Preparation of catechin-starch nanoparticles composites and its application as a Pickering emulsion stabilizer

Starch is a biopolymer commonly used for nanoparticle synthesis. Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) have potential as encapsulation agents and Pickering emulsion stabilizers. Here, we prepared SNPs by dry heating under mildly acidic conditions to encapsulate catechin. Catechin (30 mg) and SNPs (50-150 mg) were dispersed in distilled water and freeze-dried to prepare catechin-SNP composites. Isothermal titration calorimetry and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the binding of catechin to SNP may involve spontaneous hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. SNPs exhibited encapsulation efficiency for catechin, with 100 % catechin retention when 150 mg of SNP was used to prepare the composites. The catechin-SNP composites had a particle size of 54.2-74.9 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of small amounts of inclusion complexes in catechin-SNP composites. As the amount of SNPs added for encapsulation increased, the catechin encapsulated in the SNP composites exhibited higher water solubility and UV stability than the pure catechin. The catechin-SNP composite with 150 mg of catechin exhibited the highest contact angle (51.37°) and formed a stable emulsion without notable droplet size changes. Therefore, catechin-SNP composites improved the encapsulation efficiency, water-solubility, stability of catechins, and Pickering emulsion stability.

Efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitors combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy in advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and platinum-based chemotherapy has emerged as a highly promising primary option for advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (EC). The study aimed to evaluate treatment efficacy of ICIs with cytotoxic chemotherapy in EC.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials up to November 11, 2023, focusing on immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for EC. The primary endpoint was the pooled hazard ratio (HR), which was further analyzed across subgroups based on mismatch repair (MMR) status, race, histology, and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) status. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023475669).

FINDINGS

Four trials with 2335 patients were analyzed. ICIs with chemotherapy significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.62-0.79) and overall survival (OS) (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.63-0.89) compared to chemotherapy alone. Stratification by MMR status showed substantial benefits for dMMR (PFS; HR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.26-0.43; OS; HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.22-0.91) over pMMR cohorts in both PFS and OS. In the subgroup analysis, there was significant PFS advantage in Caucasian (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.54-0.72) over non-Caucasian, in endometrioid histology (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56-0.78) over non-endometrioid, and in PD-L1 positive (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19-0.81) over PD-L1 negative population.

INTERPRETATION

ICIs combined with platinum-based chemotherapy significantly prolonged PFS and OS in patients with advanced or recurrent EC. Patients with dMMR status, Caucasians, endometrioid histology, and positive PD-L1 status showed significant PFS benefits, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment approaches to improve outcomes.

Mapping recommendations towards an Asian Code Against Cancer (ACAC) as part of the World Code Against Cancer Framework: an Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) initiative

This paper outlines the process undertaken by Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) members in working towards an Asian Code Against Cancer (ACAC). The process involves: (i) identification of the criteria for selecting the existing set of national recommendations for ACAC (ii) compilation of existing national codes or recommendations on cancer prevention (iii) reviewing the scientific evidence on cancer risk factors in Asia and (iv) establishment of one or more ACAC under the World Code Against Cancer Framework. A matrix of national codes or key recommendations against cancer in ANCCA member countries is presented. These include taking actions to prevent or control tobacco consumption, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, exposure to occupational and environmental toxins; and to promote breastfeeding, vaccination against infectious agents and cancer screening. ANCCA will continue to serve as a supportive platform for collaboration, development, and advocacy of an ACAC jointly with the International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization (IARC/WHO).

Suicide mortality following the implementation of tobacco packaging and pricing policies in Korea: an interrupted time-series analysis

BACKGROUND

To prevent tobacco use in Korea, the national quitline number was added to tobacco packages in December 2012, tobacco prices were raised by 80% in January 2015, and graphic health warning labels were placed on tobacco packages in December 2016. This study evaluated the association of these tobacco packaging and pricing policies with suicide mortality in Korea.

METHODS

Monthly mortality from suicide was obtained from Cause-of-Death Statistics in Korea from December 2007 to December 2019. Interrupted time-series analysis was performed using segmented Poisson regression models. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated adjusted for suicide prevention strategies.

RESULTS

Suicide mortality was 20 per 1,000,000 in December 2007 and showed a downward trend over the study period. After the implementation of tobacco packaging and pricing policies, suicide mortality immediately declined by - 0.09 percent points (95% CI =  - 0.19 to 0.01; P > 0.05) for the national quitline number, - 0.22 percent points (95% CI =  - 0.35 to - 0.09; P < 0.01) for tobacco prices, and - 0.30 percent points (95% CI =  - 0.49 to - 0.11; P < 0.01) for graphic health warning labels. The corresponding RRs for these post-implementation changes compared with the pre-implementation level were 0.91 (95% CI = 0.83 to 1.00), 0.80 (95% CI = 0.70 to 0.91), and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.61 to 0.90), respectively. Significant associations between tobacco control policies and suicide mortality were observed even when stratified by sex and region.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study provide new evidence for an association between tobacco control policies and deaths by suicide. An array of effective tobacco control policies should be considered for prevention programs targeting suicide.

Disseminating Necrotizing Leukoencephalopathy Associated With Intra-CSF Methotrexate Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Observational Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Leptomeningeal metastases (LMs) are neoplasms that proliferate to membranes lining the brain and spinal cord. Intra-CSF methotrexate (MTX) chemotherapy is a prevalent treatment option. However, resultant long-term neurotoxicity can lead to irreversible disseminated necrotizing leukoencephalopathy (DNL). This study aims to determine the incidence, characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of DNL following intra-CSF MTX chemotherapy for LM.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients with LM who received intra-CSF MTX between 2001 and 2021 at the National Cancer Center of Korea. Patients with a follow-up duration of <3 months and those without follow-up MRI after MTX administration were excluded. The primary outcome was the development of DNL, evaluated based on the clinical and radiologic definitions of DNL. Logistic and Cox proportional regression models were used to assess the risk of DNL in patients with LM receiving intra-CSF MTX chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Of the 577 patients included in the DNL investigation, 13 (2.3%) were identified to have irreversible DNL. The MRI features of DNL typically include necrotic changes in the bilateral anterior temporal region, extensive white matter, and/or brainstem lesions. All patients with DNL experienced fatal clinical course despite MTX cessation. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a cumulative dose of MTX significantly affected DNL occurrence. Multivariable analysis showed that the factor of ≥10 MTX rounds was significant for DNL development after adjusting for route of MTX administration and prior brain radiotherapy (odds ratio 7.32, 95% CI 1.42-37.77 at MTX rounds ≥10 vs < 10). In the Cox proportional hazards model considering time to occurrence of DNL, ≥10 rounds of MTX were identified as an independent predictor of DNL (hazard ratio 12.57, 95% CI 1.62-97.28, p = 0.015), even after adjusting for the synergistic effect of brain radiotherapy.

DISCUSSION

DNL is a rare but fatal complication of intra-CSF MTX chemotherapy, and its progression cannot be prevented despite early recognition. The cumulative dose of intra-CSF MTX was an independent risk factor for DNL occurrence. Thus, intra-CSF MTX treatment for patients with LM should be administered with caution considering the possibility of the cumulative irreversible neurotoxicity.

Comparison of survival outcomes between olaparib and niraparib maintenance therapy in BRCA-mutated, newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

This multicenter retrospective cohort study aimed to compare survival outcomes and adverse events between maintenance therapy with two poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors, olaparib and niraparib, in patients with BRCA-mutated, newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) who responded to platinum-based chemotherapy.

METHODS

We enrolled stage III-IV EOC patients with germline and/or somatic BRCA1/2 mutations that had received maintenance therapy with olaparib or niraparib. A 3:1 propensity score matching was conducted using two variables: residual disease size and the presence of germline variants. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary outcomes were time to first subsequent therapy (TFST), overall survival (OS), and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

RESULTS

In the propensity score-matched analysis, 80 patients who received olaparib and 31 patients who received niraparib were matched (3:1). In the propensity score-matched cohort, median PFS with olaparib vs. niraparib was not reached vs 31.5 months (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.47-2.52; p = 0.854). The median TFST was not reached vs 31.8 months (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.51-2.81; p = 0.682), and neither olaparib nor niraparib reached the median OS (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.01-17.61; p = 0.649). In terms of the incidence rates of any-grade hematologic or non-hematologic TEAEs, higher rates of thrombocytopenia (p = 0.021) and neutropenia (p = 0.011) were observed in the niraparib group.

