Cutaneous lupus erythematosus and its association with systemic lupus erythematosus: A nationwide population-based cohort study in Korea

Although lupus erythematosus is known to be more common among women of color, the study populations in previous reports were predominantly Caucasian and there is scarce information on Asian patients. Therefore, we performed a retrospective study using a nationwide population-based cohort in South Korea. The average annual incidence of cutaneous lupus was 4.36/100 000. Among 634 patients with cutaneous lupus, 20.8% had systemic disease: cutaneous lupus was diagnosed before systemic lupus in 4.26% and after systemic lupus in 8.52%. More female patients than male patients developed systemic lupus erythematosus. The average time to progression to systemic lupus was 1.53 ± 1.46 years.     

The Efficacy of Lymph Node Embolization Using N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Compared to Ethanol Sclerotherapy in the Management of Symptomatic Lymphorrhea after Pelvic Surgery

Purpose

To compare the efficacy of lymph node (LN) embolization using N-butyl cyanoacrylate versus ethanol sclerotherapy in the management of symptomatic postoperative pelvic lymphorrhea.

Silsesquioxane‐Containing Hybrid Nanomaterials: Fascinating Platforms for Advanced Applications

Silsesquioxanes (SSQs), with the general formula, (RSiO_1.5)_n—where R stands for an organic group, such as alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, or H—are a type of molecular‐level organic/inorganic hybrid silica‐based material. These materials contain reactive or nonreactive organic moieties as well as inorganic Si–O–Si frameworks. In the past few years, extensive efforts have been made using SSQs to construct multifunctional nanocomposites with suitable properties for a range of applications. In this review, the recent various applications of SSQ‐containing hybrid materials are discussed, in addition to updates of the nanocomposite applications. Various physical structures and chemical reactions in SSQ‐based hybrid nanomaterials are emphasized with regard to applications in the field of polymer nanocomposites, catalysts, adsorption, sensors, and biomedicine. This review focuses on results reported in the recent five years (2013–2018).     

Optimizing perioperative Crohn’s disease management: Role of coordinated medical and surgical care

AIM: To investigate rates of re-establishing gastroenterology care, colonoscopy, and/or initiating me-dical therapy after Crohn’s disease(CD) surgery at a tertiary care referral center.METHODS: CD patients having small bowel or ileocolonic resections with a primary anastomosis between 2009-2012 were identified from a tertiary academic referral center. CD-specific features, medications, and surgical outcomes were abstracted from the medical record. The primary outcome measure was compliance rates with medical follow-up within 4 wk of hospital discharge and surveillance colonoscopy within 12 mo of surgery. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients met study inclusion criteria with 92%(n = 81) of patients returning for surgical follow-up compared to only 41%(n = 36) of patients with documented gastroenterology follow-up within four-weeks of hospital discharge, P < 0.05. Factors associated with more timely postoperative medical follow-up included younger age, longer length of hospitalization, postoperative biologic use and academic center patients. In the study cohort, 75.0% of patients resumed medical therapy within 12 mo, whereas only 53.4% of patients underwent a colonoscopy within 12 mo of surgery.CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the need for coordinated CD multidisciplinary clinics and structured handoffs among providers to improve of quality of care in the postoperative setting.