A nationwide survey on the curriculum and educational resources related to the Clinical Skills Test of the Korean Medical Licensing Examination: a cross-sectional descriptive study.

Purpose: The revised Clinical Skills Test (CST) of the Korean Medical Licensing Exam aims to provide a better assessment of physicians' clinical competence and ability to interact with patients. This study examined the impact of the revised CST on medical education curricula and resources nationwide, while also identifying areas for improvement within the revised CST.

Methods: This study surveyed faculty responsible for clinical clerkships at 40 medical schools throughout Korea to evaluate the status and changes in clinical skills education, assessment, and resources related to the CST.

Precision screening with sequential multi-algorithm reclassification technique (SMART): Saving bladders from unnecessary cystectomy.

Bladder cancer, when diagnosed at an advanced stage, often necessitates inevitable invasive intervention. Consequently, non-invasive biosensor-based cancer detection and AI-based precision screening are being actively employed. However, the misclassification of cancer patients as normal-referred to as false negatives-remains a significant concern, as it could lead to fatal outcomes in lifespan.

Self-Rectifying Resistive Memory with a Ferroelectric and 2D Perovskite Lateral Heterostructure.

Integration of resistive switching and rectification functions in a single memory device is promising for high writing/readout accuracy with a simplified device architecture, but the realization remains challenging, especially with a low voltage operation. Herein, we developed self-rectifying resistive memory with a single memristive layer that can be operated at ultralow voltages with an excellent rectification ratio. The memristive layer consisted of a phase-separated lateral heterostructure of a ferroelectric polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride--trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)], and a 2D halide perovskite, butylammonium lead iodide (BAPbI), which could be readily fabricated by spin-casting.

Cardiovascular risk prediction in hemodialysis patients using the triglyceride-glucose index: a multicenter prospective cohort study.

Background: Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has recently been established as an indicator of insulin resistance and has predictive value for cardiovascular (CV) disease. However, the clinical significance of the TyG index in patients undergoing hemodialysis remains unknown.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 759 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.

Expanded Hemodialysis with Theranova Dialyzer and Residual Kidney Function in Incident Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: Expanded hemodialysis (HD) using a medium cut-off dialyzer improves the clearance of middle-molecular toxins compared to conventional HD. This study evaluated the effect of expanded HD on preserving residual kidney function in incident HD patients.

Methods: Patients who initiated HD were randomized to receive dialysis with either a Theranova 400 (Baxter) or a high-flux dialyzer with a similar surface area over 12 months.

The Beneficial Effects of Alpha-Blockers, Antimuscarinics, Beta 3-Agonist, and PDE5-Inhibitors for Ureteral Stent-Related Discomfort: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from KSER Update Series.

: Ureteral stents are widely used in the field of urology but can cause varying degrees of side effects. This study utilized a network meta-analysis to evaluate stent-related discomfort (SRD) in patients with alpha-blockers (alfuzosin, tamsulosin, and silodosin), antimuscarinics (solifenacin), beta 3-agonists (mirabegron), and phosphodiesterase 5-inhibitors (tadalafil) versus a placebo. : Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2006 to 2021 were identified from electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.

Palbociclib plus endocrine therapy versus capecitabine in premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer (Young-PEARL): overall survival analysis of a randomised, open-label, phase 2 study.

Background: The phase 2 randomised Young-PEARL study demonstrated that palbociclib plus exemestane with ovarian function suppression significantly prolonged progression-free survival compared with capecitabine in premenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. Here, we report results of the protocol-specified secondary endpoint of overall survival.

Methods: Young-PEARL was a multicentre, randomised, open-label, phase 2 study conducted at 14 institutions in South Korea.

Metal-to-metal charge transfer for stabilizing high-voltage redox in lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes.

