Risk Factors of Postpartum Depression Among Korean Women: An Analysis Based on the Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study (KPOS)

BACKGROUND

Postpartum depression (PPD) can negatively affect infant well-being and child development. Although the frequency and risk factors of PPD symptoms might vary depending on the country and culture, there is limited research on these risk factors among Korean women. This study aimed to elucidate the potential risk factors of PPD throughout pregnancy to help improve PPD screening and prevention in Korean women.

METHODS

The pregnant women at 12 gestational weeks (GW) were enrolled from two obstetric specialized hospitals from March 2013 to November 2017. A questionnaire survey was administered at 12 GW, 24 GW, 36 GW, and 4 weeks postpartum. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and PPD was defined as a score of ≥ 10.

RESULTS

PPD was prevalent in 16.3% (410/2,512) of the participants. Depressive feeling at 12 GW and postpartum factors of stress, relationship with children, depressive feeling, fear, sadness, and neonatal intensive care unit admission of baby were significantly associated with a higher risk of PPD. Meanwhile, high postpartum quality of life and marital satisfaction at postpartum period were significantly associated with a lower risk of PPD. We developed a model for predicting PPD using factors as mentioned above and it had an area under the curve of 0.871.

CONCLUSION

Depressive feeling at 12 GW and postpartum stress, fear, sadness, relationship with children, low quality of life, and low marital satisfaction increased the risk of PPD. A risk model that comprises significant factors can effectively predict PPD and can be helpful for its prevention and appropriate treatment.

Activity of novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations against serine carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa is complex and multifaceted. While the novel β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) avibactam, relebactam and vaborbactam inhibit serine-based β-lactamases, the comparative potency of the novel β-lactam (BL)/BLI combinations against serine carbapenemase-producing P. aeruginosa is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the in vitro activity of ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftazidime, imipenem/relebactam, imipenem, meropenem/vaborbactam and meropenem against serine β-lactamase-producing P. aeruginosa.

METHODS

Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa were collated through the Enhancing Rational Antimicrobials against Carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (ERACE-PA) Global Surveillance. Isolates positive for serine-based carbapenemases were assessed. MICs were determined by broth microdilution to each novel BL/BLI and BL alone.

RESULTS

GES was the most common carbapenemase identified (n = 59) followed by KPC (n = 8). Ceftazidime/avibactam had MIC50/MIC90 values of 4/8 mg/L and 91% of isolates were susceptible. Conversely, ceftazidime alone was active against only 3% of isolates. The MIC50/MIC90 of imipenem/relebactam were 16/>16 mg/L and 13% of all isolates were defined as susceptible. Of the KPC-producing isolates, 38% were susceptible to imipenem/relebactam, compared with 0% to imipenem. The meropenem/vaborbactam MIC50/MIC90 were >16/>16 mg/L, and 6% of isolates were susceptible, which was similar to meropenem alone (MIC50/90, >8/>8 mg/L; 3% susceptible) suggesting the addition of vaborbactam cannot overcome co-expressed, non-enzymatic resistance mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the novel BL/BLIs, ceftazidime/avibactam displayed better in vitro activity and thus is a rational treatment option for serine carbapenemase-harbouring P. aeruginosa. While imipenem/relebactam displayed some activity, particularly against isolates with blaKPC, meropenem/vaborbactam exhibited poor activity, with MICs similar to meropenem alone.

Prosthetic restorative modality in complete edentulism and its association with masticatory and speech discomforts: A nationwide cross-sectional study from Korea

Purpose Completely edentulous arches can be restored using various prosthetic modalities, and the treatment outcome may include masticatory and speech discomforts. This study aimed to investigate the current status of prosthetic restoration modalities used for completely edentulous patients and investigate the association between prosthetic restoration modalities and subjective discomfort in mastication and speech by analyzing nationwide big data.Methods Of 97,622 individuals, data from 1,576 adults aged ≥40 years with no natural teeth and no requirement for 
additional prosthetic treatments were included. Oral examination data were analyzed, and the prostheses of the edentulous arches were categorized as follows: CD, removable complete denture; OD, implant-retained overdenture; and IF, implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis. Discomforts in mastication and speech according to the prosthetic restorative modality groups was statistically analyzed using analysis of covariance (α = 0.05).Results The maxillary/mandibular prosthetic restorative modality most commonly used was CD/CD, followed by CD/OD, IF/IF, OD/OD, and CD/IF, with weighted percentages of 93.23%, 2.48%, 1.83%, 1.46%, and 0.84%, respectively. Even after adjusting for various covariates, masticatory discomfort in the CD/CD group was significantly greater than that in the OD/OD (P = 0.0004) and IF/IF (P = 0.0002). The CD/CD group also had significantly greater discomfort in speech than did the IF/IF group (P = 0.0119).Conclusions Most completely edentulous patients were rehabilitated with bimaxillary removable complete dentures; however, the discomforts in mastication and speech were the lowest when both arches were restored with implant-supported fixed restorations.

Beneficial Role of Multi-Disciplinary Treatment for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer with Initial Distant Metastasis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare, highly aggressive tumor, with median survival around 5 months. Approximately half of the ATC patients presents with distant metastases at diagnosis, showing even more devastating prognosis, yet no outcome analysis had been reported. In this study, we aim to evaluate the clinical outcome of M1 ATC patients, and to define the group of patients who would benefit from local treatment based on multi-disciplinary approach.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 133 histology-confirmed ATC patients underwent protocol-based multidisciplinary treatment including surgery and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) between May 2016 and January 2022. Patients received intensity-modulated radiotherapy of 30 fractions concurrently with paclitaxel on days 1, 8 and 15 every 4 weeks, and lenvatinib was added upon progression. After 18 fractions of CRT, interim response analysis using modified RECIST was conducted for adaptive treatment planning. We reviewed 58 patients with distant metastasis at diagnosis (stage IVC). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were measured from the day of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Most common metastatic site was lung (91.4%), followed by bone (31.0%) and brain (5.2%). Lenvatinib was added for 35 patients after any sign of progression. Fourteen patients received upfront surgery (16 debulking and 5 total) followed by adjuvant CRT in 16 patients. Thirty-one patients received upfront CRT with 2 patients receiving total resection after sufficient down-staging. Six (10%) patients could not complete radiotherapy but continued receiving systemic treatment. The median follow-up was 5.9 months. The median and 1-year OS were 6.2 months and 20.5%, and PFS were 3.7 months and 3.5%. Total RT dose over 60 Gy significantly improved median OS (7.5 vs 4.1 months, p = 0.012) and median PFS (4.4 vs 3.0, p = 0.010). Patients with less than 10 initial metastatic tumors showed better median OS (9.1 vs 4.6 months, p = 0.002) but not PFS (5.1 vs 3.6, p = 0.485). At interim analysis, early response (CR, PR and SD) of primary tumor was not associated with survival, while progression of distant metastases showed significantly worse median OS (9.8 vs 4.6 months, p = 0.001). More than 10 metastatic tumors (HR 2.73, 95% CI 1.32-5.66) and stable metastasis at interim analysis (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.04-5.48) remained as significant factor in the multivariable cox regression analysis. Median OS and PFS of patients with less than 10 metastases showing no progression at interim analysis were 9.1 months, and 5.1 months.

CONCLUSION

Local treatment combined with chemotherapy for M1 ATC patients showed outcome comparable to those of non-metastatic ATC results. Active local treatment should be considered especially for patients with less than 10 metastases, and patients without distant progression in early response evaluation.

