Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is an ongoing issue in certain populations, presenting rapidly worsening pneumonia and persistent symptoms. This study aimed to test the predictability of rapid progression using radiographic scores and laboratory markers and present longitudinal changes. This retrospective study included 218 COVID-19 pneumonia patients admitted at the Chungnam National University Hospital. Rapid progression was defined as respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation within one week of hospitalization. Quantitative COVID (QCOVID) scores were derived from high-resolution computed tomography (CT) analyses: (1) ground glass opacity (QGGO), (2) mixed diseases (QMD), and (3) consolidation (QCON), and the sum, quantitative total lung diseases (QTLD). Laboratory data, including inflammatory markers, were obtained from electronic medical records. Rapid progression was observed in 9.6% of patients. All QCOVID scores predicted rapid progression, with QMD showing the best predictability (AUC = 0.813). In multivariate analyses, the QMD score and interleukin(IL)-6 level were important predictors for rapid progression (AUC = 0.864). With >2 months follow-up CT, remained lung lesions were observed in 21 subjects, even after several weeks of negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test. AI-driven quantitative CT scores in conjugation with laboratory markers can be useful in predicting the rapid progression and monitoring of COVID-19.

Park SB, et al. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2017 Jun;47(3):154-164. https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2017.47.3.154

The purpose of this study is to ascertain the morphological characteristics of the extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon variation using larger-scale dissection of Korean cadavers and to classify the types of variation along with incidence. A total of 158 feet from adult formalin-fixed cadavers (50 males, 29 females) were dissected. The morphological characteristics and measurements of the EHL tendon variants were evaluated. Three types of the EHL tendon variation were classified, wherein the most common type was Type 2 (106 feet, 67.1%), Type 3 (3 feet, 1.9%) was the rarest type, and Type 1 without accessory tendon was found in 49 feet (31.0%). Type 2K (11 feet, 7%) and Type 3K (1 foot, 0.6%) were described as new subtypes. The present study suggests morphological characteristics of the EHL tendon variation in Korean populations and high morphological variability of the EHL tendon along with the possibility of differences according to race or ethnicity and gender. Furthermore, a newly updated classification complemented by new subtypes of variation will help foot and ankle surgeons in diagnosis and surgical planning with hallux problems.

This study aims to propose a regression equation for estimating stature in the Korean population using metatarsal bones from cadavers and to validate the appropriateness of the Korean-specific equation by comparing it to equations from other populations. A total of 81 adult formalin-fixed cadavers (51 males and 30 females) were evaluated. The first and second metatarsal bones’ physiological and maximal lengths were measured, and the cadaveric stature of the subjects was determined as the distance from the vertex to the plantar face of the heel. In all measurements, the correlation coefficient between real stature and metatarsal length was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Additionally, both sexes showed a correlation between stature and metatarsal bone length. For unknown sex, M1 (first metatarsal maximal length) showed the strongest association between stature and metatarsal length. The following is the appropriate regression equation: 1172.4913 + 7.3275M1 (R = 0.703). The current equation demonstrated a statistically significant appropriateness for the Korean population when compared to equations for other populations (p < 0.001). In conclusion, we proposed a Korean-specific regression equation for estimating stature using metatarsal length, and this formula may be more appropriate and useful in forensic science for the Korean population.

Jeong HG, et al. Anat Biol Anthropol. 2022 Dec;35(4):153-156. https://doi.org/10.11637/aba.2022.35.4.153