CONCLUSION

Advanced EOC patients with BRCA1/2 mutations exhibited no significant difference in OS between olaparib and niraparib, indicating the need to consider individualized strategies for selecting PARP inhibitors based on adverse event profiles.

Impact of advanced maternal age on perinatal outcomes in Tanzania: Insights from Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Birth Registry

The increasing prevalence of advanced maternal age (AMA) births necessitates the exploration of associated pregnancy outcomes within the healthcare-limited context of northern Tanzania to elucidate potential region-specific risks and implications. This study explored the influence of AMA on pregnancy outcomes in northern Tanzania, where healthcare resources and infrastructure are constrained in comparison to developed countries. This cross-sectional hospital-based study utilized maternally linked data from the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) Medical Registry and included 32,798 women who delivered single infants between 2004 and 2013. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for AMA-associated adverse pregnancy outcomes. A total of 16 % of mothers belonged to AMA with increased odds of undergoing a cesarean section (aOR: 1.32; 95%CI [1.24-1.41]; P < 0.001), gestational diabetes (aOR: 13.16; 95%CI [3.28-52.86]; P < 0.001) or pregestational diabetes (aOR: 3.15; 95%CI [1.87-5.31]; P < 0.000), and developing pre-eclampsia (aOR: 1.63; 95%CI [1.41-1.89]; P < 0.000). More women with AMA reported alcohol use during pregnancy and had preexisting conditions before conception than did younger women. Maternal education level, employment status, urban residency, and Christianity were statistically significant. This study establishes a connection between AMA and higher odds of cesarean section, gestational diabetes, pregestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. Women with AMA were more inclined to consume alcohol during pregnancy and exhibited preexisting conditions before conception. Moreover, AMA was linked to increased odds of low birth weight, stillbirths, and NICU transfers.

Environmental exposure to lead and cadmium are associated with triglyceride glucose index

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index was suggested as a novel reliable surrogate marker for insulin resistance and related cardiovascular-metabolic diseases. We aimed to evaluate the association between the TyG index and environmental exposure to lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd). A total of 9645 adults who enrolled in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2005, 2008-2013, and 2016 were included. Fasting plasma glucose and triglyceride levels were used to calculate the TyG index. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We noted an increasing trend in the TyG index with increment of blood Pb and Cd concentrations. Participants in the highest quartile of blood Pb and Cd concentrations had higher TyG index values than those in the lowest quartile, with ORs (95% CIs) of 1.32 (1.07-1.63) and 1.29 (1.04-1.59) for Pb and Cd, respectively. Strong associations between blood Pb and Cd concentrations and the TyG index were found in men. Blood Hg concentrations did not show a significant association with the TyG index. Our study suggests that public health strategies for cardiovascular-metabolic disorder prevention should be directed toward individuals exposed to priority heavy metals.

Effect of ethanol, phytic acid and citric acid treatment on the physicochemical and heavy metal adsorption properties of corn starch

Corn starch dispersions were heated with ethanol (E) and reacted with phytic acid (E-PA), citric acid (E-CA), and a mixture of phytic and citric acid (E-PACA) under dry-heating to prepare heavy metal adsorbents. Microscopy images indicated that ethanol treatment induced the formation of porous structures on the surface; furthermore, treatment with phytic and citric acid induced indentations, pores, and irregular structures in E-PA, E-CA, and E-PACA starches. Phytic and citric acid were retained in the starch molecules through ester bonds with the phosphate and carboxyl groups, respectively. Starch esterification by phytic and citric acid induced a loss of crystallinity, high water absorption capacity, and low solubility. E-PACA starch exhibited more efficient Cu2+ adsorption (38.13 mg/g) than native, E, E-PA, and E-CA starches (0.11, 0.49, 2.05, and 36.23 mg/g, respectively). Thus, modification with ethanol, phytic acid and citric acid can be applied to prepare natural starch-based heavy metal adsorbents.

Ultrahigh resolution lipid mass spectrometry imaging of high-grade serous ovarian cancer mouse models

No effective screening tools for ovarian cancer (OC) exist, making it one of the deadliest cancers among women. Considering that little is known about the detailed progression and metastasis mechanism of OC at a molecular level, it is crucial to gain more insights into how metabolic and signaling alterations accompany its development. Herein, we present a comprehensive study using ultra-high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to investigate the spatial distribution and alterations of lipids in ovarian tissues collected from double knockout (n = 4) and triple mutant mouse models (n = 4) of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Lipids belonging to a total of 15 different classes were annotated and their abundance changes were compared to those in healthy mouse reproductive tissue (n = 4), mapping onto major lipid pathways involved in OC progression. From intermediate-stage OC to advanced HGSC, we provide direct visualization of lipid distributions and their biological links to inflammatory response, cellular stress, cell proliferation, and other processes. We also show the ability to distinguish tumors at different stages from healthy tissues via a number of highly specific lipid biomarkers, providing targets for future panels that could be useful in diagnosis.

Association between periodontal disease and hypertriglyceridemia: Propensity score matching analysis using the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The prevalence of periodontitis and dyslipidemia continues to increase, and several studies have reported an association between the 2. Therefore, we assessed the relationship between periodontitis and hypertriglyceridemia using propensity score matching to efficiently address confounding factors, as well as complex sample analysis with data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII (2016-2018). To match the 1:1 ratio between the groups with and without periodontitis, the propensity scores of covariates, such as age, sex, education, income, smoking, drinking, obesity, and diabetes mellitus, were calculated using logistic regression. Both results of logistic regression analysis using complex sample design for whole and matched sample after propensity score matching demonstrated a significant association between hypertriglyceridemia and periodontitis, of which the adjusted odds ratio was 1.28 (95% confidence interval = 1.10-1.50) and 1.29 (95% confidence interval = 1.09-1.52), respectively. Our findings suggest that dental healthcare workers can help raise awareness among patients with periodontitis regarding the association between periodontitis and hypertriglyceridemia, which may help them manage the condition and receive treatment.

Tooth caries classification with quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) images using convolutional neural network for permanent teeth in vivo

BACKGROUND

Owing to the remarkable advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) applications, AI-based detection of dental caries is continuously improving. We evaluated the efficacy of the detection of dental caries with quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) images using a convolutional neural network (CNN) model.

METHODS

Overall, 2814 QLF intraoral images were obtained from 606 participants at a dental clinic using Qraypen C® (QC, AIOBIO, Seoul, Republic of Korea) from October 2020 to October 2022. These images included all the types of permanent teeth of which surfaces were smooth or occlusal. Dataset were randomly assigned to the training (56.0%), validation (14.0%), and test (30.0%) subsets of the dataset for caries classification. Moreover, masked images for teeth area were manually prepared to evaluate the segmentation efficacy. To compare diagnostic performance for caries classification according to the types of teeth, the dataset was further classified into the premolar (1,143 images) and molar (1,441 images) groups. As the CNN model, Xception was applied.

RESULTS

Using the original QLF images, the performance of the classification algorithm was relatively good showing 83.2% of accuracy, 85.6% of precision, and 86.9% of sensitivity. After applying the segmentation process for the tooth area, all the performance indics including 85.6% of accuracy, 88.9% of precision, and 86.9% of sensitivity were improved. However, the performance indices of each type of teeth (both premolar and molar) were similar to those for all teeth.

CONCLUSION

The application of AI to QLF images for caries classification demonstrated a good performance regardless of teeth type among posterior teeth. Additionally, tooth area segmentation through background elimination from QLF images exhibited a better performance.

Effects of an urban forest healing program on cancer-related fatigue in cancer survivors

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-session structured urban forest healing program for cancer survivors with fatigue.

BACKGROUND

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a complex and multifactorial common symptom among cancer survivors that limits quality of life (QoL). Although health benefits of forest healing on physiological, physical, and psychological aspect as well as on the immune system have been reported in many studies, there is limited evidence on the efficacy of specialized forest program for cancer survivors.

METHOD

A single-blinded, pre-test and post-test control group clinical trial was conducted with -75 cancer survivors assigned to either the forest healing group or the control group. The intervention was an eight-session structured urban forest program provided at two urban forests with easy accessibility. Each session consists of three or four major activities based on six forest healing elements such as landscape, phytoncides, anions, sounds, sunlight, and oxygen. Complete data of the treatment-adherent sample (≥ 6 sessions) was used to examine whether sociodemographic, clinical, physiological (respiratory function, muscle strength, balance, 6-min walking test) and psychological (distress, mood state, sleep quality, QoL) characteristics at baseline moderated the intervention effect on fatigue severity at 9 weeks.

