Temporal Dynamics and Treatment Outcomes of Hepatitis C Virus/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection: A Multicenter Retrospective Study from South Korea.

Background/aims: Due to the very low incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in South Korea, epidemiological data on hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV coinfection are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with HCV/HIV coinfection in South Korea.

Methods: We retrospectively collected data from patients diagnosed with HCV/HIV coinfection at 12 academic hospitals in South Korea from 2009 to 2020.

Predicted pro-inflammatory high-sensitivity C-reactive protein score and inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study.

Background/aims: The role of pro-inflammatory factors in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), is not well understood. This study investigated the association between the predicted pro-inflammatory high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) score and IBD.

Methods: This study involved 127 case/non-case pairs matched by age and sex of participants who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy in Korea.

Integrating multi-ancestry genomic and proteomic data to identify blood risk biomarkers and target proteins for breast cancer genetic risk loci.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 200 risk loci for breast cancer. However, target genes and their encoded proteins in these loci remain largely unknown. In this study, we utilized genetic prediction models for 1349 circulating proteins derived from individuals of African (n = 1871) and European (n = 7213) ancestry to investigate genetically predicted protein levels in association with breast cancer risk among females of African (n = 40,138), Asian (n = 137,677), and European (n = 247,173) ancestry.

Association between corticosteroid use and fracture risk in children with asthma: A nationwide cohort study.

Background: Pediatric asthma, as a chronic inflammatory condition, has been associated with increased fracture risk due to persistent inflammation and corticosteroid treatment. This study investigates the association between pediatric asthma and fracture risk using data from the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea.

Methods: Children born from 2002 to 2004 were selected for the analysis, utilizing information from the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort up to 2019.

Low-intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction.

Rationale: Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) is a new way of treating erectile dysfunction using sound waves to help improve blood flow to the penis. No existing systematic reviews comparing LiSWT to placebo or other therapies for treating erectile dysfunction have used rigorous Cochrane methodology. Many existing studies appear to be of poor methodological quality, and several trials are ongoing, reflecting an evolving evidence base.

Identifying dietary patterns related to metabolic syndrome using the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with an increased risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and death from all causes. Dietary factors correlate with MetS, making diet a potential target for intervention. We used data from the 2012–2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 12 122) to identify a dietary pattern (DP) using thirty-nine predefined food groups as predictors.

Characteristics and Treatment Patterns of Patients with Haemophilia B Receiving Recombinant Coagulation Factor IX.

In Haemophilia B, guideline-level factor IX (FIX) prophylaxis is recommended, but real-world dosing and adherence vary. To assess treatment patterns, adherence, FIX dosing, and their associations with bleeding events in Korean patients. We conducted a retrospective chart review and one-time survey of 130 Korean patients with haemophilia B treated with FIX for ≥12 months at 12 centers (June 2022-May 2023).

Preliminary Study on the Development of a Biodegradable Functional Nasal Packing Material.

Introduction: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is commonly performed to treat paranasal sinus diseases, often necessitating nasal packing to control bleeding and aid healing. However, current materials can cause discomfort or lack adequate antibacterial properties. This study aimed to develop a biodegradable, biocompatible nasal packing material by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carbon dots (CDs), and to evaluate its antibacterial activity and tissue compatibility.

Establishment of an Orthotopic and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Mouse Model Using a Tissue Adhesive-Based Implantation Method.

To overcome the limitations of conventional CRC (colorectal cancer) mouse models in replicating metastasis and enabling efficient therapeutic evaluation, we developed a novel implantation method using tissue adhesive to establish reproducible orthotopic and metastatic tumors. Conventional models using injection or suturing techniques often suffer from technical complexity, inconsistent tumor establishment, and limited metastatic reliability. We developed and validated a novel orthotopic and metastatic CRC model utilizing tissue adhesive for tumor transplantation.

Classification and influencing factors of depression and anxiety progression during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to classify latent profiles based on the temporal progression of depression and anxiety during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and explored factors influencing these trajectories. An online survey was conducted with 497 South Korean individuals aged 19 to 69 years in three rounds: the first half of 2020 (Round 1), the second half of 2020 (Round 2), and the first half of 2023 (Round 3). A growth mixture model categorized latent profiles based on the progression of depression and anxiety and examined influencing factors.

Current treatment status of fabry disease in South Korea: a longitudinal National health insurance service data-based study.

Background: Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disease caused by a mutation of the gene that encodes the α-galactosidase A enzyme. Treatment for FD is based on an enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), such as agalsidase-β, agalsidase-α, and migalastat. However, studies analyzing effects and outcomes of ERT in FD patients in South Korea are limited.

Combined impact of prediabetes and fatty liver index on cardiometabolic outcomes and mortality in middle aged adults: a nationwide cohort study.

Background: To investigate the combined effect of prediabetes and fatty liver index on incident diabetes (DM), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and mortality in middle-aged adults.

Methods: A nationwide cohort study was conducted involving 1,182,751 middle-aged adults aged 40 to 65 years, all of whom had no history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. The primary outcomes of our study included incident DM, composite MACE and all-cause mortality.

