O (all P

Objective To investigate the relationship between maximal tongue protrusion length (MTPL) and dysphagia in post-stroke patients. Methods Free tongue length (FTL) was measured using the quick tongue-tie assessment tool and MTPL was measured using a transparent plastic ruler in 47 post-stroke patients. The MTPL-to-FTL (RMF) ratio was calculated. Swallowing function in all patients was evaluated via videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), PenetrationAspiration Scale (PAS), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS). Results The MTPL and RMF values were significantly higher in the non-aspirator group than in the aspirator group (MTPL, p=0.0049; RMF, p

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcome and quality of life (QoL) of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (TLTG) compared with laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) in patients with clinical stage I gastric cancer. Methods From 2012 to 2018, EGC patients who underwent TLTG (n = 223), including the first case with intracorporeal hemi-double stapling, were matched to those who underwent LATG (n = 114) with extracorporeal circular stapling, using 2:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Prospectively collected morbidity was compared between the TLTG and LATG groups in conjunction with the learning curve. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL questionnaires QLQ-C30, STO22, and OG25 were prospectively surveyed during postoperative 1 year for patient subgroups. Results After PSM, grade I pulmonary complication rate was lower in the TLTG group (n = 213) than in the LATG group (n = 111) (0.5% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.007). Other complications were not different between the groups. The learning curve of TLTG was overcome at the 26th case in terms of the comprehensive complication index. The TLTG group after learning curve showed lower grade I pulmonary complication rate than the matched LATG group (0.5% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.024). Regarding postoperative QoL, the TLTG group (n = 63) revealed less dysphagia (P = 0.028), pain (P = 0.028), eating restriction (P = 0.006), eating (P = 0.004), odynophagia (P = 0.023) than the LATG group (n = 21). Multivariate analyses for each QoL item demonstrated that TLTG was the only common independent factor for better QoL. Conclusions TLTG reduced grade I pulmonary complications and provided better QoL in dysphagia, pain, eating, odynophagia than LATG for patients with clinical stage I gastric cancer.

Background Glycemic variability is associated with the development of diabetic complications and hypoglycemia. However, the effect of sodium-glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors on glycemic variability is controversial. We aimed to examine the effect of dapagliflozin as an add-on therapy to insulin on the glycemic variability assessed using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods In this multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study, 84 subjects received 10 mg of dapagliflozin (n=41) or the placebo (n=43) for 12 weeks. CGM was performed before and after treatment to compare the changes in glycemic variability measures (standard deviation [SD], mean amplitude of glycemic excursions [MAGEs]). Results At week 12, significant reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin (−0.74%±0.66% vs. 0.01%±0.65%, P

Objective To determine the most optimal needle insertion point of extensor indicis (EI) using ultrasound. Methods A total 80 forearms of 40 healthy volunteers were recruited. We identified midpoint (MP) of EI using ultrasound and set MP as optimal needle insertion point. The location of MP was suggested using distances from landmarks. Distance from MP to medial border of ulna (MP-X) and to lower margin of ulnar head (MP-Y) were measured. Ratios of MP-X to Forearm circumference (X ratio) and MP-Y to forearm length (Y ratio) were calculated. In cross-sectional view, depth of MP (Dmp), defined as middle value of superficial depth (Ds) and deep depth (Dd) was measured and suggested as proper depth of needle insertion. Results Mean MP-X was 1.37±0.14 cm and mean MP-Y was 5.50±0.46 cm. Mean X ratio was 8.10±0.53 and mean Y ratio was 22.15±0.47. Mean Dmp was 7.63±0.96 mm. Conclusion We suggested that novel optimal needle insertion point of the EI. It is about 7.6 mm in depth at about 22% of the forearm length proximal from the lower margin of the ulnar head and about 8.1% of the forearm circumference radial from medial border of ulna.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the concurrent validity and inter-and intra-rater reliabilities of smart device based application, against force platform-based portable device Wii balance board (WBB) measurements for the flight time and jump height during the vertical jump. Material and methods: Thirty participants (23.8 ±3.41 years) completed three vertical jumps, which were evaluated using WBB and application for smart device. To assess the concurrent validity, jump height and flight times were obtained from each device. Inter-and intra-rater reliabilities were determined by replicating data analysis of smart device based application recordings. Results: Flight time and jump height collected from smart device based application showed excellent agreement level with WBB (flight time and jump height: ICC [2,1]=0.972). However mean flight time and jump height from the smart device based application was significantly higher than WBB (mean difference: 0.006 sec, 0.745 cm, p < 0.05). Intra-rater sessions showed good level of agreement (flight time: ICC [2,1] = 0.967, jump height: ICC [2,1] = 0.974), and inter-rater session showed almost perfect reliability (flight time: ICC [2,1] = 0.985, jump height: ICC [2,1] = 0.987). Conclusions: Smart device-based applications could be used to replace pressure-based portable devices for clinical evaluations in post-injury rehabilitation as well as evaluating sports performance.