RESULTS

Significant time-group interactions were observed muscle strength, balance, 6-min walking test, distress, fatigue, moods, and QoL. The mean difference in fatigue between pre- and post-forest healing program was 9.1 (95% CI 6.2 to 11.9), 11.9 (95% CI 7.6 to 16.1) in moods, and -93.9 (95% CI -123.9 to -64.0) in QoL, showing significant improvements in forest healing group, but no significant improvements in the control group.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that a forest healing program positively impacts the lives of cancer survivors, by addressing both physical and psychological challenges associated with CRF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

KCT0008447 (Date of registration: May 19, 2023).

Prognostic value of CA125 kinetics, half-life, and nadir in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prognostic value of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) related variables on progression free survival and overall survival in primary and recurrent ovarian cancers.

METHOD

A comprehensive review of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify relevant literature on survival outcomes according to the ELIMination Rate Constant K (KELIM), Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) CA125 response criteria, CA125 half-life, and CA125 nadir levels during first line or later line chemotherapy. The search included articles published before February 2023. Cut-off values determining the favorable/unfavorable score of each study were extracted, and pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed using a random effects model to identify the relationship between survival outcomes of the favorable/unfavorable groups, which was determined by an individual model using CA125 kinetics.

RESULTS

A total of 27 studies with 14 444 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer were included in this meta-analysis. In primary ovarian cancer, a favorable KELIM score, determined by individual modeled cut-off values, was associated with a significant progression free survival (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.62) and overall survival (HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.62) benefit in the primary setting. The favorable KELIM scored group also correlated with a better progression free survival (HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.62) in relapsed disease. We failed to demonstrate a better prognostic value of the GCIG response criteria and the CA125 half-life for progression free survival and overall survival.

CONCLUSION

Novel chemotherapy response scores, such as KELIM, may be more clinically relevant than other prognostic models using CA125 kinetics, being directly associated with a more favorable survival in both the primary and relapsed setting in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

STUDY REGISTRATION

The systemic review and meta-analysis were registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023385512).

Association of Urinary Benzene Metabolite and the Ratio of Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (2018-2020)

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between benzene and toluene, and the ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C). This cross-sectional study analyzed 1928 adults using nationally representative data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 4 (2018-2020). Urinary trans, trans-muconic acid (t,t-MA) and benzylmercapturic acid (BMA) were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TGs) were analyzed by colorimetry. Survey logistic regression analysis was applied to examine the association between urinary t,t-MA and BMA and the TG/HDL-C ratio. Urinary t,t-MA is significantly associated with an elevated TG/HDL-C ratio in both men and women (for men, OR [95% (CI)]: 2nd quartile: 2.10 [1.04, 4.22]; 3rd quartile: 2.13 [0.98, 4.62]; 4th quartile: 2.39 [1.05, 5.45]; for women, OR [95% (CI)]: 2nd quartile: 1.21 [0.71, 2.06]; 3rd quartile: 1.65 [0.94, 2.90]; 4th quartile: 1.78 [1.01, 3.11]), with significant dose-response relationships (P for trend: for men, 0.029; women, 0.024). This study shows that environmental exposure to benzene is associated with the TG/HDL-C ratio in the Korean general population. This suggests that more stringent environmental health policies are needed to reduce benzene exposure.

Enhanced detection of Listeria monocytogenes using tetraethylenepentamine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensor

BACKGROUND

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium that can lead to severe illnesses, especially among vulnerable populations. Therefore, the development of rapid and sensitive detection methods is vital to prevent and manage foodborne diseases. In this study, we used tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA)-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensor to concentrate and detect, respectively, L. monocytogenes. LAMP enables DNA amplification at a constant temperature, providing a highly suitable approach for point-of-care testing (POCT). The ability of CRISPR/Cas12a to cleave ssDNA reporter, coupled with TEPA-functionalized MNPs effective attachment to negatively charged bacteria, forms a promising biosensor.

RESULTS

The LAMP assay was meticulously developed by selecting specific primers and designing crRNA sequences targeting a specific region within the hly gene of L. monocytogenes. We selected primer and refined the amplification conditions by systematically exploring a temperature range from 59 °C to 69 °C, ensuring the attainment of optimal performance. This process was complemented by systematic optimization of LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12a system parameters. In particular, we successfully established the optimal ssDNA reporter concentrations (0-1.2 μM) and Cas12a-mediated trans-cleavage times (0-20 min), crucial components that underpin the effectiveness of the LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensor. For optimizing parameters in capturing L. monocytogenes using TEPA-functionalized MNPs, capture efficiency was significantly enhanced through adjustments in TEPA-functionalized MNPs concentration, incubation times, and magnetic separation duration. Large-volume (20 mL) magnetic separation exhibited a 10-fold sensitivity improvement over conventional methods. Utilizing TEPA-functionalized MNPs, the LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensor achieved detection limits of 100 CFU mL-1 in pure cultures and 100 CFU g-1 in enoki mushrooms.

SIGNIFICANCE

The integration of this novel technique with the LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12a-based biosensor enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of L. monocytogenes detection in foods, and it can be a promising biosensor for POCT. The 10-fold increase in sensitivity compared to conventional methods makes this approach a groundbreaking advancement in pathogenic bacteria detection for food safety and public health.

Excellent Outcomes in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors Treated by Either Reduced- or Standard-Dose Bleomycin

To investigate the outcomes of children, adolescents, and young adults (AYAs) with malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCTs), we analyzed the data of 61 patients aged ≤39 years diagnosed with MOGCT between 2006 and 2022. Among 59 patients who received chemotherapy after initial diagnosis, 57 received BEP (standard dose of bleomycin with 30 units per week, n = 13) or bEP (reduced dose of bleomycin with 15 units/m2 on day 1, n = 44). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 98.3% and 84.9%, respectively. Reduced bleomycin dose did not adversely affect survival. Normalization of tumor markers within 3 months after surgery was significantly associated with better EFS (p < 0.01). Of the 59 surviving patients, 8 experienced surgery-related menopause, while 49 demonstrated menstrual recovery. After completion of chemotherapy, there was no significant difference in pulmonary function regarding bleomycin dose, and no overt nephrotoxicity. Approximately 60% and 25% of survivors experienced peripheral neuropathy at the end of chemotherapy and after 1 year, respectively (p < 0.01). Children and AYAs with MOGCT have favorable survival rates with minimal long-term toxicity, which are not influenced by a reduced bleomycin dose. Rapid normalization of tumor markers is associated with improved outcomes.

Ultrahigh Resolution Lipid Mass Spectrometry Imaging of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Mouse Models

No effective screening tools for ovarian cancer (OC) exist, making it one of the deadliest cancers among women. Considering little is known about the detailed progression and metastasis mechanism of OC at a molecular level, it is crucial to gain more insights on how metabolic and signaling alterations accompany its development. Herein, we present a comprehensive study using ultra-high-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to investigate the spatial distribution and alterations of lipids in ovarian tissues collected from double knockout (n = 4) and a triple mutant mouse models (n = 4) of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Lipids belonging to a total of 15 different classes were annotated and their abundance changes compared to those in healthy mouse reproductive tissue (n = 4), mapping onto major lipid pathways involved in OC progression. From intermediate-stage OC to advanced HGSC, we provide a direct visualization of lipid distributions and their biological links to inflammatory response, cellular stress, cell proliferation, and other processes. We also show the ability to distinguish tumors at different stages from healthy tissues via a number of highly specific lipid biomarkers, providing targets for future panels that could be useful in diagnosis.

Ten-year treatment outcomes of consolidation hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for ovarian cancer (HIPEC-KOV-03R)

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of consolidation hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent second-look surgery either with or without HIPEC after having complete or partial response to primary cytoreductive surgery and adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy between January 1991 and December 2003 at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The 10-year progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity within postoperative 28 days were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 87 patients were identified, 44 (50.6%) received second-look surgery with HIPEC whereas 43 (49.4%) received only second-look surgery. The 10-year PFS and OS were significantly longer in the HIPEC group compared with the control group (PFS, 53.6% vs. 34.9%, log-rank p=0.009; OS, 57.0% vs. 34.5%, log-rank p=0.025). Multivariable analysis identified HIPEC as an independent favorable prognostic factor for PFS (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]=0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.23-0.77; p=0.005) but not for OS (adjusted HR=0.58; 95% CI=0.32-1.07; p=0.079). The more common adverse events in the HIPEC group were thrombocytopenia (90.9% vs. 68.3%, p=0.005), elevated liver enzymes (65.9% vs. 29.3%, p=0.002), and wound complications (18.2% vs. 2.4%, p=0.032). However, these adverse events were reversible and did not delay subsequent consolidation chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

The consolidation HIPEC demonstrated a significant improvement in 10-year PFS but not OS, with acceptable toxicity in patients with primary epithelial ovarian cancer. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results.