-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors as novel M1 macrophage-specific biomedical imaging nanoplatform agents: feasibility of targeted imaging in an inflammatory mice model.

-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-antibody-labeled mesoporous silica nanoparticles (NMDAR-PEG-DID@MSNs) were developed as a fluorescence imaging tool for M1 macrophage-associated inflammatory diseases. The nanoparticles were synthesized by conjugating NMDAR antibodies, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and the fluorescent dye DID onto mesoporous silica nanoparticles. Their imaging capability was evaluated in chronic (turpentine induced) and acute (lipopolysaccharide and carrageenan-induced) inflammation models, as well as for monitoring the anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone.

Barriers to Clinical Trial Enrollment: KCSG Survey-Based Perspectives of Medical Oncologists, Patients, and Their Caregivers.

Purpose: Despite the critical role of clinical trials in advancing cancer treatment, patient enrollment remains challenging in South Korea. We aimed to identify key barriers to clinical trial participation from the perspectives of medical oncologists, patients, and caregivers.

Materials And Methods: Two web-based surveys were conducted in August 2022: one involving 100 KCSG-affiliated medical oncologists, and another involving 100 cancer patients and 100 caregivers.

Patients' Preferences for Gastric Cancer Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study on Decision-Making in Multidisciplinary Treatment Strategies.

Purpose: Decisions regarding gastric cancer treatment affect patient outcomes and quality of life (QOL); nonetheless, factors influencing patient preferences remain unclear. This study investigated the preferences for the extent of gastrectomy, minimally invasive surgery, and adjuvant therapy while identifying the key determinants.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 240 respondents, including patients with gastric cancer and the general population, assessed their preferences for the extent of gastrectomy, surgical modality, adjuvant therapy, palliative systemic therapy, and endoscopic therapy.

Safety and Efficacy of Reduced-Port Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter, Randomized, Non-inferiority Trial (KLASS-12).

Purpose: This trial (KLASS-12) compares the efficacy and safety of reduced-port laparoscopic gastrectomy (RPLG) versus conventional 5-port laparoscopic gastrectomy (CPLG) for early gastric cancer (EGC).

Materials And Methods: This multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial enrolled patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma (T1N0M0) at 15 university hospitals in Korea. Participants underwent RPLG or CPLG with at least D1+ lymph node dissection.

Cytotoxic Lesions of the Corpus Callosum Preceding Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome in Hypernatremia and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State: A Case Report.

Osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is a rare neurological disorder associated with osmotic imbalances. Traditionally, ODS has been known to occur following the rapid correction of hyponatremia; however, ODS has also been reported concerning hypernatremia and hyperglycemia. Cytotoxic lesions of the corpus callosum (CLOCC), identified using transient magnetic resonance imaging, can arise from various causes, including drugs, vascular diseases, infections, and metabolic disturbances such as electrolyte imbalances and dysglycemia.

A Case of Cystinuria With Compound Heterozygous Mutations Both in and Genes.

Cystinuria is an autosomal recessively inherited genetic disorder, and is typically classified into type A, caused by mutations in , or type B, caused by mutations in . While the predominance of the genotypes varies among countries, due to lack of a large scale cohort, the characterization of mutations in or is still limited in East Asia. A 61-year-old male patient admitted to the department of nephrology, with a chief complaint of fever, chillness and left flank pain for a week.

Association Between Vasoactive Inotropic Score and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Fulminant Myocarditis.

Background And Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) in patients with fulminant myocarditis according to the application of venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO).

Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 417 patients with biopsy-proven or clinically suspected fulminant myocarditis from 7 hospitals in Korea. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause death, heart transplantation, or the use of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) at 1 year.

Non-culprit Lesion Location and FFR-guided Revascularization in Acute Myocardial Infarction With Multivessel Disease: FRAME-AMI Substudy.

Background And Objectives: The prognosis of unrevascularized non-culprit lesions (NCLs) and the benefits of non-culprit percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may depend on their functional significance and location in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel coronary disease (MVD). We investigated the differential outcomes of fractional flow reserve (FFR) versus angiography-guided PCI for NCL between the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and non-LAD arteries.

Methods: This was a prespecified post hoc analysis of the FRAME-AMI trial.

Real-world Application of the Chicago Classification Version 4.0 for Esophageal Manometry: Asian Multicenter Study.

Background/aims: The Chicago classification version 4.0 (CC v4.0) proposes a standardized high-resolution manometry protocol for more sophisticated diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders.

Preventable Cancers Caused by Infection in Korea From 2015 to 2030.

Background: To contribute to evidence-based cancer prevention policies, we conducted a systematic assessment to estimate the burden of infection-related cancers in South Korea. We estimated the population-attributable fraction (PAF) of each cancer attributable to the causally related infectious agents between 2015 and 2030.

Methods: The relative risks of cancer due to infectious agents were calculated using a meta-analysis of results from large-scale Korean cohort studies combined with results from a systematic review of South Korean studies.