Callus Derived from Petals of the Rosa hybrida Breeding Line 15R-12-2 as New Material Useful for Fragrance Production

Rose (Rosa hybrida) is a major flower crop worldwide and has long been loved for its variety of colors and scents. Roses are mainly used for gardening or cutting flowers and are also used as raw materials for perfumes, cosmetics, and food. Essential oils, which are extracted from the flowers of plants, including roses, have various scents, and the essential oil market has been growing steadily owing to the growing awareness of the benefits of natural and organic products. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a system that stably supplies raw materials with uniform ingredients in line with the continuous increase in demand. In this study, conditions for the efficient induction of callus were established from the petals of the rose breeding line 15R-12-2, which has a strong scent developed by the National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Rural Development Administration. The highest callus induction rate (65%) was observed when the petals of the fully open flower (FOF) were placed on the SH11DP medium so that the abaxial surface was in contact with the medium. In addition, the VOCs contained in the petals of 15R-12-2 and the petal-derived callus were analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS. Thirty components, including esters and alcohols, were detected in the petal-derived callus. Among them, 2-ethylhexan-1-ol, which showed 59.01% relative content when extracted with hexane as a solvent, was the same component as detected in petals. Therefore, petal-derived callus is expected to be of high industrial value and can be suggested as an alternative pathway to obtaining VOCs.

Associations between obstructive sleep apnea and dental pain and chewing discomfort in Korean adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be linked with oral health issues. This study evaluated the associations between OSA, dental pain, and chewing discomfort. Big data from a nationwide survey involving 6984 participants aged ≥ 40 years were analyzed. The STOP-Bang questionnaire was used to assess the OSA risk, categorizing the participants into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups. The associations of OSA risk with dental pain and chewing discomfort were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analyses (α = 0.05). Results revealed that 50.33%, 37.50%, and 12.17% of the population belonged to the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, a significant association emerged between OSA risk and dental pain, with adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 1 (reference), 1.208 (1.003-1.455), and 1.472 (1.131-1.916) for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively (p = 0.0156). The adjusted odds ratio for chewing discomfort in the high-risk OSA group was 1.307 (0.977-1.748), although not significantly different from that of the low-risk group (p > 0.05). A high risk of OSA was associated with 1.472-fold increased risk of dental pain compared to those at low risk, implicating OSA as a potential risk indicator of poor oral health.

Successful New Dental Implant Installation in a Healed Site of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ): A Case Report

The purpose of this case report was to present a rare clinical case of successful new dental implant installation in the site of previously healed medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). An 80-year-old female patient with history of oral bisphosphonate (BP) therapy presented with pain and swelling of gingiva in the right posterior mandible. One of the three implants placed 15 years ago in the right mandibular posterior area was removed 6 months before the visit to our hospital, which led to worsening of the symptoms. After clinical and radiographic examination, the patient was diagnosed with stage 2 MRONJ. Along with antibiotic therapy, the patient underwent surgical intervention via sequestrectomy and removal of the remaining two implants. Adequate soft and hard tissue healing without any complications and signs of recurrence was confirmed, and implant installation with simultaneous bone grafting and prosthesis fabrication were done in the explantation sites of MRONJ. By the 7-year follow-up, no implant failure has been observed, and installation of implants was successful in the previously healed MRONJ site. Dental implant installation is possible in a patient with history of failed implant due to MRONJ. However, a careful treatment planning is needed before implantation in a previously healed site of MRONJ to reduce the potential risks of MRONJ recurrence and implant failure.

Efficacy of Silkworm Pupae Extract on Muscle Strength and Mass in Middle-Aged and Older Individuals: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the efficacy and safety of silkworm pupae extract (SWP) consumption for 12 weeks on muscle mass and strength in middle-aged and older individuals with relatively low skeletal muscle mass who do regular low-intensity exercise.

DESIGN

A randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial.

PARTICIPANTS

The study was conducted with 54 participants with relatively low skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (64.4 ± 6.1 years; body mass index, 23.8 ± 2.4 kg/m2).

INTERVENTION AND MEASUREMENTS

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1000 mg of SWP/day plus regular exercise (SWP group, n=27) or placebo plus regular exercise (placebo group, n=27). All participants were required to engage in 30-60 minutes/day of walking for ≥3 days/week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was knee extension/flexion strength (Nm), measured at the velocity of 60°/s. Secondary outcomes included body composition, biomarkers (creatine kinase and creatinine), handgrip strength, and quality of life questionnaire.

RESULTS

Both the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses revealed no significant impact of SWP on knee strength compared to the placebo group over 12 weeks. On the other hand, the SWP group had significantly greater increases in right-handgrip strength by 1.94 kg (95% CI: 0.08-3.79; p = 0.041) and left-handgrip strength by 1.83 kg (0.25-3.41; p = 0.024) compared to the placebo group in the ITT population, after 12 weeks. Moreover, in the PP population, the SWP group revealed an even greater increase in right-handgrip strength by 2.07 kg (0.15-3. 98; p = 0.035) and left-handgrip strength by 2.21 kg (0.60-3.83; p = 0.008) for the 12-week period. However, this study resulted in a failure to detect significant differences in the body composition, biomarkers, quality of life questionnaire, physical activity, and caloric intake between the groups. None of the participants in the SWP group experienced any significant adverse events. In the placebo group, two participants experienced urticaria and allergic side effects, leading to their withdrawal from the study and two exhibited elevated levels of liver enzyme and increased diastolic blood pressure, respectively at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

SWP, in addition to low-intensity exercise, may enhance handgrip strengths in middle-aged and older adults with relatively lower SMM. Future studies need to use a large sample size over longer periods to validate our findings. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04994054.

Cognitive impairments in patients with subacute coronavirus disease: Initial experiences in a post-coronavirus disease clinic

Background

A significant number of patients experience persistent cognitive impairment after coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study aimed to investigate the cognitive function of patients in the subacute phase of COVID-19 and to identify the clinical factors associated with cognitive sequelae.

Materials and methods

Data from patients who visited the psychiatric department of our post-COVID clinic between March and May 2022 were analyzed. The results of neuropsychiatric function tests, including the digit span forward (attention/processing speed) and backward (working memory) tests, the trail making test part A (attention/processing speed) and part B (executive functioning), and the Stroop word color interference test (executive functioning), as well as clinical data from 40 patients in the subacute phase of COVID-19 were analyzed. We calculated the frequency of impairments in each cognitive measure, defined as a z-score of ≤−1.5 standard deviations below measure-specific age- and sex-adjusted norms.

Results

Of the participants, 72.5% (n = 29) had impairments in at least one cognitive domain. Impairment in executive function was the most frequent (64.9%), followed by impairments in processing speed/attention (52.5%) and working memory (42.5%). Age was inversely correlated with T scores in all cognitive function tests.

Conclusion

Regular examination of cognitive function is needed, especially in elderly individuals, regardless of the subjective symptom manifestations.

Accuracy of Impression Techniques for Dental Implants Placed in Five Different Orientations

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impression accuracy of two implants placed in different orientations and compare the impression accuracy obtained with the dual-arch impression technique using hybrid impression copings and the conventional open-tray impression technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five mandibular dentiform models were prepared by placing implants in the second premolar and second molar regions in the following different orientations: parallel to each other; 15-degree mesiodistal angulation; 30-degree mesiodistal angulation; 15-degree buccolingual angulation; and 30-degree buccolingual angulation. After making 10 impressions for each model with the open-tray impression technique and dual-arch impression technique with hybrid impression copings, cast models were fabricated for each impression (n = 10). Scan bodies were mounted on the five dentiform models and the fabricated 100 cast models were scanned using a desktop scanner. The three-dimensional deviation of the scan bodies on the cast models was calculated and compared to the reference data from the dentiform models. A two-way analysis of variance was conducted (α = .05).