Impact of warm saline irrigation, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy on postoperative pain in primary ovarian cancer from the KOV-HIPEC-01 randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has emerged as a treatment option at the time of cytoreductive surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The effect of active warming of HIPEC on postoperative pain needs to be investigated. This study aimed to investigate whether HIPEC reduces postoperative pain.

METHODS

From the KOV-HIPEC-01 trial, a randomized controlled trial of HIPEC for advanced primary ovarian cancer, 184 patients with a residual tumor size <1 cm were randomly assigned to the HIPEC and control groups at a 1:1 ratio. The consumption of analgesics and pain scales were analyzed. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was administered after cytoreductive surgery. The primary objective was to compare the consumption of opioids measured in morphine milligram equivalents and non-opioids measured as the maximum daily dose between the HIPEC and control groups. The secondary objective was to compare the minimum and maximum pain intensities on numeric rating scales between the two groups using a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

Lesser consumption of non-opioids, with a lower mean maximum daily dose on postoperative days 1 and 2, was observed. The HIPEC group also experienced lower maximum pain intensities on postoperative day 1. No overall differences in the minimum or maximum pain intensities were observed on postoperative day 7.

CONCLUSION

The addition of HIPEC to cytoreductive surgery did not lead to increased postoperative pain, as demonstrated by a reduction in the use of analgesics and lower scores on postoperative pain scales during the early postoperative period.

Association between dental amalgam restoration and urine mercury concentrations among young women: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The association between dental amalgam fillings and urine mercury concentrations was investigated in this study to assess the health risks associated with dental amalgams.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 99 women in their 20s who visited the dental clinic in Daegu, Korea. The 99 participants were composed of 68 subjects who had dental amalgam fillings (exposure group) and 31 subjects who did not have dental amalgam fillings (nonexposure group). Oral examinations were conducted by a single dental hygienist, sociodemographic features were investigated as confounding variables, and urine mercury concentrations were measured using an automatic mercury analyzer.

RESULTS

The mean±standard deviation of the urine mercury concentrations of the exposure and nonexposure groups were 1.50±1.78 μg/g creatinine and 0.53±0.63 μg/g creatinine, respectively. The exposure group showed significantly higher levels than the nonexposure group (p<0.01). The urine mercury concentration significantly increased with an increase in the number of teeth filled with amalgam, cavity surfaces involved, and number of defective amalgam fillings, and according to the latest exposure time (p<0.001). In the multiple regression analysis of amalgam-related factors and urine mercury concentrations after correction for confounding factors, the urine mercury concentration in the group with six or more amalgam-filled teeth, 11 or more cavity surfaces, and two or more defective amalgams was significantly higher than that in the nonexposure group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

According to this study, exposure to dental amalgams was confirmed to significantly affect urine mercury concentrations.

Is acupuncture an effective treatment for temporomandibular disorder?: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Acupuncture is used for treating various disorders, but its effects on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for TMD via a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.

METHODS

A total of 11 Korean and worldwide databases were searched to identify acupuncture studies in adults with TMD. A Cochrane risk of bias assessment was performed on all articles; a meta-analysis, which involved the categorization according to the type of control used (inactive control, active control, or add-on), was subsequently performed. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology.

RESULTS

The qualitative analysis of randomized clinical trials with acupuncture as the intervention included 32 articles, 22 of which were included in the quantitative analysis (471 participants). Acupuncture significantly improved outcomes (effect rate, relative risk [RR]: 7.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.91, 25, 62; visual analog scale, standardized mean difference: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.73) versus active controls (effect rate, RR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.27). In the analysis of add-ons, acupuncture significantly improved the effect rate and pain intensity (effect rate, RR: 1.36; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.77; visual analog scale, mean difference: -1.23; 95% CI -1.79, -0.67). However, the quality of evidence was determined to range from low to very low.

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture in TMD significantly improved outcomes versus active controls and when add-on treatments were applied. However, as the quality of evidence was determined to be low, well-designed clinical trials should be conducted in the future.

Analysis of MicroRNA Signature Differentially Expressed in Pancreatic Islet Cells Treated with Pancreatic Cancer-Derived Exosomes

Since the majority of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) develop insulin resistance and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) prior to PC diagnosis, PC-induced diabetes mellitus (PC-DM) has been a focus for a potential platform for PC detection. In previous studies, the PC-derived exosomes were shown to contain the mediators of PC-DM. In the present study, the response of normal pancreatic islet cells to the PC-derived exosomes was investigated to determine the potential biomarkers for PC-DM, and consequently, for PC. Specifically, changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression were evaluated. The miRNA specimens were prepared from the untreated islet cells as well as the islet cells treated with the PC-derived exosomes (from 50 patients) and the healthy-derived exosomes (from 50 individuals). The specimens were subjected to next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic analysis to determine the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) only in the specimens treated with the PC-derived exosomes. Consequently, 24 candidate miRNA markers, including IRS1-modulating miRNAs such as hsa-miR-144-5p, hsa-miR-3148, and hsa-miR-3133, were proposed. The proposed miRNAs showed relevance to DM and/or insulin resistance in a literature review and pathway analysis, indicating a potential association with PC-DM. Due to the novel approach used in this study, additional evidence from future studies could corroborate the value of the miRNA markers discovered.

Prediction Models for Mediastinal Metastasis and Its Detection by Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration in Potentially Operable Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Prediction models for mediastinal metastasis and its detection by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) have not been developed using a prospective cohort of potentially operable patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

RESEARCH QUESTION

Can mediastinal metastasis and its detection by EBUS-TBNA be predicted with prediction models in NSCLC?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

For the prospective development cohort, 589 potentially operable patients with NSCLC were evaluated (July 2016-June 2019) from five Korean teaching hospitals. Mediastinal staging was performed using EBUS-TBNA (with or without the transesophageal approach). Surgery was performed for patients without clinical N (cN) 2-3 disease by endoscopic staging. The prediction model for lung cancer staging-mediastinal metastasis (PLUS-M) and a model for mediastinal metastasis detection by EBUS-TBNA (PLUS-E) were developed using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Validation was performed using a retrospective cohort (n = 309) from a different period (June 2019-August 2021).

RESULTS

The prevalence of mediastinal metastasis diagnosed by EBUS-TBNA or surgery and the sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA in the development cohort were 35.3% and 87.0%, respectively. In PLUS-M, younger age (< 60 years and 60-70 years compared with ≥ 70 years), nonsquamous histology (adenocarcinoma and others), central tumor location, tumor size (> 3-5 cm), cN1 or cN2-3 stage by CT, and cN1 or cN2-3 stage by PET-CT were significant risk factors for N2-3 disease. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUCs) for PLUS-M and PLUS-E were 0.876 (95% CI, 0.845-0.906) and 0.889 (95% CI, 0.859-0.918), respectively. Model fit was good (PLUS-M: Hosmer-Lemeshow P = .658, Brier score = 0.129; PLUS-E: Hosmer-Lemeshow P = .569, Brier score = 0.118). In the validation cohort, PLUS-M (AUC, 0.859 [95% CI, 0.817-0.902], Hosmer-Lemeshow P = .609, Brier score = 0.144) and PLUS-E (AUC, 0.900 [95% CI, 0.865-0.936], Hosmer-Lemeshow P = .361, Brier score = 0.112) showed good discrimination ability and calibration.

INTERPRETATION

PLUS-M and PLUS-E can be used effectively for decision-making for invasive mediastinal staging in NSCLC.

TRIAL REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02991924; URL: www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk of cancer: Findings from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort

AIM

Little is known about the association of cancers other than esophageal adenocarcinoma with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to examine the association between GERD and the risk of different types of cancer.