Apart from conventional redox chemistries, exploring high-voltage anionic redox processes, such as pure oxygen or high-valent transition metal ion redox, poses challenges due to the instability of O nonbonding or O-dominant energy states. These states are associated with destructive behaviors in layered oxide cathodes, including local structural distortion, cationic disordering, and oxygen gas evolution. In this study, we suppress first-cycle voltage hysteresis and irreversible O evolution in Li-rich oxide cathodes through covalency competition induced by the substitution of electropositive groups.

Microcapillary-Derived Plasmonic-Enhanced Cluster through the Self-Assembly Process for Breast Cancer Diagnosis.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a powerful system for cancer diagnosis, leveraging its unique advantages by combining the high sensitivity of the SERS technique with the advanced classification capabilities provided by computing power. While previous studies have yielded significant results through using exosomes, miRNA, and phenotypic biomarkers for detecting breast cancer, these methods frequently entail time-consuming and complex pretreatment steps, demanding highly skilled handling. Here, we present a free-label SERS platform with faster sampling without any pretreat using blood plasma for breast cancer diagnosis.

Ameliorative effects of root and rhizome extract on high fat diet‑induced obesity in mice through regulation of the SIRT1/PGC1α/AMPK pathways in muscle and liver tissues.

Asiasarum root and rhizome () is commonly used as a diaphoretic. Due to its warm and pungent characteristics in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine, it is considered as having the potential to prevent disease. The present study investigated the effects of extract on the symptoms of obesity in mice, and the regulation of energy metabolism in the liver and skeletal muscle tissues.

Effects of Chemotherapy (Anthracyclin, Cyclophosphamide following Docetaxel Regimen) on Sleep, Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Introduction: Chemotherapy can cause sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and decreased quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to compare sleep, anxiety, depression, and QoL during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer to provide appropriate treatment at the appropriate time.

Methods: This prospective study included patients with breast cancer who received chemotherapy at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital.

Comparison of Robot-Assisted, Laparoscopic, and Open Radical Prostatectomy Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis from KSER Update Series.

: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate and compare the perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) with open radical prostatectomy (ORP) in patients with prostate cancer. A comprehensive literature search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library for papers published before May 2021. Only studies of patients with prostate cancer that assessed perioperative, functional, and oncological outcomes and reported outcome values were included.

Highly Crystalline Contorted Coronene Homologous Molecule as Superior Organic Anode Material for Full-Cell Li-Ion Batteries.

Organic anode materials have garnered attention for use in rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their lightweight, cost-effectiveness, and tunable properties. However, challenges such as high electrolyte solubility and limited conductivity, restrict their use in full-cell LIBs. Here, we report the use of highly crystalline Cl-substituted contorted hexabenzocoronene (Cl-cHBC) as an efficient organic anode for full-cell LIBs.

Reactive Oxygen Species Resistive Redox Mediator in Lithium-Oxygen Batteries.

The utilization of redox mediators (RMs) in lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) has underscored their utility in high overpotential during the charging process. Among the currently known RMs, it is exceptionally challenging to identify those with a redox potential capable of attenuating singlet oxygen (O) generation while resisting degradation by reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as O and superoxide (O ). In this context, computational and experimental approaches for rational molecular design have led to the development of 7,7'-bi-7-azabicyclo[2.

Toward Long-Life High-Voltage Aqueous Li-Ion Batteries: from Solvation Chemistry to Solid-Electrolyte-Interphase Layer Optimization Against Electron Tunneling Effect.

Water is pursued as an electrolyte solvent for its non-flammable nature compared to traditional organic solvents, yet its narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) limits its performance. Solvation chemistry design is widely adopted as the key to suppress the reactivity of water, thereby expanding the ESW. In this study, an acetamide-based ternary eutectic electrolyte achieved an ESW ranging from 1.

Achieving Precise Control Over the Molecular Periphery of Dibenzoixenes Through Modular Synthesis.

Nanographenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, both finite forms of graphene, are promising organic semiconducting materials because their optoelectronic and magnetic properties can be modulated through precise control of their molecular peripheries. Several atomically precise edge structures have been prepared by bottom-up synthesis; however, no systematic elucidation of these edge topologies at the molecular level has been reported. Herein, we describe rationally designed modular syntheses of isomeric dibenzoixenes with diverse molecular peripheries, including cove, zigzag, bay, fjord, and gulf structured.

Achieving Enhanced High-Temperature Performance of Lithium-Ion Batteries via Salt-Inspired Interfacial Engineering.

Electrolyte additive engineering enables the creation of long-lasting interfacial layers that protect electrodes, thus extending the lifetime of high-energy lithium-ion batteries employing Ni-rich Li[NiCoMn]O (NCM) cathodes. However, batteries face various limitations if existing additives are employed alone without an appropriate combination. Herein, the study reports the development of a molecular-engineered salt-type multifunctional additive, lithium bis(phosphorodifluoridate) triethylammonium ethenesulfonate (LiPENS), that leverages the different functionalities of phosphorous, nitrogen, and sulfur-embedded motifs, as well as the classical additive vinylene carbonate (VC), to construct protective interfacial layers.

Association Between Transient Hemodialysis and Risk of Bleeding During Peritoneal Dialysis Catheterization.

: Although the risk of serious bleeding following peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion is low, pericannular bleeding can increase the risk of catheter-related infections and reduce catheter survival. We aimed to analyze the risk factors for bleeding complications during peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion and assess whether temporary preemptive hemodialysis before catheterization can reduce bleeding and improve catheter survival. : We retrospectively analyzed bleeding complications and catheter survival in patients who underwent temporary hemodialysis prior to peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion.

Diagnosis of early-stage bladder cancer via unprocessed urine samples at the point of care.

Diagnostic kits for the optical detection of bladder cancer in urine can facilitate effective screening and surveillance. However, the heterogeneity of urine samples, owing to patients with bladder cancer often presenting with haematuria, interfere with the transduction of the optical signal. Here we describe the development and point-of-care performance of a device for the detection of bladder cancer that obviates the need for sample processing.

Risk factors for urinary retention after robot-assisted radical cystectomy with orthotopic neobladder diversion: a multicenter study.

To determine risk factors for urinary retention (UR) after robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RALC) with orthotopic neobladder diversion. A total of 269 patients who underwent RALC with orthotopic neobladder diversion from 2008 to 2019 at seven tertiary hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. There were 68 patients who had UR (UR arm) and 201 patients who did not have UR (no-UR arm).

Regulating Entanglement Networks of Fibrillatable Binders for Sub-20-µm Thick, Robust, Dry-Processed Solid Electrolyte Membranes in All-Solid-State Batteries.

Despite significant advancements in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs), the reliance on thick solid electrolyte (SE) membranes hinders their commercial viability. Although the dry process using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) binder is proposed for thin SE membranes, a comprehensive understanding of the correlation between PTFE fibrillation and SE membrane quality remains lacking. Here an important guidance is provided for producing durable SE membranes that can be reduced to sub-20-µm thickness by regulating the entanglement networks of PTFE.

Evaluation of a basic-clinical integrated pharmacology case-based learning program from a student perspective using the CIPP model.

Purpose: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of case-based learning (CBL) within a basic-clinical integrated educational program using the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) evaluation model.

Methods: The CBL program was integrated into the Pharmacology-Clinical Case Practice component of the pharmacology course, a mandatory course for first-year medical students. To evaluate the program, a CIPP model-based questionnaire was developed, assessing needs, goals, resources, educational management, and outcomes.

Clinicopathological Factors Predicting Pathological Complete Response to Neoadjuvant Anti-HER2 Therapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.

Introduction: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapies have shown effectiveness against HER2-positive breast cancer. This makes neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) a valuable option for treating both early and advanced stages of the disease. The tumor's response to HER2-targeted NAC provides crucial prognostic information.