RESULTS

The root mean square deviation values obtained from the implants placed with 30-degree mesiodistal angulation were 93.05 ± 6.21 μm with the open-tray impression technique and 104.01 ± 8.89 μm with the dual-arch impression technique, which were the largest deviation values for both techniques (P < .001). Compared to the open-tray impression technique, the dual-arch impression technique with the hybrid impression copings showed significantly lower accuracy when the angulation between the implants was 15 degrees mesiodistally (P < .001), 30 degrees mesiodistally (P = .016), or 30 degrees buccolingually (P < .001). However, there was no significant difference between the accuracy of the two impression techniques for parallel implants (P = .74).

CONCLUSION

When the two implants were inclined 30 degrees mesiodistally, both implant impression techniques showed the largest deviation and the dual-arch impression technique showed lower accuracy compared to the conventional open-tray impression technique. Parallel placement of implants may improve impression accuracy and enable use of the dual-arch impression technique.

Correction of an adult Class III malocclusion through regaining of orthodontic space and an implant restoration

This case report describes the interdisciplinary treatment of a 23-year-old female with Class III malocclusion and a missing maxillary left second premolar. Treatment alternatives were discussed, and the selected treatment plan was presented to illustrate a way to gain space for the premolar implant restoration and correct Class III relationship through maxillary molar retraction followed by maxillary total arch protraction with a palatal temporary skeletal anchorage device. Esthetic anterior alignment and functional occlusal rehabilitation was achieved, and facial balance was maintained at the end of treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Implant restoration in conjunction with regaining orthodontic space by a team of multidisciplinary dental specialists presents an effective treatment solution to permanent tooth agenesis. Class III malocclusion can be treated with a combination of maxillary protraction and mandibular retraction using temporary skeletal anchorage devices. The versatility of modified palatal C-plates presents greater clinical application when related side effects are controlled with solid understanding of their biomechanics.

Influence of anxiety and resilience on depression among hospital nurses: A comparison of nurses working with confirmed and suspected patients in the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 units

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare anxiety, resilience, and depression between COVID-19 unit (confirmed patients and suspected patients) and non-COVID-19 unit nurses and assess their effects on depression.

BACKGROUND

Nurses working during the global pandemic are known to be physically and psychologically exhausted, and experience severe anxiety and depression. However, there is a lack of studies comparing anxiety and depression between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 unit nurses.

DESIGN

Descriptive research study.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 64 nurses who directly worked for more than a month in a COVID-19 unit of a general hospital with nationally designated negative-pressure isolation beds and 64 nurses working in a non-COVID-19 unit. Data were collected through questionnaires and were analysed using SPSS 25.0. Reporting of this research adheres to the STROBE guidelines.

RESULTS

Anxiety and depression were significantly higher in nurses working with patients suspected to have COVID-19 rather than nurses working with confirmed COVID-19 patients and non-COVID-19 patients. Resilience was significantly lower in suspected patient unit nurses than in COVID-19 unit nurses. Anxiety was the major factor predicting depression in both COVID-19 unit (confirmed patients and suspected patients) and non-COVID-19 unit nurses with 76.6%, 80.7%, and 63.6% explanatory power, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Among nurses working in COVID-19 units, suspected patients unit nurses had higher depression than confirmed patients unit nurses due to an unsafe facility environment, insufficient personal protective equipment, and unknown conditions of the patients. Thus, interventions which have a high impact on depression need to be provided to relieve anxiety.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The nursing organisation must provide comprehensive support including coordinated shifts, internal motivation, incentives, up-to-date information, and clear infection prevention guidelines to relieve anxiety caused by exhaustive workload, uncertainty of infectious diseases, and lack of human and material resources.

Finite Element Analysis of Dental Implants with Zirconia Crown Restorations: Conventional Cement-Retained vs. Cementless Screw-Retained

The present study was designed to compare the stress distributions in two restoration types of implants and the surrounding bone. The first restoration type was a conventional cement-retained zirconia crown, and the second was a novel cementless screw-retained zirconia crown with a base abutment. A three-dimensional finite element method was used to model the implants, restorations, and supporting bone. A comparative study of the two implants was performed under two masticatory loads: a vertical load of 100 N and a 30-degree oblique load of 100 N. Under both loading conditions, the maximum von Mises stress and strain values in the implant and supporting bone were higher in the conventional cement-retained restoration model than in the cementless screw-retained model. In terms of stress distribution, the cementless screw-retained zirconia crown with base abutment may be considered a superior restoration option compared to the conventional cement-retained zirconia crown.

Removable dental prosthesis use and low handgrip strength in Korean adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association between low handgrip strength and type of dental prosthesis used in Korean adults in a cross-sectional study of nationally representative big data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 7,681 participants aged ≥ 19 years who were classified into the following four groups: NP (not using a dental prosthesis); FDP (using tooth-supported or implant-supported fixed dental prostheses); RPD (using removable partial dentures); and CD (using removable complete dentures). Low handgrip strength was defined as the lowest quartile of handgrip strength in each sex. The relationship between handgrip strength and dental prosthesis use was analyzed with adjustment for potential confounders. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between the use of dental prostheses and low handgrip strength (α = .05).

RESULTS

The handgrip strength level of RPD users was significantly lower than those not using removable dentures (P < .0001). The respective adjusted odds ratios (with 95% CI) for low handgrip strength in the NP, FDP, RPD, and CD groups were 1 (reference), 0.90 (0.77, 1.05), 1.44 (1.13, 1.83), and 1.70 (1.29, 2.23) after adjustment for confounding factors. Using removable partial and/or complete dentures was associated with a 1.64-fold higher risk of low handgrip strength compared to not using removable dental prostheses.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of removable dentures was associated with low handgrip strength and may be considered a potential risk indicator for functional decline in Korean adults.

A lysosomal enigma CLN5 and its significance in understanding neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL), also known as Batten disease, is an incurable childhood brain disease. The thirteen forms of NCL are caused by mutations in thirteen CLN genes. Mutations in one CLN gene, CLN5, cause variant late-infantile NCL, with an age of onset between 4 and 7 years. The CLN5 protein is ubiquitously expressed in the majority of tissues studied and in the brain, CLN5 shows both neuronal and glial cell expression. Mutations in CLN5 are associated with the accumulation of autofluorescent storage material in lysosomes, the recycling units of the cell, in the brain and peripheral tissues. CLN5 resides in the lysosome and its function is still elusive. Initial studies suggested CLN5 was a transmembrane protein, which was later revealed to be processed into a soluble form. Multiple glycosylation sites have been reported, which may dictate its localisation and function. CLN5 interacts with several CLN proteins, and other lysosomal proteins, making it an important candidate to understand lysosomal biology. The existing knowledge on CLN5 biology stems from studies using several model organisms, including mice, sheep, cattle, dogs, social amoeba and cell cultures. Each model organism has its advantages and limitations, making it crucial to adopt a combinatorial approach, using both human cells and model organisms, to understand CLN5 pathologies and design drug therapies. In this comprehensive review, we have summarised and critiqued existing literature on CLN5 and have discussed the missing pieces of the puzzle that need to be addressed to develop an efficient therapy for CLN5 Batten disease.