METHODS

A cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health Screening Cohort. We included 10,261 GERD patients and 30,783 non-GERD individuals who were matched in a 1:3 ratio by age and sex. All participants were followed-up until cancer diagnosis, death, or end of the study (December 31, 2015). Hazard ratios were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for smoking and alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index, income, area, and Charlson Comorbidity Index.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 9.9 years. GERD was associated with an increased risk of esophageal (adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] = 3.20 [1.89-5.41]), laryngeal (aHR = 5.42 [2.68-10.96]), and thyroid cancers (aHR = 1.91 [1.55-2.34]) after controlling for all covariates. The results were consistent when examining GERD with esophagitis (K210) and without esophagitis (K219) separately. For thyroid cancer, the results were insignificant after controlling for having ever-received thyroid biopsy procedures. A dose-response relationship was found between GERD and esophageal cancer as well as laryngeal cancer, with patients with a longer duration of GERD treatment showing a stronger effect. In contrast, GERD was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal (aHR = 0.73 [0.59-0.90]), liver (aHR = 0.67 [0.51-0.89]), and pancreatic cancers (aHR = 0.43 [0.24-0.76]), which might have resulted from differences in healthcare utilization between GERD and non-GERD groups.

CONCLUSION

GERD was associated with an increased risk of esophageal and laryngeal cancers. Additionally, early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions among the GERD group could lead to a lower risk of colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers.

Longitudinal trends in direct costs and healthcare utilization ascribable to inflammatory bowel disease in the biologic era: a nationwide, population-based study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Biologic-era data regarding the direct cost and healthcare utilization of inflammatory bowel disease at the population level are limited, especially in Asia. Thus, we aimed to investigate the nationwide prevalence, direct cost, and healthcare utilization of inflammatory bowel disease in Korea in a recent 10-year period.

METHODS

Using the Korean National Health Insurance claim data from 2008 to 2017, we investigated all prescription medications and their associated direct costs, hospitalizations, and outpatient visits. We also estimated the nationwide prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease using population census data.

RESULTS

The estimated inflammatory bowel disease prevalence significantly increased from 108.8/100 000 in 2008 to 140.4/100 000 in 2017. The overall annual costs for inflammatory bowel disease and the healthcare cost per capita increased from $24.5 million (in US dollars) to $105.1 million and from $458.4 to $1456.6 million, respectively (both P < 0.001). Whereas the ratio of outpatient costs increased from 35.3% to 69.4%, that of outpatient days remained steady. The total annual medication cost and proportion rose from $13.3 million to $76.8 million and from 54.2% to 73.3%, respectively, mainly due to the increasing antitumor necrosis factor cost, from $1.5 million to $49.3 million (from 11.1% to 64.1% of the total annual drug cost and from 6.3% to 46.9% of the total annual cost).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed increasing trends in the prevalence, direct costs, and healthcare utilization of inflammatory bowel disease in Korea in recent years. The attributable cost was mainly driven by rising expenditures on antitumor necrosis factor medications.

Feasibility of endoscopic resection and impact of endoscopic ultrasound-based surveillance on colorectal subepithelial tumors

BACKGROUND

Owing to the rising number of screening endoscopies and instrumental advances in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), colorectal subepithelial tumors (SETs) are being increasingly detected. We aimed to determine the feasibility of endoscopic resection (ER) and the impact of EUS-based surveillance on colorectal SETs.

METHODS

The medical records of 984 patients with incidentally detected colorectal SETs between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, 577 colorectal SETs underwent ER, and 71 colorectal SETs underwent serial colonoscopy for > 12 months.

RESULTS

The mean tumor size (± standard deviation) of 577 colorectal SETs for which ER was performed was 7.0 ± 5.7 (median, 55; range, 1-50) mm; 475 tumors were located in the rectum and 102, in the colon. En bloc resection was achieved in 560/577 treated lesions (97.1%), and complete resection was achieved in 516/577 (89.4%). ER-related adverse events occurred in 15/577 (2.6%) patients. SETs originating from the muscularis propria showed a higher risk of ER-related adverse events and perforation than SETs arising from the mucosal or submucosal layer (odds ratio [OR] 19.786, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.556-85.919; P = 0.002 and OR 141.250, 95% CI 11.596-1720.492; P = 0.046, respectively). Seventy-one patients were followed up after EUS without any treatment for > 12 months, during which three showed progression; eight, regression; and sixty, no changes.

CONCLUSIONS

ER for colorectal SETs showed excellent efficacy and safety. Additionally, colorectal SETs without high-risk features in surveillance with colonoscopy showed an excellent prognosis.

Effects of professional toothbrushing among patients with gingivitis

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the biological and clinical effect of professional toothbrushing on the periodontal health of patients with gingivitis.

METHODS

We enrolled 21 university students with gingivitis in Jinju City in this study between April 24 and October 28, 2014. A dental hygienist performed a professional toothbrushing routine on the participants twice, once at baseline and after 3 months. Oral examinations were performed at baseline, 3, and 6 months to assess the periodontal health. The patient hygiene performance index, gingival bleeding rate, periodontal pocket depth, amount of gingival sulcus fluid, and number of bacterial colonies in the gingival sulcus (CFU/mL) were evaluated during the oral examination.

RESULTS

The patient hygiene performance index, gingival bleeding rate, pocket depth, amount of gingival sulcus fluid, and CFU/mL within the gingival sulcus significantly decreased after professional toothbrushing (p < 0.05), indicating an improvement in the periodontal health. The patient hygiene performance index, gingival bleeding rate, pocket depth, amount of gingival sulcus fluid, and CFU/mL within the gingival sulcus decreased more among those whose pocket depth was 4-5 mm than among those whose PD was ≤3 mm (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Professional toothbrushing improved the periodontal health in patients with gingivitis in respect of both biological and clinical results.

Validation of the Korean Version of the Cancer Fatigue Scale in Patients with Cancer

Cancer-related fatigue is a highly prevalent and distressing symptom that negatively affects the quality of life of patients in all stages of cancer, including survivors. The Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) is a 15-item multidimensional instrument with the potential to enhance comprehension of fatigue. This study aimed to translate the original English version of the CFS into Korean and establish the validity and reliability of the translated version. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to translate and validate the CFS in Korean. Factor analyses were performed to understand and establish construct and convergent validity with the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). The CFS demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient for all 15 items = 0.806); the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy was found to be 0.897, and Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (p < 0.001). Moderate correlations were found between BFI, FACT-F, and EROTC QLQ-C30, indicating moderate validity. However, there were differences in factorial validity between the original scale and the Korean version, demonstrating a need for further testing in a homogenous population of cancer patients. The findings of this validation and reliability study showed that the Korean version of the CFS is a concise, reliable, feasible, and practical tool for evaluating the multidimensional aspects of cancer-related fatigue in patients with cancer.

Rationally Designed Eco-Friendly Solvent System for High-Performance, Large-Area Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules

The important but remained issue to be addressed to achieve the mass production of perovskite solar modules include a large-area fabrication of high-quality perovskite film with eco-friendly, viable production methods. Although several efforts are made to achieve large-area fabrication of perovskite, the development of eco-friendly solvent system, which is precisely designed to be fit to scale-up methods are still challenging. Herein, this work develops the eco-friendly solvent/co-solvent system to produce a high-quality perovskite layer with a bathing in eco-friendly antisolvent. The new co-solvent/additive, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), efficiently improves the overall solubility and has a suitable binding strength to the perovskite precursor, resulting in a high-quality perovskite film with antisolvent bathing method in large area. The resultant perovskite solar cells showed high power conversion efficiency of over 24% (in reverse scan), with a good long-term stability under continuous light illumination or damp-heat condition. MSM is also beneficial to produce a perovskite layer at low-temperature or high-humidity. MSM-based solvent system is finally applied to large-area, resulting in highly efficiency perovskite solar modules with PCE of 19.9% (by aperture) or 21.2% (by active area) in reverse scan. These findings contribute to step forward to a mass production of perovskite solar modules with eco-friendly way.

Exposure to serum perfluoroalkyl substances and biomarkers of liver function: The Korean national environmental health survey 2015-2017

BACKGROUND

Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may increase the risk of liver disease by disrupting cholesterol and lipid synthesis/metabolism, leading to higher liver-enzyme concentrations. However, most studies assessing association between PFAS and liver enzymes focused on individual PFAS. Moreover, PFAS concentrations differ based on sex and obesity status, and it remains unclear whether these factors affect associations with liver function. Therefore, we examined the association between exposure to both individual and combined PFAS and liver-function biomarkers and assessed sex and obesity as effect modifiers in Korean adults.

METHODS

We measured serum concentrations of the five most abundant PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFDA, PFNA) and three liver enzymes (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], γ-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) in 1404 adults from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 3, 2015-2017. We used linear regression to evaluate associations between individual PFAS and liver-function biomarkers, assessing sex and obesity as possible effect modifiers, and performed Bayesian kernel machine regression and quantile g-computation to evaluate the overall effect of PFAS mixture on biomarkers of liver function.

