Prognostic Value of A/T/N Biomarkers: Comparing Plasma and Imaging Modalities in Alzheimer Disease.

Background: Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-β plaques (A), tau tangles (T), and neurodegeneration (N), collectively defining the ATN framework. While imaging biomarkers are well-established, the prognostic value of plasma biomarkers in predicting cognitive decline remains underexplored. This study compares plasma and imaging A/T/N biomarkers in predicting cognitive decline and evaluate the impact of combining biomarkers across modalities.

Clinical Utility of Salivary Steroid Profiling for the Differential Diagnosis of Adrenal Diseases.

Context: Although salivary steroid sampling offers several advantages, the diagnostic potential of salivary steroid metabolites remains largely unexplored.Objective To evaluate the diagnostic utility of salivary steroid profiling in patients with adrenal diseases.

Design: Prospective multicenter study.

The Clinical Impact of Intravascular Imaging-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients with High Thrombus Burden.

Despite the established clinical efficacy following intravascular imaging (IVI)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) than angiography-guided PCI, evidence regarding prognostic benefits of IVI-guided PCI in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with high thrombus burden remains limited. Using the nationwide registries of KAMIR-NIH and KAMIR-V, we evaluated the prognostic impact of IVI-guided PCI in AMI patients with high thrombus burden. A total of 4,074 patients with AMI and TIMI thrombus grades 4 or 5 who underwent aspiration thrombectomy were selected, of whom 892 patients (21.

Quality Matters: Effect of High-Quality Early Palliative Care in Advanced Cancer.

Context: Early palliative care (EPC) is an integral treatment for advanced cancer patients, improving quality of life and symptom management, but the impact of its quality on outcomes is less understood.

Objectives: This study aimed to quantify the quality of EPC and analyze its longitudinal association with depression levels, quality of life (QoL), patient survival, and self-management strategies in patients with advanced cancer.

Methods: This secondary analysis included 144 advanced cancer patients from a randomized controlled trial in South Korea.

Evolving Strategies for the Optimal Management of Common Bile Duct Stones.

Management of common bile duct (CBD) stones has evolved substantially with the advent of endoscopic techniques and dedicated high-end devices. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become a widespread essential technique for managing CBD stones, with high success rates in standard cases. However, for patients with large stones, stones in an impacted state, and stones in anatomically challenging regions, advanced strategies using various dedicated devices may be needed.

Left ventricular geometry and the risk of heavy coronary artery calcification in patients with pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease: the KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease (KNOW-CKD).

Background: The association between abnormal left ventricular geometry (LVG) patterns and the presence of coronary artery calcification is unclear in patients with CKD.

Methods: A total of 2,038 patients with pre-dialysis CKD at stages 1 to 5 were categorized by LVG patterns, which were echocardiographically determined by the presence or absence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and relative wall thickness (RWT): normal, concentric remodeling, eccentric LVH, and concentric LVH. The study outcome was the presence of heavy coronary artery calcification, which is defined as coronary artery calcium score >1,000 Agatston units.

The Change of Noncoding RNA Expression in Olfactory Bulb of Hepatic Encephalopathy Mouse Model: Transcriptomic Analysis and Cellular Analysis.

Objectives: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with cirrhosis and chronic liver disease primarily driven by ammonia (NH3) toxicity, which leads to neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. Recent studies have identified olfactory dysfunction as a potential early indicator of HE, linked to ammonia-induced neurotoxicity in the brain.

Methods: After confirming physiological alterations in olfactory cells induced by ammonia, we assessed gene expression changes in olfactory bulbs of bile duct ligation (BDL) mice as an HE mouse model.

OM-85 and Respiratory Symptoms in Korean COPD: A Multicenter Observational Study.

Background: Although OM-85 may lessen respiratory symptoms and reduce acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its overall effectiveness remains incompletely proven.

Methods: This prospective, observational, single-arm study was conducted at four university hospitals in South Korea from June 2022 to December 2023. Adults with spirometry-confirmed COPD who were prescribed OM-85 were enrolled and followed for six months (3-months treatment, 3-months observation).