Seed dormancy and germination of Asarum sieboldii, a disjunct relict species in East Asia

Disjunct species in the same genus are a common feature of the flora in the temperate forests of East Asia and eastern North America. This study aimed to evaluate whether the kind of seed dormancy was maintained after species in the genus Asarum (Aristolochiaceae) were separated from their common ancestor. We classified the seed dormancy of Asarum sieboldii, an East Asian species, based on a phenology study and experiments in controlled temperature conditions, and then compared it to that of the previously studied A. canadense, an eastern North American species. The underdeveloped embryo of A. sieboldii grew and germinated (radicle emergence) in autumn but shoot emergence did not occur until the following spring. The seeds of A. sieboldii had deep simple epicotyl morphophysiological dormancy because the seeds with emerged radicle required a relatively long period of cold stratification to break epicotyl dormancy and produce a shoot. Although the seed of A. sieboldii had weaker radicle dormancy and stronger epicotyl dormancy compared to A. canadense, the kind of seed dormancy was the same for the two species. The trait of seed dormancy was inherited from a shared common ancestor and maintained in populations well after the two species (or their ancestors) separated. However, quantitative differences in temperature requirements for radicle and shoot emergence suggest the possibility of adaptation to the environment.

The Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study (KPOS): Study Design and Participants

BACKGROUND

The Korean Pregnancy Outcome Study (KPOS) was established to investigate the determinants of adverse pregnancy outcomes among Korean women.

METHODS

We recruited 4,537 pregnant women between 2013 and 2017 from two tertiary centers located in Seoul, Korea, and a total of 4,195 Korean women met inclusion criteria in the baseline analysis. A range of data on socio-demographics, past medical histories, reproductive information, health-related behaviors, psychological health and clinical information were obtained using interviewer-based questionnaires and clinical assessment at 12, 24, and 36 gestational weeks (GW), delivery and 6-8 weeks postpartum. Blood samplings were performed at 12, 24 and 36 GW, and placental tissues were obtained after delivery. The main outcome of this study was pregnancy-related complications including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, and screening positive for peripartum depression. Depression was assessed using the Korean version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and a score of ≥10 indicated a positive screen for depression.

RESULTS

Among 4,195 eligible pregnant women with a median age of 33.0 years, 3,565 (85.0%) pregnancy outcomes were available in this study, including 30 miscarriages, 16 stillbirths, and 3,519 deliveries. Mean gestational age was 38.8 GW, and mean birth weight was 3,236 gram. The prevalence of pregnancy complications of GDM, hypertensive disorders, and screening positive of depression during pregnancy and postpartum was 7.0%, 1.4%, 27.8%, and 16.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We designed KPOS to identify the determinants of pregnancy-related outcomes, and it may provide effective strategies for the prevention of pregnancy complications in Korean pregnant women.

The impacts of insufficient sleep and its change during pregnancy on postpartum depression: A prospective cohort study of Korean women

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between insufficient sleep in the prenatal period and postpartum depression (PPD), and whether changes in sleep patterns during pregnancy increase the risk of PPD.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted between March 2013 and November 2017. Participants completed a sleep questionnaire pre-pregnancy and at 12, 24 and 36 gestational weeks (GW). Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 4 weeks postpartum, and the cut-off score for PPD was 10 or more.

RESULTS

Of 2512 participants, 410 (16.3%) were identified as having PPD. Only insufficient sleep at 36 GW was significantly associated with PPD after adjusting for confounding factors (odds ratio 1.79, 95% confidence interval 1.40-2.27, P < 0.001). Both Group 1 (change from sufficient to insufficient) and Group 3 (sustained insufficient) demonstrated a significant risk of PPD at all starting time-points in the multivariate analysis, but no significant association was evident between Group 2 (change from insufficient to sufficient) and PPD.

CONCLUSION

Insufficient sleep at 36 GW was associated with a significant risk of developing PPD. Additionally, regardless of whether women had sufficient sleep, a shift towards worsening sleep at 36 GW was highly associated with PPD.

Associations between Chewing Difficulty, Subjective Cognitive Decline, and Related Functional Difficulties among Older People without Dementia: Focus on Body Mass Index

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether chewing difficulty is associated with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and related functional difficulties by body mass index.

DESIGN

A population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A nationwide sample of 54,004 individuals aged ≥65 years from the 2018 Korea Community Health Survey.

MEASUREMENTS

SCD and SCD-related functional difficulties were measured using the cognitive decline module of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Chewing difficulty was assessed based on a self-report questionnaire from an oral health-related behaviors interview survey. BMI was calculated from objective values by measuring height and weight through a physical meter.

RESULTS

Among the 54,004 individuals, the prevalence of SCD in underweight, overweight, and obesity group was 33.6% (n = 806), 30.3% (n = 9,691), and 28.7% (n=5,632) respectively. Chewing difficulty was associated with SCD and SCD-related functional difficulties. This association was more pronounced in underweight (BMI: <18.5 kg/m2) people [underweight: (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48-1.92); normal weight: OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.04-1.22; obese: OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.05-1.27]. Similar trends were demonstrated for SCD-related functional difficulties (underweight: OR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.17-2.01; normal weight: OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.15-1.63; obese: OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.22-1.86).

CONCLUSIONS

Chewing difficulty was associated with SCD and SCD-related functional difficulties in older people. Our results suggest that underweight status may play roles in the associations between chewing difficulty and SCD and SCD-related functional difficulties.

Prevalence of Anemia and Its Association with Frailty, Physical Function and Cognition in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Findings from the HOPE Study

OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of anemia and its impact on frailty and physical function amongst the multiethnic older populations in the Southeast Asian (SEA) countries are often not well studied. Singapore, a nation comprised of multiethnic communities, is one of the most rapidly aging population globally. We aim to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and its impact on frailty, and physical function in Healthy Older People Everyday (HOPE)- an epidemiologic population-based study on community-dwelling older adults in Singapore.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

480 adults ≥ 65 years old.

MEASUREMENTS

Data were collected from interviewers-administered questionnaires on socio-demographics, FRAIL scale, Mini-Mental State Examination, EQ-5D, Barthel Index, and Lawton index. Hemoglobin concentration and physical assessments, including anthropometry, grip strength, timed up-and-go (TUG) were measured.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of anemia was 15.2% (73 out of 480). The Indian ethnic group had the highest prevalence of anemia (32%, OR=3.02; 95%CI= 1.23-7.41) with the lowest hemoglobin concentration compared to the overall population (13.0±1.3g/L and 13.5±1.4g/L, p=0.02). Hemoglobin levels and anemia were significantly associated with frailty (OR=2.28; 95% CI=1.02-5.10), low grip strength (OR=1.79; 95% CI=1.01-3.03), ≥ one IADL impairment (OR=2.35; 95% CI=1.39-3.97). Each 1 g/dL increase in hemoglobin was associated with a 6% decrease in frailty odds after adjusting for potential covariates (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.99). There was a significant difference in the mean TUG between the non-anemic (11.0±3.4 seconds) and anemic (12.3±6.0 seconds, p=0.01) counterparts, but no difference in the number of falls.

CONCLUSION

In our multiethnic Asian population, anemia was adversely associated with frailty, decreased muscle strength, and IADL impairment. Health policies on anemia screening should be employed to avoid or potentially delay or reverse these adverse outcomes associated with anemia. Recognition, evaluation, and treatment of anemia amongst this vulnerable population is warranted.

Lethality-Associated Factors in Deliberate Self-Poisoning

Objectives

Deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) is the most common suicide method and can be life-threatening. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to the lethality of DSP and the characteristics of the adolescent group.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on patients who had visited an academic hospital’s regional emergency medical center between 2015 and 2018. The data reviewed through their medical records included sociodemographic factors, clinical variables, and psychiatric treatment. Four groups (Q1–Q4) were categorized by descriptive analysis using the risk-rescue rating scale.