RESULTS

Among 1404 Korean adults, all five PFAS were detected. Geometric mean concentration was highest for PFOS (16.11 μg/L), followed by PFOA (5.83 μg/L), PFHxS (2.21 μg/L), PFNA (2.03 μg/L), and PFDA (1.06 μg/L). In multivariable linear regression, all PFAS were positively associated with ALT, AST, and GGT; 2-fold increase in each PFAS was associated with 3.4-8.6% higher ALT, 2.4-4.6% higher AST, and 4.6-11.1% higher GGT (all p < 0.05). Positive associations for PFOA, PFDA, and PFNA with AST were stronger in men, and positive associations for PFOS with ALT and GGT were stronger in women. Compared to obese participants, nonobese participants had higher average percent changes in each enzyme, particularly GGT, when individual PFAS concentration doubled. Additionally, increased exposure to PFAS mixtures was associated with higher ALT, AST, and GGT. In quantile g-computations, simultaneous quartile increase in all PFAS was significantly associated with 6.9% (95%CI: 3.7, 10.2) higher ALT, 4.5% (95%CI: 2.4, 6.6) higher AST, and 8.3% (95%CI: 3.7, 13.1) higher GGT levels, on average.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure to individual and combined PFAS is associated with higher liver enzymes in Korean adults, providing additional evidence for the association between PFAS exposure and risk of liver disease.

Experiences of Forest Healing Instructors Who Met Cancer Patients in Forest Healing Programs: FGI Research

BACKGROUND

Demand for urban forest programs for the healing of cancer survivors is increasing. To develop a forest healing program for the integrated care of cancer patients, it is necessary to analyze the experiences of forest healing instructors who have conducted programs for cancer patients.

METHODS

This qualitative study applied focus group interviews (FGIs; four interviews with sixteen participants) to describe and understand the experiences of forest healing instructors who run forest healing programs for cancer patients.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified: "prepared encounters and unexpected encounters," "yearning for healing," "people who need special care," and "things to prepare for cancer patient programs."

CONCLUSION

Forest healing instructors had difficulty facilitating programs for cancer patients owing to prejudice and a lack of knowledge about the characteristics of cancer patients. Moreover, differentiated programs and places that align with the specific needs of cancer patients are needed. It is necessary to develop an integrated care forest healing program for cancer patients and educate forest healing instructors about the needs of cancer patients.

Employees' attitudes toward cancer, cancer survivors, and cancer survivors' return to work

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate employees' attitudes toward cancer, patients with cancer, and cancer survivors' return to work.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional survey with online questionnaires to collect data during a 1-month period in April 2022. A stratified sampling method was used to select 237 participants. The data were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and an independent t-test.

Results

The following trends were observed regarding attitudes toward cancer and patients with cancer: impossibility of recovery: 9.00 ​± ​2.10 (4-16); stereotypes: 8.08 ​± ​2.12 (4-16); discrimination: 6.98 ​± ​2.26 (4-16); and financial instability: 7.37 ​± ​1.87 (3-12). Regarding public attitudes toward cancer survivors' return to work, the following results were confirmed: gender and living with family members/acquaintances who had survived cancer significantly impacted perceptions toward cancer survivors' return to work.For both variables (gender and job type), a significant difference was observed. Men had significantly higher negative perceptions of patients with cancer and their return to work than women, and there were significant differences between professional group and labor group. Moreover, participants living with cancer survivors (either among their family members or acquaintances) showed a significant difference in terms of attitudes toward cancer and patients with cancer and a greater recognition of such survivors' return to the workplace.

Conclusions

Despite a reduction in social stigma attached to cancer and cancer survivors, survivors may find returning to the workplace difficult. Public efforts and strategies are necessary for increasing awareness and reducing discrimination in society. This study's results could be used as basic data for establishing a social support system in the workplace and developing policies and educational programs to increase awareness about cancer survivors' issues.

Phosphorylation and citration of normal corn starch by dry heating with phytic acid and citric acid

Normal corn starch was subjected to dry heating in the presence of phytic acid (PA, 2 %, starch basis) and citric acid (CA, 5 % and 10 %) for modification. Dual treatment with PA and CA induced structural and physicochemical changes in normal corn starch. Phosphorus concentration, degree of substitution, FTIR, and ³¹P NMR analyses confirmed esterification of starch by dry heating with PA and CA. Both phosphorylation and citration by esterification with PA and CA were observed in PA + 5CA starch, but high CA concentration inhibited covalent interaction between PA and starch in PA + 10CA starch. The degree of phosphorylation and citration resulted in different physicochemical properties in starch treated with PA and CA. The treatment with only PA did not change the crystalline regions of PA starch, but CA treatment induced the disruption of the crystalline structure of PA + 5CA and PA + 10CA starch. PA starch showed high solubility (46.41 %) and transmittance (90.51 %), but dual treatment of PA and CA induced significant decrease in solubility (3.23 %) and transmittance (2.18 %) of PA + 10CA starch. CA treatment increased the fraction of resistant starch in non-cooked (72.44 %) and cooked PA + 10CA starch (42.76 %). Therefore, dual treatment with PA and CA had potential to control physicochemical and functional properties of starch by phosphorylation and citration of starch.

Analysis of Perceptions, Preferences, and Participation Intention of Urban Forest Healing Program among Cancer Survivors

It is important to manage the health of cancer survivors who have returned to their daily lives. An increasing number of cancer survivors are undertaking health care in forests near their residences. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the perceptions of forest healing and the program preferences of adult cancer survivors. Data were collected from 388 female cancer survivors through an online survey. Breast cancer survivors comprised 66.2%, and 63.6% of the study participants were diagnosed with cancer within 2 to 5 years prior to the study. The subjective health status was 2.68 ± 0.61 out of 4 points. Of the participants, 62.1% had heard of forest healing and 65.7% intended to participate in the forest healing program. Participants who frequently visited the forest were more likely to participate in the forest healing program in the future than those who rarely visited the forest. A survey among 255 people on specific preferences for the program found that the regular visit type was preferred over the one-time visit type. These results are meaningful because they can be used as a basis for the development of a forest treatment program that reflects the needs of cancer survivors.

Adherence to Cancer Prevention Guidelines and Cancer Incidence and Mortality: A Population-Based Cohort Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to estimate the risk of cancer incidence and mortality according to adherence to lifestyle-related cancer prevention guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Men and women who participated in the general health screening program in 2002 and 2003 provided by the National Health Insurance Service were included (n=8,325,492). Self-reported smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity habits and directly measured body mass index were collected. The participants were followed up until the date of cancer onset or death or 31 December 2018. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) for cancer incidence and mortality according to different combinations of lifestyle behaviors.

RESULTS

Only 6% of men and 15% of women engaged in healthy behavior at baseline, such as not smoking, not drinking alcohol, being moderately or highly physically active, and within a normal body mass index range. Compared to the best combination of healthy lifestyle behaviors, the weak and moderate associations with increased all cancer incidence (HR < 1.7) and mortality (HR < 2.5) were observed in those with heavy alcohol consumption and in former or current smokers. HRs of cancer mortality were significantly increased among current smokers in most combinations.

CONCLUSION

Compared to full adherence to cancer prevention recommendations, unhealthy behaviors increase cancer risk. As few people meet these recommendations, there is a great opportunity for cancer prevention.

Clinical Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Intravesical Mitomycin-C Therapy Immediately Before Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor in Patients With Nonmuscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: Preliminary Results of a Prospective, Randomized Phase II Study

PURPOSE

Intravesical mitomycin-C is recommended immediately after transurethral resection of bladder tumor for nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, a lack of compliance occurs due to the associated complications. Here, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of intravesical mitomycin-C before transurethral resection of bladder tumor in patients with nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-center, open-label, parallel-arm, randomized phase II clinical trial in patients with suspected nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer before transurethral resection of bladder tumor. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 2 doses of intravesical mitomycin-C (40 mg/20 mL) 1 day and 4 hours before transurethral resection of bladder tumor (n = 49) or no treatment (n = 50) with block randomization (size 2 and 4), stratified by bacillus Calmette-Guérin/intravesical mitomycin-C. The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival and secondary endpoints were progression-free survival and adverse events in the per-protocol analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients (33, intervention; 38, control) were well matched for baseline characteristics. Sixty-one had been followed without recurrence for at least 10.4 months; 3 and 8 patients showed recurrence in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The 1-year recurrence-free survival rate was 97% and 89% for the intervention and control groups, respectively. Neoadjuvant intravesical mitomycin-C resulted in a reduction (63%) in the relative recurrence risk (hazard ratio, 0.37; 80% 1-sided confidence interval, -∞-0.65, P = .11). Disease progression occurred in 3 patients in the control group (P = .051) but not in the intervention group. Neoadjuvant intravesical mitomycin-C was well tolerated, and adverse events were local and of grade 1/2.