Characteristics and management of mechanically ventilated patients in South Korea compared with other high-income Asian countries and regions.

Background: This study investigated the characteristics of mechanically ventilated patients in South Korean intensive care units (ICUs).

Methods: We conducted a subgroup analysis of a multinational observational study. Data from 271 mechanically ventilated patients in South Korean ICUs were analyzed for demographics, ventilation practices, and mortality, and were compared with those of 327 patients from other high-income Asian countries.

Immediate versus staged complete revascularisation during index admission in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease (OPTION-STEMI): a multicentre, non-inferiority, open-label, randomised trial.

Background: The optimal timing of complete revascularisation for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel coronary artery disease remains unclear. We aimed to assess whether immediate complete revascularisation was non-inferior to staged complete revascularisation during the index admission.

Methods: We conducted an open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial at 14 hospitals in South Korea.

Antitumor Effects of Metformin in Squamous Cell Carcinoma under Leptin Treatment Conditions.

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy with poor clinical outcomes. Metabolic syndrome components, including obesity-associated hyperleptinemia, may promote tumor progression. Leptin is an adipokine that is elevated in obesity and activates oncogenic pathways that drive cancer cell proliferation.

How Do Patient Outcomes in Mechanical Thrombectomy for Large-Core Stroke Vary Based on Neuroimaging Modalities Used for Patient Selection? A Multicenter Multinational Study.

The role of different imaging modalities-non-contrast CT (NCCT), CT perfusion (CTP), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-in selecting patients with large-core stroke for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a subject of ongoing debate. This study aims to determine whether patients with large-core acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing EVT triaged with CTP or DWI in addition to NCCT had different clinical outcomes compared to those only triaged with NCCT. We queried the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) for patients enrolled between 2014 and 2023 who presented with anterior-circulation AIS and large ischemic core (ASPECTS < 6) who underwent EVT in 41 stroke centers in the USA, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Association of mean platelet volume-to-platelet count ratio for 24-hour mortality in patients with severe trauma.

Mean platelet volume (MPV) may be associated with trauma patients' outcomes. However, the relationship between the MPV-to-platelet count ratio (MPR) and the result of severe trauma has not been reported. This study aimed to analyze and compare the prognostic performances of MPV and MPR in severe trauma.

Establishing consensus recommendations for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer in South Korea: A modified Delphi study.

Purpose: Consensus is lacking among South Korean urologists on the appropriate treatment of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). A modified, Delphi-based consensus on managing mHSPC patients was developed to support clinical decision-making.

Materials And Methods: Thirty-six questions on mHSPC treatment were developed by an expert committee (five urologists).

Dual red and near-infrared LED therapy inhibits MRSA biofilm in otitis media.

Otitis media (OM), particularly when caused by methicillin-resistant (MRSA), can become refractory due to biofilm formation, which contributes to resistance against conventional antimicrobial treatments. Photobiomodulation using light-emitting diode (LED) therapy has recently emerged as a promising non-antibiotic strategy for managing refractory infections by targeting biofilm-associated pathology. However, especially in the context of MRSA-induced OM, its therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated.

Comparison of Cytotoxicity and Photocatalytic Properties of Iron Vanadate Nanoparticles with Commercial Catalysts: For the Degradation of Microplastics and Bacterial Inactivation Application.

Microplastics (MPs) and the development of associated antibiotic-resistant bacteria are of serious concern. Conventional water treatment methodologies do not sufficiently address the issue of MPs and MPs-attached bacteria. The photocatalytic process is a promising technique that utilizes solar light to generate HO radicals for the degradation of MPs and inactivation of microorganisms.