Results

A total of 491 patients were enrolled in this study. This study showed that high lethality had statistically significant associa-tions with male sex, older age, admitting suicidal intentions, and the use of herbicides for suicide. Logistic regression analyses showed a significant association between high-lethality and female [odds ratio (OR)=0.50, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.30–0.81, p=0.01], non-psychiatric drugs (over-the-counter drug: OR=2.49, 95% CI=1.08–5.74, p=0.03; herbicide: OR=8.65, 95% CI=3.91–19.13, p<0.01), and denial of suicide intent (OR=0.28, 95% CI=0.15–0.55, p<0.01).

Conclusion

This study showed the clinical factors associated with the high lethality of DSP and suggested that efforts were needed to care for and thoroughly examine patients with DSP.

Risk of nosocomial transmission of coronavirus disease 2019: an experience in a general ward setting in Hong Kong

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan in December 2019 and has rapidly spread across different cities within and outside China. Hong Kong started to prepare for COVID-19 on 31st December 2019 and infection control measures in public hospitals were tightened to limit nosocomial transmission within healthcare facilities. However, the recommendations on the transmission-based precautions required for COVID-19 in hospital settings vary from droplet and contact precautions, to contact and airborne precautions with placement of patients in airborne infection isolation rooms.

AIM

To describe an outbreak investigation of a patient with COVID-19 who was nursed in an open cubicle of a general ward before the diagnosis was made.

METHOD

Contacts were identified and risk categorized as 'close' or 'casual' for decisions on quarantine and/or medical surveillance. Respiratory specimens were collected from contacts who developed fever, and/or respiratory symptoms during the surveillance period and were tested for SARS-CoV-2.

FINDINGS

A total of 71 staff and 49 patients were identified from contact tracing, seven staff and 10 patients fulfilled the criteria of 'close contact'. At the end of 28-day surveillance, 76 tests were performed on 52 contacts and all were negative, including all patient close contacts and six of the seven staff close contacts. The remaining contacts were asymptomatic throughout the surveillance period.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is not spread by an airborne route, and nosocomial transmissions can be prevented through vigilant basic infection control measures, including wearing of surgical masks, hand and environmental hygiene.

A new aortoiliac calcification scoring system to predict grade C anastomotic leak following rectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND

Aortoiliac calcification may be a surrogate marker of decreased visceral perfusion causing anastomotic leak (AL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive role of aortoiliac calcification for AL after rectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with primary rectal cancer who had restorative resection at our institution between January 2013 and December 2015. An aortoiliac calcification score was calculated as the sum of calcification scores at the infrarenal aorta (0: no, 1: ≤ 3 cm, 2: > 3 cm) and the common iliac arteries (0: no, 1: unilateral, 2: bilateral). AL was classified into three grades: grade A, requiring no intervention; grade B, requiring therapeutic intervention without re-laparotomy; and grade C, requiring re-laparotomy. Clinicopathological characteristics were analyzed to identify risk factors for AL.

RESULTS

There were 583 patients. Three-hundred forty-five (59.2%) had an aortoiliac calcification score ≥ 3, and 37 (6.3%) patients experienced AL, in 30 cases (5.1%) grade C AL. Patients with an aortoiliac calcification score ≥ 3 had a higher incidence of grade C AL (6.7% vs. 2.9%, p = 0.045). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an aortoiliac calcification score ≥ 3 was an independent risk factor for grade C AL (odds ratio = 2.669, 95% confidence interval 1.066-6.686, p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Aortoiliac calcification may be considered a risk factor for grade C AL after rectal cancer surgery.

Progress and Challenges in the Improvement of Ornamental Plants by Genome Editing

Biotechnological approaches have been used to modify the floral color, size, and fragrance of ornamental plants, as well as to increase disease resistance and vase life. Together with the advancement of whole genome sequencing technologies, new plant breeding techniques have rapidly emerged in recent years. Compared to the early versions of gene editing tools, such as meganucleases (MNs), zinc fingers (ZFNs), and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) is capable of altering a genome more efficiently and with higher accuracy. Most recently, new CRISPR systems, including base editors and prime editors, confer reduced off-target activity with improved DNA specificity and an expanded targeting scope. However, there are still controversial issues worldwide for the recognition of genome-edited plants, including whether genome-edited plants are genetically modified organisms and require a safety evaluation process. In the current review, we briefly summarize the current progress in gene editing systems and also introduce successful/representative cases of the CRISPR system application for the improvement of ornamental plants with desirable traits. Furthermore, potential challenges and future prospects in the use of genome-editing tools for ornamental plants are also discussed.

Stacking Fault Energy Analyses of Additively Manufactured Stainless Steel 316L and CrCoNi Medium Entropy Alloy Using In Situ Neutron Diffraction

Stacking fault energies (SFE) were determined in additively manufactured (AM) stainless steel (SS 316 L) and equiatomic CrCoNi medium-entropy alloys. AM specimens were fabricated via directed energy deposition and tensile loaded at room temperature. In situ neutron diffraction was performed to obtain a number of faulting-embedded diffraction peaks simultaneously from a set of (hkl) grains during deformation. The peak profiles diffracted from imperfect crystal structures were analyzed to correlate stacking fault probabilities and mean-square lattice strains to the SFE. The result shows that averaged SFEs are 32.8 mJ/m2 for the AM SS 316 L and 15.1 mJ/m2 for the AM CrCoNi alloys. Meanwhile, during deformation, the SFE varies from 46 to 21 mJ/m2 (AM SS 316 L) and 24 to 11 mJ/m2 (AM CrCoNi) from initial to stabilized stages, respectively. The transient SFEs are attributed to the deformation activity changes from dislocation slip to twinning as straining. The twinning deformation substructure and atomic stacking faults were confirmed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The significant variance of the SFE suggests the critical twinning stress as 830 ± 25 MPa for the AM SS 316 L and 790 ± 40 MPa for AM CrCoNi, respectively.

Impaired Facial Emotion Recognition in Individuals at Ultra-High Risk for Psychosis and Associations With Schizotypy and Paranoia Level

BACKGROUND

Patients with schizophrenia and individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis (UHR) have been reported to exhibit impaired recognition of facial emotion expressions. This impairment has involved both inaccuracy and negative bias of facial emotion recognition. The present study aimed to investigate whether UHR individuals display both types of impaired facial emotion recognition and to explore correlations between these impairments and schizotypy, as well as paranoia levels, in these individuals.

METHODS

A total of 43 UHR individuals and 57 healthy controls (HC) completed a facial emotion recognition task consisting of 60 standardized facial photographs. To explore correlations, we assessed schizotypy using the Revised Physical Anhedonia Scale and Magical Ideation Scale and paranoia level using the Paranoia Scale and persecution/suspicious item of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale in UHR individuals.

RESULTS

Compared with HC, UHR individuals exhibited less accuracy for facial emotion recognition (70.6% vs. 75.6%, p=0.010) and a higher rate of "fear" responses for neutral faces (14.5% vs. 6.0%, p=0.003). In UHR individuals, inaccuracy was significantly correlated with schizotypy scores, but not with paranoia level. Conversely, "disgust" response for neutral faces was the only fear response correlated with paranoia level, and no threat-related emotion response correlated with schizotypy scores.

DISCUSSION

UHR individuals exhibited inaccuracy and negative bias of facial emotion recognition. Furthermore, schizotypy scores were associated with inaccuracy but not with negative bias of facial emotion recognition. Paranoia level was correlated with "disgust" responses for neutral faces but not with inaccuracy. These findings suggest that inaccuracy and negative bias of facial emotion recognition reflect different underlying processes, and that inaccuracy may be a vulnerability marker for schizophrenia.