CONCLUSIONS

Two doses of neoadjuvant intravesical mitomycin-C are safe and effective in reducing nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer recurrence and progression after transurethral resection of bladder tumor.

Randomized multicenter phase II trial of prophylactic irradiation of para-aortic lymph nodes in advanced cervical cancer according to tumor hypoxia: Korean Radiation Oncology Group (KROG 07-01) study

We conducted a prospective phase II study on whether extended-field irradiation (EFI) confers survival benefits depending on hypoxic markers in locally advanced uterine cervical cancer (LAUCC). RNA-seq was performed to identify immune and hypoxic gene signatures. A total of 288 patients were randomized to either EFI or pelvic radiotherapy (PRT). All patients completed chemoradiotherapy. Overall, significantly higher 5-year para-aortic recurrence free survival (PARFS) rate occurred in EFI (97.6%) than in PRT group (87.2%), with marginal tendency to improve disease-free survival (DFS; 78% vs 70%, P = .066). Subgroup analyses were performed based on carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9)-only positive, CA9/hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) double positive and CA9 negative. In the CA9-only positive, EFI successfully increased 5-year PARFS (100% vs 76.4%, P = .010), resulting in significantly improved long-term DFS (85.7% vs 54.7%, P = .023) compared to the PRT, while there was no such benefit of EFI in the CA9/HIFs double positive. RNA-seq analysis identified distinct immunehigh subgroup with negative correlation with hypoxia gene signatures (R = -.37, P < .01), which showed a higher 5-year DFS than the immunelow (P = .032). Hypoxia-related genes were upregulated in the CA9/HIFs double positive compared to CA9 negative (P < .05). Only 17.4% of patients in CA9-negative group showed immunelow signatures, while 40.0% of patients in the double-positive group exhibited immunelow signatures. In conclusion, EFI improved PARFS significantly in all patients, but therapeutic efficacy of EFI in terms of improved DFS was solely observed in CA9-only positive LAUCC, and not in CA9/HIFs double-positive subgroup. RNA-seq analysis suggested that hypoxia-induced immunosuppression may be related to treatment resistance in LAUCC.

Caries detection with tooth surface segmentation on intraoral photographic images using deep learning

BACKGROUND

Intraoral photographic images are helpful in the clinical diagnosis of caries. Moreover, the application of artificial intelligence to these images has been attempted consistently. This study aimed to evaluate a deep learning algorithm for caries detection through the segmentation of the tooth surface using these images.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 2348 in-house intraoral photographic images were collected from 445 participants using a professional intraoral camera at a dental clinic in a university medical centre from October 2020 to December 2021. Images were randomly assigned to training (1638), validation (410), and test (300) datasets. For image segmentation of the tooth surface, classification, and localisation of caries, convolutional neural networks (CNN), namely U-Net, ResNet-18, and Faster R-CNN, were applied.

RESULTS

For the classification algorithm for caries images, the accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were improved to 0.813 and 0.837 from 0.758 to 0.731, respectively, through segmentation of the tooth surface using CNN. Localisation algorithm for carious lesions after segmentation of the tooth area also showed improved performance. For example, sensitivity and average precision improved from 0.890 to 0.889 to 0.865 and 0.868, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The deep learning model with segmentation of the tooth surface is promising for caries detection on photographic images from an intraoral camera. This may be an aided diagnostic method for caries with the advantages of being time and cost-saving.

Association between periodontal disease and diabetes using propensity score matching: The seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The association between periodontitis and diabetes have been assessed by many cross-sectional studies, in which controlling confounding factors is important. Propensity score matching (PSM) may help address this issue. Therefore, we evaluated this relationship in a (PSM) analysis of individuals representing the general Korean population. Periodontitis was significantly associated with diabetes before PSM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.31-1.80) and after PSM (OR = 1.52; 95 % CI = 1.28-1.80). This study showed the association between periodontitis and diabetes using PSM, suggesting that periodontitis may be positively related with diabetes. We included 9508 adults who were aged ≥ 19 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII (2016-2018) and performed logistic regression analyses before and after PSM. The PSM was based on periodontal disease (yes or no) using a 1:1 match ratio and included 5858 individuals (2929 per group). Confounding variables, such as age, sex, marital status, occupation, education, income, smoking and drinking habits, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia, were matched and adjusted in the logistic regression analysis.

Three-dimensional printing of temporary crowns with polylactic acid polymer using the fused deposition modeling technique: a case series

With recent developments in digital dentistry, research on techniques and materials for three-dimensional (3D) printing is actively underway. We report the clinical applications and outcomes of 3D printing of temporary crowns fabricated with polylactic acid (PLA) using a fused deposition modeling (FDM) printer. Five participants were recruited from among patients scheduled to be treated with a single full-coverage crown at a dental clinic in a university medical center from June to August 2022. We used 3D-printed crowns fabricated with PLA using an FDM printer as temporary crowns and were assessed for discomfort, fracture, and dislodging. The 3D-printed temporary crowns were maintained without fracture, dislodging, or discomfort until the permanent prosthesis was ready. The average time required for printing the temporary crowns was approximately 7 minutes. The 3D printing of temporary crowns with PLA using an FDM printer is a convenient process for dentists. However, these crowns have some limitations, such as rough surface texture and translucency; therefore, the 3D printing process should be improved to produce better prostheses.

Optimum Urine Cotinine and NNAL Levels to Distinguish Smokers from Non-Smokers by the Changes in Tobacco Control Policy in Korea from 2008 to 2018

INTRODUCTION

We examined the age- and sex-specific distributions of biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure to determine the optimal cutoffs to distinguish smokers from non-smokers over the last 10 years in Korea, during which smoking prevalence and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure declined due to changes in tobacco control policy.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey on creatinine-adjusted urinary cotinine (2008-2018; 33 429 adults: 15 653 males and 17 776 females) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL; 2016-2018; 6337 adults: 3091 males and 3246 females). We determined the optimal cutoffs and confidence intervals (CIs) to distinguish smokers from non-smokers using receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and bootstrapping (1000 resamples).

RESULTS

The optimal cutoff values of creatinine-adjusted urine cotinine and NNAL concentration were 20.9 ng/mg (95% CI: 20.8-21.0, sensitivity: 96.6%, specificity: 93.8%) and 8.9 pg/mg (95% CI: 8.8-8.9, sensitivity: 94.0%, specificity: 94.7%), respectively, in 2016-2018. The optimal cutoffs of both biomarkers increased with age and were higher in females than in males for NNAL concentration. In both sexes, the optimal cutoff of urine cotinine continuously declined over the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The optimal cotinine cutoff declined along with smoking prevalence and levels of SHS exposure due to enforcement of tobacco control policies, including smoke-free ordinances and tax increases. Monitoring of biomarkers of tobacco exposure appears necessary for verification of smoking status and regulatory use.

IMPLICATIONS

Our results based on nationally representative data suggest that a large decrease in the optimal cutoff value of urine cotinine to distinguish smokers from non-smokers was caused by decreases in smoking prevalence and SHS exposure following enforcement of tobacco control policies over the last 10 years. We determined the optimal cutoff values of urine 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), which were not previously reported in representative population in Asia, to enable more accurate estimation of exposure to tobacco smoke and proper assessment of disease risks. Gender- and age-specific differences in the optimal cutoffs require further study. Monitoring of biomarkers of tobacco smoke exposure seems necessary for verification of smoking status and regulatory use.

Repurposing of Benzimidazole Anthelmintic Drugs as Cancer Therapeutics

Simple Summary

Although non-prescription anthelmintics are often used for cancer treatment, there is a lack of information regarding their anti-cancer effects in clinical settings. The aims of our review are to describe the possibilities and limitations of the anti-cancer effects of benzimidazole anthelmintics and to suggest ways to overcome these limitations. The results of the current review illustrate the potential development of anthelmintics as a useful strategy for cancer treatment based on much preclinical evidence. Furthermore, they suggest that more rigorous studies on whole anti-cancer pathways and development strategies, including formulations, could result in significantly enhanced anti-cancer effects of benzimidazoles as a repurposed cancer therapy in clinical settings.