Abstract Background This retrospective study investigated the association between clinical features and MRI findings in patients with early adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. Methods The study included 29 patients with early adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. The clinical diagnostic criteria were significantly restricted passive range of motion (ROM) and a symptom duration of up to 9 months. Various measurements related to adhesive capsulitis, including humeral and glenoid capsular thickness in the axillary recess, maximal axillary capsular thickness, coracohumeral ligament thickness, and anterior capsular thickness were measured on MRI. Abnormal humeral and glenoid capsular hyperintensity in the axillary recess, abnormal hyperintensity in the rotator interval, and obliteration of the subcoracoid fat triangle were also evaluated. Correlations between MRI findings and clinical features, including limited ROM, pain, and symptom duration were sought. Results Maximal axillary and humeral capsular thickness measured on MRI were negatively correlated with ROM for internal rotation. Also, hyperintensity in axillary recess and glenoid capule were correlated with ROM for abduction. Humeral capsular hyperintensity was correlated with ROM for forward flexion. There were no MRI findings that showed correlations with ROM for external rotation and severity of pain. The hyperintensity in the humeral capsule among MRI findings was only correlated with duration of symptoms. Conclusions MRI can be useful for assessment of several measures of clinical impairment in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Thickening and hyperintensity of the joint capsule in the axillary recess on MRI is associated with limited ROM and duration of symptoms.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to present a technique for measuring physiologic distal tibiofibular syndesmosis widening using 3-dimensional ultrasonography (3D-US) with an evaluation of its reliability, and to determine whether there were differences in the measurements between different dynamic stress tests. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 3D-US of 20 subjects with normal ankle syndesmosis. 3D-US was performed in neutral (N), dorsiflexion with external rotation (DFER), and weight-bearing standing (WB) positions at the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament level in both ankles for comparison. Using 3D-US volume data, axial images were reconstructed at the level of the lateral prominence of the anterior tibial tubercle to ensure consistent measurements of the tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) by two radiologists. Results There was a wide range of TFCS values among the subjects (N, 1.2 to 4.2 mm; DFER, 2.3 to 4.8 mm; WB, 1.7 to 4.6 mm). When both ankles of each subject were evaluated, the side-to-side differences were less than 1 mm in all positions, with high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values between both ankles (ICC, 0.85 to 0.93). The inter-rater agreement for all TFCS measurements between the two radiologists was excellent (ICC, 0.81 to 0.96). In comparisons between the two dynamic stress tests, the TFCS was significantly wider in the DFER position than in the WB position (DFER vs. WB, 3.3 mm vs. 2.9 mm; P

BackgroundWe evaluated the efficacy and safety of acarbose add-on therapy in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who are inadequately controlled with metformin and sitagliptin.MethodsA total of 165 subjects were randomized to metformin and sitagliptin (Met+Sita, n=65), metformin, sitagliptin, and acarbose (Met+Sita+Acarb, n=66) and sitagliptin and acarbose (Sita+Acarb, exploratory assessment, n=34) therapy in five institutions in Korea. After 16 weeks of acarbose add-on or metformin-switch therapy, a triple combination therapy was maintained from week 16 to 24.ResultsThe add-on of acarbose (Met+Sita+Acarb group) demonstrated a 0.44%±0.08% (P

Objective To investigate the optimal sonographic method for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP). Methods A total of 190 participants were divided into four groups based on DSP history and electrodiagnostic results of CTS. The absolute parameters were measured at baseline and the relative values were calculated: maximal cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve throughout the carpal tunnel (Mmax), median nerve CSA at the forearm level (Mf), ulnar nerve CSA at the pisiform level (Upi), difference between Mmax and Mf (∆MM), and difference between Mmax and Upi (∆MU). Then, the optimal ultrasonographic parameters for diagnosing CTS, according to the presence of DSP, using absolute and relative cutoff values were analyzed. Results Median and ulnar nerve CSAs were significantly larger in the DSP group than in the control group. In the DSP participants, the mean Mmax, ∆MM, and ∆MU values were significantly larger in patients with both DSP and CTS than in patients with DSP only. The Mmax thresholds of 9.5 mm2 in the control group and 11.5 mm2 in the DSP group showed the greatest sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing CTS. The ∆MM thresholds of 2.5 mm2 and ∆MU thresholds of 4.5 mm2 had the greatest sensitivity and specificity in both the DSP and control groups. Conclusion Measurement of Mmax, ∆MM and ∆MU is an optimal ultrasonographic evaluation method for diagnosing CTS in patients with DSP.