P799 The echocardiographic and clinical characteristics of Fabry patients without overt left ventricular hypertrophy but progressing despite on enzyme replacement therapy

Background

Fabry disease (FD) is X-linked genetic disorder caused by the deficiency or absent activity of lysosomal α- galactosidase. When the heart is involved, progressive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is the key feature. Although, LVH is not present in all subjects, some of them progress with LVH despite enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). The present study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of patient of FD without overt LVH, but progresses with their left ventricular mass index (LVMI).

Method : This study includes subjects carrying genetic mutations for FD without LVH (n = 12) in a single tertiary center. ‘Decreasing LVMI group (Group1)’ was defined when pre-ERT LVMI minus last LVMI value obtained by echocardiography was positive, and when negative, defined as ‘Increasing LVMI group (Group 2)’. The baseline characteristics and echocardiographic parameters including global strain was analyzed.

Result : Total 6 patients were classified as Group 1 and 2 each. The median age at diagnosis for male was 21 vs 27 for each group, and 21 vs 31 for female. The median follow-up duration was 4.0 vs 5.7 yr. The antibody formation for replaced enzyme was 3 for Group 2 and any family member who developed overt LVH was much 1 vs 3 for group 1 vs 2. Initial 3 plane GLS was worse and showed trend to drop in Group 2.

Conclusion : In the Fabry patients get worse with their LVMI but still not developed overt LVH despite enzyme replacement therapy, there are some clinical and echo-parameter difference. These findings could suggest insufficient enzyme replacement therapy.

Group 1 (n = 6) Group 2 (n = 6) Female/Male 4/2 3/3 Age of at Dx (Female) (median) 21 28 Age of at Dx (Male) (median) 21 31 F/U duration (median) 4.0 yrs 5.7 yrs Antibody formation 0 3 Any Overt LVH family Genotype c.56T &gt; C c.40-11T &gt; A, 782_delG, c.658C &gt; T Initial LVMI (Median) 98.2g/m2 70.9g/m2 Initial GLS (3P) -19 -17.8 Continuously elevated LysoGb3 2 4 Proteinuria &gt;300mg 1 3 (1 preparing HD)

Developing Children's Oral Health Assessment Toolkits Using Machine Learning Algorithm

OBJECTIVES

Evaluating children's oral health status and treatment needs is challenging. We aim to build oral health assessment toolkits to predict Children's Oral Health Status Index (COHSI) score and referral for treatment needs (RFTN) of oral health. Parent and Child toolkits consist of short-form survey items (12 for children and 8 for parents) with and without children's demographic information (7 questions) to predict the child's oral health status and need for treatment.

METHODS

Data were collected from 12 dental practices in Los Angeles County from 2015 to 2016. We predicted COHSI score and RFTN using random Bootstrap samples with manually introduced Gaussian noise together with machine learning algorithms, such as Extreme Gradient Boosting and Naive Bayesian algorithms (using R). The toolkits predicted the probability of treatment needs and the COHSI score with percentile (ranking). The performance of the toolkits was evaluated internally and externally by residual mean square error (RMSE), correlation, sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

The toolkits were developed based on survey responses from 545 families with children aged 2 to 17 y. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting RFTN were 93% and 49% respectively with the external data. The correlation(s) between predicted and clinically determined COHSI was 0.88 (and 0.91 for its percentile). The RMSEs of the COHSI toolkit were 4.2 for COHSI (and 1.3 for its percentile).

CONCLUSIONS

Survey responses from children and their parents/guardians are predictive for clinical outcomes. The toolkits can be used by oral health programs at baseline among school populations. The toolkits can also be used to quantify differences between pre- and post-dental care program implementation. The toolkits' predicted oral health scores can be used to stratify samples in oral health research.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

This study creates the oral health toolkits that combine self- and proxy- reported short forms with children's demographic characteristics to predict children's oral health and treatment needs using Machine Learning algorithms. The toolkits can be used by oral health programs at baseline among school populations to quantify differences between pre and post dental care program implementation. The toolkits can also be used to stratify samples according to the treatment needs and oral health status.

Feasibility of a guided participation discharge program for very preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Previous studies showed that parents of very preterm infants expressed feelings of incompetence and experienced high levels of stress upon the discharge of their infants. We conducted a systematic review of seven studies and observed potential benefits for parental outcomes when using discharge interventions that adopted guided participation (GP). More evidence is needed on the effective doses of discharge interventions underpinned by the principles of GP.

Aim

To investigate the feasibility and preliminarily estimate the effects on parental competence and stress outcomes of a newly developed, nurse-led, GP discharge program for mothers of very preterm infants.

Methods

A two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Mothers of infants with gestational ages of ≤32 weeks who had no congenital malformations and did not need to undergo major surgeries were recruited. All mothers were the primary caregivers to their infants. The intervention group received a nurse-led GP discharge intervention (three structured 30- to 60-min GP sessions and one follow-up phone call). The control group received usual care. The parental outcomes were measured using the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (C-PSOC) and Perceived Stress Scale (C-PSS) at baseline (T0), on the day of discharge (T1), after the follow-up phone call (within 72 h after discharge) (T2), and 1 month after discharge (T3). The outcomes were analyzed using generalized estimating equations based on intention-to-treat principles.

Results

Thirty infant–mother dyads were recruited. Greater improvements in the C-PSOC score were observed in the intervention group than in the control group at T1 and T2, although these differences were statistically insignificant. The intervention group exhibited greater improvements than the control group in the C-PSS scores at T1, T2, and T3, although these differences were also not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that a GP discharge intervention could improve parenting competence and stress among mothers with very preterm infants. The absence of adverse events suggests that the GP discharge intervention could be feasibly implemented in NICU settings. This feasibility study was not powered to determine the effectiveness of the intervention but is anticipated to lay the foundation for a future full-scale study.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03668912. Date of registration: 13 September 2018 (retrospectively registered).

Association between Diabetes and the Use of Removable Dental Prostheses among the Korean Population

BACKGROUND

A balanced nutrient intake is important for patients with diabetes. Even if individuals have the same number of residual natural teeth, there are large differences in the masticatory performance between edentulous sites restored with a fixed dental prosthesis, including dental implants, and those restored with a removable dental prosthesis. This study assessed whether the prevalence and control of diabetes differed based on the use of removable dental prostheses through an analysis of nationally representative data.

METHODS

Overall, 8,155 individuals (3,525 men and 4,630 women) aged ≥ 50 years were included in this study and were classified into the following 3 groups: group 1, did not use any removable dental prostheses (NF); group 2, used removable partial dentures (RPD); and group 3, used removable complete dentures on at least 1 jaw (CD). The characterization of diabetic patients and glycemic control were analyzed and compared among groups. To determine the relationship between diabetes and the use of dental prostheses, multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

The adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for diabetes in men participants in groups NF, RPD, and CD were 1 (reference), 1.165 (0.878-1.544), and 1.491 (1.034-2.151), respectively, after adjusting for confounding factors. Diabetes and glycemic control were significantly associated with the use of removable dental prostheses among men.

CONCLUSION

The use of removable dental prostheses is a potential risk indicator for uncontrolled diabetes in Korean men adults, suggesting the need for a comprehensive approach to minimize the complications of diabetes mellitus.