Efficiency of Endoluminal Vacuum-Assisted Closure Therapy for Pharyngocutaneous Fistula.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure (EndoVAC) therapy for patients with pharyngocutaneous fistula by placing a sponge in the intraluminal pharyngeal space using a transoral approach. The authors retrospectively enrolled 12 patients with pharyngocutaneous fistula, who were treated with EndoVAC therapy from 2023 to 2024. Of the 12 patients, 10 patients had pharyngocutaneous fistula after surgery for head and neck malignancy, 1 patient had a leak in the pharyngoesophageal junction caused by bougienage, and 1 patient had a pharyngocutaneous fistula associated with antiphospholipid syndrome.

Cross-Reactive NSAID Hypersensitivity: Clinical Findings From Aspirin Provocation and Alternative Drug Challenge Testing.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity reactions are commonly reported but often overestimated due to reliance on clinical history alone. Accurate diagnosis and identification of safe alternative medications are essential for appropriate management. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical manifestations of NSAID hypersensitivity, assess the diagnostic value and safety of aspirin oral provocation testing, and investigate the tolerability of alternative medications, including acetaminophen, meloxicam, and celecoxib.

Targeting immunosenescence and inflammaging: advancing longevity research.

Here we examine the crucial role of the immune system in aging, with a particular focus on two interconnected processes: immunosenescence and inflammaging, which contribute to age-related decline. Our goal is to provide a thorough overview of the various factors that lead to immune aging while introducing therapeutic approaches that can partially restore immune function. Additionally, we discuss recent strategies that go beyond localized immune improvement to actively modulate immune balance, influencing systemic aging and extending healthspan.

Oxiracetam and physical activity in preventing cognitive decline after stroke: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, commissioned by South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, evaluated the effect of oxiracetam for preventing post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and explored potential interaction with physical activity using neuroimaging.

Patients And Methods: Patients at high risk of PSCI, reporting subjective cognitive decline ⩾3 months after stroke, were randomized 1:1 to receive oxiracetam or placebo for 36 weeks. Physical activity was tracked via wrist-worn actigraphy.

Large Language Models for CAD-RADS 2.0 Extraction From Semi-Structured Coronary CT Angiography Reports: A Multi-Institutional Study.

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of large language models (LLMs) in extracting Coronary Artery Disease-Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) 2.0 components from coronary CT angiography (CCTA) reports, and assess the impact of prompting strategies.

Materials And Methods: In this multi-institutional study, we collected 319 synthetic, semi-structured CCTA reports from six institutions to protect patient privacy while maintaining clinical relevance.

Effects of atorvastatin-loaded PEGylated liposomes delivered by magnetic stimulation for stroke treatment.

Background: Focused magnetic stimulation (MagStim) can temporarily and safely open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for target delivery. We investigated whether opening the BBB with MagStim and delivering atorvastatin-loaded PEGylated liposomes (LipoStatin) would work synergistically for subacute post-stroke treatment.

Methods: Two weeks after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), an injection of 15 mg/ml magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) was performed, followed by 30 minutes of MagStim, in subacute stroke models.

Adenomyosis-associated uterine rupture and pulmonary endometriosis mimicking advanced-stage uterine malignancy in an adolescent female: A case report.

Background: Uterine adenomyosis and pulmonary endometriosis are exceptionally rare in adolescents and can pose significant diagnostic challenges due to their nonspecific clinical presentation and imaging features, which may mimic malignancy. Here, we describe a case of adenomyosis-associated uterine rupture (secondary to hemorrhagic necrosis) and concurrent pulmonary endometriosis in a 16-year-old girl initially suspected of having advanced uterine cancer.

Case Summary: A 16-year-old girl presented with acute abdominal pain and oliguria.

Avenanthramide-C Mitigates High-Fat Diet-Accelerated Alzheimer's Pathologies via NOD1-Driven Neuroinflammation in 5×FAD Mice.

: Obesity is clinically known to be associated with an increased risk and aggravated pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). A high-fat diet (HFD), the major contributor to obesity, induces neuroinflammation and central insulin resistance, both of which are linked to synaptic dysfunction. Our previous studies demonstrated that avenanthramide-C (Avn-C), a natural oat-derived phenolic compound, exerts anti-inflammatory effects and alleviates synaptic dysfunction in conventional AD models.