Background and Objectives: The coronavirus infection 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected emergency department (ED) management. Its viral transmission necessitates the use of isolation rooms and personal protective equipment for treating suspected patients, such as those with fever. This delays the time until the first encounter with the patients, thereby increasing the length of stay (LOS) in the ED. We aimed to compare delays in the ED LOS and clinical processes between the COVID-19 period and pre-COVID-19 period. Moreover, we intended to evaluate if the aforementioned delay affected patient outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective study in Korea. Patients with fever were compared between the “COVID-19 period” from March 2020 to August 2020 and the “pre-COVID-19 period” from March 2019 to September 2019. We compared the overall ED LOS and individual time variable, including initial diagnostic tests (laboratory tests, radiography), specific diagnostic test (computed tomography), and treatment processes (antibiotics). A logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the association between hospital admission and patient data. Results: We enrolled 931 and 749 patients during pre- and COVID-19 periods, respectively. Patients with fever remained in the ED for a longer duration during the COVID-19 period (pre-COVID-19:207.7 ± 102.7 min vs. during COVID-19: 223.5 ± 119.4 min, p = 0.004). The total time for performing laboratory tests and radiography displayed significant differences between the two periods, particularly from the time of patient arrival in the ED to the time of issuing the order. The time until antibiotic administration was delayed in the COVID-19 period (pre-COVID-19:195.8 ± 103.3 min vs. during COVID-19: 216.9 ± 108.4 min, p = 0.003). The logistic regression analysis for hospital admission identified ED LOS as an independent factor in both periods. Conclusions: The delay until encountering patients with fever resulted in longer ED LOS during the COVID-19 period; however, it possibly did not increase the hospital admission rates.

Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. water extract (EAW) was investigated for its anti-obesity effects in C57BL/6J mice on a high-fat diet. Mice were divided into groups fed normal and high-fat diets (ND and HFD, respectively), and HFD mice were treated with EAW (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Inhibition of HFD-induced obesity by EAW was evaluated using biochemical parameters, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and immunoblot assay. EAW supplementation significantly diminished the final body weight, adipose tissue size, and epididymal adipose tissue volume compared with mice with obesity induced by HFD (p

Abstract Background The trend of increasing numbers of patients with type 2 diabetes emphasizes the need for active screening of high-risk individuals and intensive lifestyle modification (LSM). Methods/design The community-based Korean Diabetes Prevention Study (C-KDPS) is a randomized controlled clinical trial to prevent type 2 diabetes by intensive LSM using a web-based program. The two public healthcare centers in Korea are involved, and 420 subjects are being recruited for 6 months and will be followed up for 22 months. The participants are allocated randomly to intensive LSM (18 individual sessions for 24 weeks) and usual care (control group). The major goals of the C-KDPS lifestyle intervention program are: 1) a minimum of 5–7% loss of initial body weight in 6 months and maintenance of this weight loss, 2) increased physical activity (≥ 150 min/week of moderate intensity activity), 3) balanced healthy eating, and 4) quitting smoking and alcohol with stress management. The web-based program includes education contents, video files, visit schedules, and inter-communicable keeping track sites. Primary outcomes are the diagnoses of newly developed diabetes. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test with hemoglobin A1c level determination and cardiovascular risk factor assessment is scheduled at 6, 12, 18, and 22 months. Discussion Active screening of high-risk individuals and an effective LSM program are an essential prerequisite for successful diabetes prevention. We hope that our C-KDPS program can reduce the incidence of newly developed type 2 diabetes and be implemented throughout the country, merging community-based public healthcare resources and a web-based system. Trial registration Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea (No. KCT0001981 ). Date of registration; July 28, 2016.

BackgroundThis study investigated the rate of relapse of dyslipidemia and the factors which could predict relapse following a short-term statin discontinuation after achieving a target low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level in type 2 diabetic patients without cardiovascular disease (CVD).MethodsNinety-nine subjects on rosuvastatin treatment and whose LDL-C level was lower than 100 mg/dL were randomly assigned to discontinue or maintain statin treatment at a 2:1 ratio. The subjects were followed-up after 10 weeks. A relapse of dyslipidemia was defined as a reascent of LDL-C level to greater than 100 mg/dL.ResultsThe statin discontinuation group had a significant rate of relapse compared to the maintenance group (79% vs. 3%, respectively). Pretreatment and baseline lipid levels, their ratios, and hemoglobin A1c level were significantly different between the relapse and nonrelapse groups. The pretreatment and baseline lipid profiles and their ratios were independently associated with relapse. The pretreatment LDL-C level was the most useful parameter for predicting a relapse, with a cutoff of 123 mg/dL. During the follow-up period, no CVD event was noted.ConclusionThe relapse rate of dyslipidemia was high when statins were discontinued in type 2 diabetic patients without CVD. Statin discontinuation should be considered carefully based on the pretreatment lipid profiles of patients.