Reduced DNA Methylation of the Oxytocin Receptor Gene Is Associated With Anhedonia-Asociality in Women With Recent-Onset Schizophrenia and Ultra-high Risk for Psychosis

Negative symptoms are recognized as a fundamental feature of schizophrenia throughout the disease course. Epigenetic alterations in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) may be a key mechanism involved in social-emotional disturbances of schizophrenia. Here, we investigated OXTR methylation and its association with clinical and brain network connectivity phenotypes of negative symptoms, particularly anhedonia-asociality, in individuals with recent-onset schizophrenia (ROS) and at ultrahigh risk (UHR) for psychosis. Sixty-four ROS (39 women), 46 UHR (19 women), and 98 healthy individuals (52 women) participated in this study. OXTR methylation was quantified using the pyrosequencing method. A subset of participants (16 ROS, 23 UHR, and 33 healthy controls [HCs]) underwent a 5.5-minute resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to determine the relationship between OXTR methylation and the striatal-amygdala network functional connectivity (FC) underlying anhedonia-asociality. Both men and women with ROS and UHR showed significantly decreased OXTR methylation compared to HCs. In women with ROS and UHR, decreased OXTR methylation showed a significant correlation with increased anhedonia-asociality. FC of the striatal-amygdala network, positively associated with the severity of anhedonia-asociality, showed an inverse correlation with OXTR methylation. This study suggests that epigenetic alterations of OXTR, which can be detected before the development of full-blown psychosis, confer susceptibility to schizophrenia and play a crucial role in the manifestation of anhedonia-asociality, particularly in women.

P1711The association of multidisciplinary team approach with clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction underwent veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Background

Multidisciplinary team approach is necessary for the management of critically-ill patients. However, limited data are available on the impact of specialized extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team on clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by cardiogenic shock.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify whether specialized ECMO team is associated with improved in-hospital mortality in AMI patients underwent venoarterial ECMO.

Methods

A total of 255 AMI patients underwent venoarterial ECMO from May 2004 to July 2018 were enrolled. In January 2014, multidisciplinary ECMO team was founded at our institution. Eligible patients were classified into pre-ECMO team group (n=131) and post-ECMO team group (n=124). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

Results

In-hospital mortality (54.2% vs. 33.9%, p=0.002) and cardiac intensive care unit mortality (45.0% vs. 25.0%, p=0.001) were significantly lower after the implantation of multidisciplinary ECMO team (pre ECMO team vs. post-ECMO team). On binary logistic regression model, the multidisciplinary ECMO team approach was associated with lower risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval 0.19–0.67, p=0.001). Incidence of all-cause mortality (58.3% vs. 35.2%, p<0.001) and rehospitalization due to heart failure (28.2% vs. 6.4%, p=0.001) at 6-months follow-up were also significantly lower in the post-ECMO team group than in the pre-ECMO team group.

Clinical outcomes Variables Total (N=255) Pre-ECMO team (N=131) Post-ECMO team (N=124) P value In-hospital mortality 113 (44.3) 71 (54.2) 42 (33.9) 0.002 Cardiovascular death 90 (35.3) 59 (45.0) 31 (25.0) 0.001 Noncardiovascular death 23 (9.0) 12 (9.2) 11 (8.9) >0.99 Cardiac intensive care unit mortality 106 (41.6) 68 (51.9) 38 (30.6) 0.001 Successful weaning of ECMO 169 (66.3) 75 (57.3) 94 (75.8) 0.002 Data are presented as n (%). Abbreviations: ECMO, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Incidence of death, readmission for HF

Conclusions

The multidisciplinary ECMO team approach was associated with improved clinical outcomes in AMI patients complicated by cardiogenic shock. Our data support that specialized ECMO team is indispensable to improve outcomes in patients with AMI with refractory cardiogenic shock.

P800Proposal of an algorithm for the diagnosis of hypertension by using out-of-office blood pressure measurements

Background and purpose

Based on the data of patients who measured office BP (OBP) in controlled condition, home BP (HBP), and 24-hour ambulatory BP (24hABP) for diagnosis of hypertension, we developed and validated a diagnostic algorithm for hypertension.

Methods

Patients who have high BP (≥140/90 mmHg) at the outpatient clinic were referred to measure OBP in controlled condition, HBP and 24hABP. The OBP was measured three times at each visit for 3 days in controlled condition by using a validated oscillometric device. HBP was measured for 7 days in triplicates every morning and evening. The 24hABP was measured on the 8th day. Same study protocol was used for development and validation population.

Results

In the development of algorithm, 319 patients were recruited and data of 256 patients (51.8±9.7 years, 119 men) with valid HBP and 24hABP measurements were analyzed. In the validation of algorithm, 300 patients were recruited and data of 257 patients (52.4±9.8 years, 126 men) with valid HBP and 24hABP measurements were analyzed. In the development population, the prevalence of masked hypertension was 19.5% (n=50) and most of them (n=47, 94%) was in the range of 130–139/80–89 mmHg. The BP in the range of 130–144/80–94 mmHg was defined as the grey zone of OBP, because prevalence of white-coat hypertension was lowered to 1.6% from 4.3% with threshold of 145/95 mmHg. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of OBP was improved to 97.4%, 76.5, 96.5% and 81.3% after excluding the grey zone of OBP (n=125). The diagnostic agreement between 24hABP and HBP in the grey zone of OBP was 64%. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of HBP were 88.8%, 74.7, 93.5% and 61.5% after excluding the grey zone of HBP (130–134/80–84 mmHg, n=28). Based upon these results, we developed a diagnostic algorithm for hypertension by using on out-of-office BP measurements to improved diagnostic accuracy of hypertension (Figure). In the validation population, the developed algorithm showed similar diagnostic accuracy.

Diagnostic algorithm for hypertension

Conclusion

For accurate diagnosis of hypertension, OBP measurement according to guidelines and 24hABP measurement to grey zone of OBP is preferred. To improve diagnostic accuracy of HBP measurement, 24hABP measurement to grey zone of HBP is required.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Part of this study was supported by a grand from Dong-A ST Co. Ltd., Seoul, Korea.

1423Adherence to triple component antihypertensive regimen is higher in single-pill combination than two-pill regimen: data from a randomized controlled trial using medication event monitoring system

Background

Simplicity of regimen is known to be an important determinant of medication adherence and using single-pill combination (SPC) in hypertension treatment resulted in better adherence and persistence than free-equivalent combination. However, this finding has been studied only in dual-component antihypertensive treatments and in observational studies using medication possession ratio as an index of adherence. Medication event monitoring system (MEMS) is considered to be the gold standard in estimating medication adherence.

Purpose

To investigate the superiority in adherence of triple-component SPC compared to equivalent two-pill regimen using MEMS

Methods

This is a multi-center open-label randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria were hypertensive patients whose clinic blood pressure is not adequately controlled (systolic >140 mmHg or diastolic >90 mmHg) with combination antihypertensive regimen comprising two of three classes (angiotensin receptor blocker, calcium channel blocker and thiazide diuretics) for at least 4 weeks. Eligible patients were randomized either to single-pill (triple-component SPC, olmesartan/amlodipine/ hydrochlorothiazide 20/5/12.5 mg) or two-pill (dual-component SPC + one free pill, olmesartan/hydrochlorothiazide 20/12.5 mg + amlodipine 5 mg) groups and maintained for 12 weeks. Medications were dispensed in MEMS. Primary outcomes were the difference of percentage of dose taken (PDT) and percentage of days with prescribed dose taken correctly (PDTc) between single- and two-pill therapy, calculated from MEMS data.