Abstract

Benzimidazoles have shown significant promise for repurposing as a cancer therapy. The aims of this review are to investigate the possibilities and limitations of the anti-cancer effects of benzimidazole anthelmintics and to suggest ways to overcome these limitations. This review included studies on the anti-cancer effects of 11 benzimidazoles. Largely divided into three parts, i.e., preclinical anti-cancer effects, clinical anti-cancer effects, and pharmacokinetic properties, we examine the characteristics of each benzimidazole and attempt to elucidate its key properties. Although many studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer effects of benzimidazoles, there is limited evidence regarding their effects in clinical settings. This might be because the clinical trials conducted using benzimidazoles failed to restrict their participants with specific criteria including cancer entities, cancer stages, and genetic characteristics of the participants. In addition, these drugs have limitations including low bioavailability, which results in insufficient plasma concentration levels. Additional studies on whole anti-cancer pathways and development strategies, including formulations, could result significant enhancements of the anti-cancer effects of benzimidazoles in clinical situations.

Low-Level Environmental Mercury Exposure and Thyroid Cancer Risk Among Residents Living Near National Industrial Complexes in South Korea: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Background: Previous studies suggested that mercury may be linked to thyroid cancer due to its bioaccumulation in the thyroid gland, but no studies have evaluated the association between mercury exposure and thyroid cancer risk. We examined the relationship between mercury exposure and thyroid cancer risk, with the potential modification of hematological parameters. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study among residents living near industrial complexes in South Korea (recruited from 2003 to 2011). Incident thyroid cancer cases (C73, ICD-10 code) were identified from the National Cancer Registry and Statistics Korea. Urinary mercury concentrations were measured using thermal decomposition amalgamation atomic absorption spectrometry (TDA-AAS). Cox proportional hazards regression models (adjusted for age, sex, educational level, smoking status, and employment) were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and confidence interval [CI] between mercury exposure and the incidence of thyroid cancer. Results: We documented 69 cases of thyroid cancer in a total of 5213 participants during follow-up (median 8.7 years). The geometric mean of urinary mercury concentration was 1.8 μg/L for thyroid cancer cases and 1.2 μg/L for noncases (p for difference = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, those in the highest tertile of urinary mercury levels had a twofold higher risk of thyroid cancer (HR = 1.97 [CI 1.03 - 3.80] in the highest tertile vs. the lowest tertile, p for trend = 0.043). This association was stronger for those with lower mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin status. Conclusions: Urinary mercury concentration was positively associated with the risk of thyroid cancer among residents living near national industrial complexes, and this association was influenced by red blood cell indices status. These results provide some evidence suggesting the adverse effects of environmental metal pollution in the development of thyroid cancer.

Awareness of and practice toward cancer prevention recommendations: results of the Korean National Cancer Prevention Awareness and Practice Survey in 2021

OBJECTIVES

This study reports data regarding the awareness and practice of cancer prevention among Koreans in 2021 and behavioral changes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

We collected Cancer Prevention Awareness and Practice Survey data through face-to-face interview surveys using a structured questionnaire completed by 4,000 randomly selected men and women aged between 20 years and 74 years in 17 provinces. We examined the awareness and practice of 10 cancer prevention recommendations and evaluated their associations with potential risk factors through multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, residence, marital status, education, and income.

RESULTS

Eighty percent of participants knew that cancer is preventable, while 45% practiced cancer prevention. Cancer prevention practice tended to be more common among older participants (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.39 per 10-year increment; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 1.49) and less common among rural inhabitants (aOR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.86) than among urban residents and among single people (aOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.45 to 0.66) than among married people. Practices were the highest for avoiding burned or charred foods (87.6%) and lowest for vaccination against human papillomavirus (14.5%). Refusal to follow recommendations was most common for avoiding alcohol consumption (7.9%). The most difficult recommendations to follow were (1) regular exercise (57.7%); (2) maintaining a healthy body weight (46.1%); and (3) avoiding alcohol (40.1%). The most significant COVID-19-related changes were less exercise (32.5%) and increased body weight (25.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

The awareness of cancer prevention was high, but the practice was low. Recommendations targeting awareness and practice need to be further promoted.

Perceptions of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) and Intention to Quit Among Adult Tobacco Users in Korea

BACKGROUND

The popularity of heated tobacco products (HTPs) has been growing globally but, limited information exists on tobacco use behaviors and its impact on tobacco control. This study investigates awareness and perception of HTPs among tobacco users and whether perceptions of HTPs are associated with HTP use and intention to quit.

METHODS

We invited 2,000 tobacco users aged 19-65 years with countrywide representation to an online survey in November 2018. Information on general characteristics, tobacco use behaviors, awareness and perception of HTPs, and intention to quit were gathered. Multinomial logistic regression analysis and ANCOVA were used for estimation of association and comparison.

RESULTS

Among all tobacco users, 36.8% were classified as ever users, whereas 28.3% had used HTPs in the past 30 days, which was higher than expected. Users of liquid-based e-cigarettes (odds ratio [OR] 1.578; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.210-2.056) and poly-product users (OR 2.029; 95% CI, 1.121-3.671) showed higher intention to quit within 1 month when compared to users of conventional cigarettes (CCs), whereas HTP users and dual product users did not. HTP users rated HTPs more favorably than CCs in terms of smoke, smell, harm, aid in quitting, design, and price than users of other products did (P-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We find that positive perception of HTPs following strategic marketing from tobacco companies could have contributed to a greater increase in HTP use than expected in Korea. However, HTPs might not be considered substitutes for CCs for quitting tobacco use because a significant proportion of dual product users reported a lower intention to quit.

A present from the forest: Focus group interviews on cancer survivors’ forest experiences

Objective

To explore cancer survivors' forest experiences and to understand the relevance of these experiences from their perspectives in the context of the growing interest in nature's impact on health and quality of life.

Methods

From July 29 to August 12, 2021, four focus group interviews were conducted with cancer survivors who visited forests in South Korea. The data were analyzed using qualitative content and thematic analysis.

Results

The participants were 21 female cancer survivors with a mean age of 58.4 (age range 44–69) years. The focus group interviews revealed three themes and 10 sub-themes regarding subjective perceptions and experiences related to forests. The overarching themes were as follows: (1) awakened bodily senses and fascination with the forest; (2) remedial effect; and (3) a source of inspiration. These three themes capture the impact of forest experiences on participants’ lives and the value they derived from these experiences. The participants considered these experiences a gift from forests. In particular, they experienced aesthetic enrichment and restorative effects such as boosted energy levels, reduced fatigue, and a buffer against mood swings. Finally, forests were a source of inspiration that led the participants toward personal growth.

Conclusions

By gaining a better understanding of survivors' forest experiences, we identified that forest-based interventions for supportive cancer care can align with patients’ values and preferences and serve as a secure space where they can feel cared for. This study can contribute to the development of forest-based interventions for cancer survivorship care.

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Cancer survivors experienced awakened bodily senses and fascination with the forest.

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Cancer survivors realized the remedial effects of forests.

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Forests also became sources of inspiration for cancer survivors.

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These results can contribute to the development of forest-based interventions.

Randomized controlled study comparing the analgesic effects of intravenous patient-controlled analgesia and patient-controlled epidural analgesia after open major surgery for pancreatobiliary cancer

BACKGROUND

This randomized clinical trial was performed to compare pain scales between intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) and patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) in patients undergoing open surgical resection of major pancreatobiliary malignancies.

METHODS

One hundred ten patients were randomly assigned to the PCEA or IV-PCA group. We compared the numeric rating scale pain score during ambulation on postoperative day (PD) 2 and at rest (at 06:00, 12:00, and 18:00) from PD 1 to 7, the serum level of troponin I on PD 1, and the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the pain scores during ambulation on PD 2, at rest up to PD 7, serum troponin I level, and postoperative complication rates. The incidences of nausea (20.4% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.039) and drowsiness (20.4% vs. 0%; p = 0.001) were higher in the IV-PCA group and the rate of dysuria (0% vs. 14.6%; p = 0.004) was higher in the PCEA group.

CONCLUSION

PCEA showed no superiority over IV-PCA in terms of postoperative pain relief or morbidity after major open surgery for pancreatobiliary malignancies. The method of analgesia should be considered based the characteristics of the patient, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and institute.