Obesity is one of the major public health problems in the world because it is implicated in metabolic syndromes, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate whether Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. (EAP) extract suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and fat accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells by activating an AMP-dependent kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Our results showed that EAP water extract significantly inhibits ROS production, adipogenesis, and lipogenesis during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. In addition, EAP decreased mRNA and protein levels of proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα). Moreover, EAP suppressed mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthase (FAS), lipoprotein lipase (LPL), adipocyte protein 2 (aP2) in a dose-dependent manner. Whereas, EAP upregulated adiponectin expression, phosphorylation levels of AMPK and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) protein level during differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. These results suggest that EAP water extract can exert ROS-linked anti-obesity effect through the mechanism that might involve inhibition of ROS production, adipogenesis and lipogenesis via an activating AMPK signaling pathway.

Background: This study evaluated the effects of a mobile diabetes management program called "iCareD" (College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea) which was integrated into the hospital's electronic medical records system to minimize the workload of the healthcare team in the real clinical practice setting. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we recruited 308 patients. We categorized these patients based on their compliance regarding their use of the iCareD program at home; compliance was determined through self-monitored blood glucose inputs and message subscription rates. We analyzed changes in the ABC (hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels from the baseline to 12 months thereafter, based on the patients' iCareD usage patterns. Results: The patients comprised 92 (30%) non-users, 170 (55%) poor-compliance users, and 46 (15%) good-compliance users; the ABC target achievement rate showed prominent changes in good-compliance groups from baseline to 12 months (10.9% vs. 23.9%, P<0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed for poor-compliance users and non-users (13.5% vs. 18.8%, P=0.106; 20.7% vs. 14.1%, P=0.201; respectively). Conclusion: Implementing the iCareD can improve the ABC levels of patients with diabetes with minimal efforts of the healthcare team in real clinical settings. However, the improvement of patients' compliance concerning the use of the system without the vigorous intervention of the healthcare team needs to be solved in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The management of patients with ureteral calculi in the emergency department (ED) remains challenging due to high revisit rates. Purpose To identify predictors of revisits among patients with ureteral calculi in the ED. Design, setting, and participants Data from patients who presented at a tertiary academic hospital in Seoul, Republic of Korea, between February 2018 and December 2019, were analyzed retrospectively. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Variables, including the respiratory rate (RR), estimated glomerular fltration rate (eGFR), duration of pain, number of analgesic doses, location of ureteral calculi, and ED length of stay (LOS) were examined using logistic regression. We also examined some additional variables included in the STONE and CHOKAI scoring systems to examine their association with revisit. Results Signifcant predictors of revisits included the number of analgesic doses and the location of ureteral calculi. Patients who required multiple analgesic doses or those with proximal or mid-ureteral calculi were more likely to revisit the ED. Although the STONE and CHOKAI scores could predict uncomplicated ureteral calculi, we found that the CHOKAI score is a valuable tool for predicting the likelihood of patient revisits (p=0.021). Conclusions Efective pain management and consideration of calculi location are important for predicting patient revisits. More research is required to validate fndings, develop precise predictive models, and empower tailored care for high-risk patients. Patient summary In patients with ureteral calculi in the ED, the number of analgesics given and stone location predict return visits. Proximal ureteral calculi on CT may require early urologic intervention to prevent pain-related revisits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal epidural hemorrhage (EDH) after acupuncture is a rare disease and needs to be differentiated from stroke because it presents neurological deficits such as motor weakness. A 48-year-old patient taking anticoagulants developed posterior neck pain and progressive quadriplegia immediately after acupuncture. Upon arrival to the emergency room (ER), he complained of dyspnea, dysarthria, bradycardia, and hypothermia. Diffuse spinal EDH findings on spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were confirmed, and posterior decompression was performed emergently. The patient is currently recovering. Since dyspnea, dysarthria, bradycardia, and hypothermia complained of by this patient are not common symptoms of spinal cord injury, emergency medicine doctors should be careful not to miss the spinal cord injury through detailed history-taking and additional neurologic exam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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