Results

From 8 hospitals, 146 hypertensive patients were randomized into single- and two-pill groups. Final analysis was done in 65 and 66 patients in each group from which adherence index could be obtained. Baseline clinical characteristics of the two groups were not different. The single-pill group had significantly higher PDT and PDTc compared to the two-pill group. (median (25–75 percentile) (%), PDT 95.1 (87.9 - 100.0) vs 91.2 (79.8 - 96.5); PDTc 93.1 (79.8 - 96.5) vs 91.3 (70.7 - 96.4), p = both 0.04, by Wilcoxon rank sum test)

Percent dose taken

Conclusion

Single-pill combination of triple-component antihypertensive regimen showed superior adherence compared to equivalent two-pill therapy. Reducing pill burden by using SPC is a relevant strategy to enhance the adherence to multi-drug antihypertensive therapy.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Daiichi-Sankyo

Carbon Black and Titanium Interlayers Between Zinc Oxide Photo Electrode and Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Carbon black and titanium interlayers were deposited on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) anode layers using radio frequency magnetron sputtering method. On top of them, Zinc oxide (ZnO) photo anode layers were prepared using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition technique. ZnO high binding energy as well as good breakdown strength, cohesion, and stability used as a photo electrode material for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), but it does not have a good electrical contact to the FTO anode. To solve this problem, the carbon black and titanium interlayers were deposited. The effect of interlayers on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of DSSCs was investigated. The PCE of the devices with 120-nm-thick interlayers of carbon black or titanium was 5.21 or 4.45%, respectively, which were larger than the PCE of the devices without such interlayers (3.25%). The smooth interface of the carbon black interlayer reduced the interface impedance of the ZnO photo anode effectively. On the other hand, the titanium interlayer with TiO₂ on the ZnO side increased the impedance, and decreased the PCE.

Suicidal ideation in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis and its association with suspiciousness independent of depression

AIM

Psychotic experiences, including delusions and hallucinations, and their attenuated forms have been recently suggested as a significant but under-recognized marker of suicide risk. However, the relationship between attenuated positive symptoms and suicide has not yet been clearly demonstrated in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis. Here, we investigated the effect of attenuated positive symptoms on suicidal ideation in UHR individuals.

METHODS

Fifty-three healthy controls (HCs) and 74 UHR individuals participated in the present study. All participants were assessed for the intensity of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms at baseline. The effect of attenuated positive symptoms on suicidal ideation in the UHR group was examined using a multiple linear regression analysis after adjustment for concurrent depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

UHR participants were found to have significantly greater suicidal ideation and more severe depressive symptoms compared to those of HCs. The regression model demonstrated that suspiciousness significantly increased suicidal ideation in UHR participants, independent of the severity of depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study suggest that suspiciousness may serve as a risk indicator for suicide in clinical practice for UHR individuals. It is crucial to focus on the risk of suicide in the UHR population, as they require sufficient clinical attention and proper management for crises related to their unusual and confusing experiences.

Psychotic conversion of individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis: The potential roles of schizotypy and basic symptoms

AIM

To improve strategies for the early identification of individuals at a heightened risk for the development of psychosis, we investigated the relationships and interactions between 3 psychosis-proneness dimensions for the development of schizophrenia spectrum psychosis: schizotypy, basic symptoms and the ultra-high risk (UHR) criteria.

METHODS

Seventy-seven UHR individuals and 79 healthy controls were assessed for schizotypy and basic symptoms using self-report questionnaires at baseline. UHR participants were monthly assessed for conversion to psychosis over a mean period of 25.8 months.

RESULTS

Sixteen UHR participants (20.8%) converted to schizophrenia spectrum psychosis. In stepwise Cox regression, the interaction between basic symptoms and physical anhedonia was selected as a sole predictor of conversion in UHR participants, whereby the self-reported number of the 8 basic symptoms significantly increased the risk for conversion in those with pronounced physical anhedonia.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that questionnaire-assessed basic symptoms, irrespective of their predictive validity, may predict a psychotic breakdown in pre-identified UHR individuals who are with genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia. Including all 3 psychosis-proneness dimensions into prediction models might help establish a more valid pathogenetic model of schizophrenia, and moreover, may provide some clues about course alteration strategies in hopes of preventing UHR individuals from converting to psychosis.

Child and Parent Demographic Characteristics and Oral Health Perceptions Associated with Clinically Measured Oral Health

OBJECTIVE

To examine child and parent reports about the child's oral health and assess the associations of these reports with clinical assessments of oral health status by dental examiners.

METHODS

Surveys with 139 items for children and 133 items for parents were administered by Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview Software. In addition, the Children's Oral Health Status Index (COHSI) was computed from a dental examination.

RESULTS

A total of 334 families with children ages 8 to 17 y participated at 12 dental practices in Los Angeles County. Ordinary least squares regression models were estimated separately for child and parent surveys to identify items uniquely associated with the COHSI. Ten of 139 items the children reported regarding their oral health were associated with the COHSI. The strongest associations were found for child's age, aesthetic factors (straight teeth and pleased with teeth), and cognitive factors related to perception of dental appearance (pleased/happy with the look of the child's mouth, teeth, and jaws). Nine of 133 parent items about the child's oral health were associated with the COHSI in the parent model, notably being a single parent, parent's gender, parent born in the United States, pleased or happy with the look of their child's teeth, and accessing the Internet.

CONCLUSION

These child and parent survey items have potential to be used to assess oral health status for groups of children in programs and practices in lieu of dental screenings.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION STATEMENT

The paper's results inform the development of a toolkit that can be used by schools, public health agencies, and dental programs to identify children with low oral health status based on parents' and children's responses to survey items across demographic, physical, mental, and social domains. These survey items can be used to inform parents of the desirability of proactively addressing inadequacies in their child's oral health status, enabling them to more rationally address dental needs.

Abstract P3-12-12: Impact of regional nodal irradiation for breast cancer patients with supraclavicular and/or internal mammary lymph node involvement: A multicenter, retrospective study (KROG 16-14)

Purpose: To evaluate the treatment outcomes of radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer with ipsilateral supraclavicular (SCL) and/or internal mammary (IMN) lymph node involvement.

Methods: A total of 353 patients from 11 institutions were included. One hundred and thirty-six patients had SCL involvement, 148 had IMN involvement, and 69 had both. All patients received neoadjvant systemic therapy followed by breast conserving surgery or mastectomy, and postoperative RT to whole breast/chest wall. As for regional lymph node irradiation, SCL RT was given to 344 patients, and IMN RT to 236 patients. The median RT dose was 50.4 Gy.

Results: The median follow-up duration was 61 months (range, 7-173). In-field progression was present in SCL (n=20) and/or IMN (n=7). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival rates were 57.8% and 75.1%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, both SCL/IMN involvement, number of axillary lymph node ≥4, triple negative subtype, and mastectomy were significant adverse prognosticators for DFS (p = 0.022, 0.001, 0.001, and 0.004, respectively). Regarding the impact of regional nodal irradiation, SCL RT dose ≥54 Gy was not associated with DFS (5-yr rate, 52.9% vs. 50.9%, p = 0.696) in SCL-involved patients, and the receipt of IMN RT was not associated with DFS (5-yr rate, 56.1% vs. 78.1%, p = 0.099) in IMN-involved patients.

Conclusion: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and postoperative RT achieved an acceptable in-field regional control rate in patients with SCL and/or IMN involvement. However, a higher RT dose to SCL or IMN RT was not associated with the improved DFS in these patients.

Citation Format: Kim K, Jeong Y, Shin KH, Kim JH, Ahn SD, Kim SS, Suh C-O, Kim YB, Choi DH, Park W, Cha J, Chun M, Lee DS, Lee SY, Kim JH, Park HJ. Impact of regional nodal irradiation for breast cancer patients with supraclavicular and/or internal mammary lymph node involvement: A multicenter, retrospective study (KROG 16-14) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-12-12.