Isolation of New Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria from the Vaginal Microbiome of Postmenopausal Women and their Probiotic Characteristics.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), traditionally consumed as fermented foods, are now being applied to the medical field beyond health-functional food as probiotics. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously discover and evaluate new strains with suitable probiotic characteristics, mainly focusing on safety. In this study, we isolated eight new strains from postmenopausal vaginal fluid using culturomics approaches, an emerging area of interest.

Adverse impact of metabolic dysfunction on fibrosis regression following direct-acting antiviral therapy: A multicenter study for chronic hepatitis C.

Background/aims: Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) effectively eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study investigated whether metabolic dysfunction influences the likelihood of fibrosis regression after DAA treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study included 8,819 patients diagnosed with CHC who were treated with DAAs and achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) between January 2014 and December 2022.

Effects of Polymer Matrix and Atmospheric Conditions on Photophysical Properties of a Cesium Lead Bromide (CsPbBr) Perovskite Quantum Dot.

Understanding the environment-dependent stability and photoluminescence (PL) properties of advanced perovskite materials remains a challenge with conflicting views. Herein, we investigated the influence of the host matrix (poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS)) and atmospheric conditions (ambient and N) on the PL properties of a CsPbBr perovskite quantum dot (PQD) using single-particle spectroscopy. Despite the same PL blinking mechanism, the PL properties of the PQD were considerably affected by the environmental conditions.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Recurrent Thyroid Cancers: 2025 Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology Guideline.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.

Cohort profile: Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Rare Pediatric Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases in Korea (OUTSPREAD study).

Rare endocrine diseases are complex conditions that require lifelong specialized care due to their chronic nature and associated long-term complications. In Korea, a lack of nationwide data on clinical practice and outcomes has limited progress in patient care. Therefore, the Multicenter Networks for Ideal Outcomes of Pediatric Rare Endocrine and Metabolic Disease (OUTSPREAD) study was initiated.

Curcumin and Its Potential to Target the Glycolytic Behavior of Lactate-Acclimated Prostate Carcinoma Cells with Docetaxel.

Dysregulated cellular metabolism is known to be associated with drug resistance in cancer treatment. In this study, we investigated the impact of cellular adaptation to lactic acidosis on intracellular energy metabolism and sensitivity to docetaxel in prostate carcinoma (PC) cells. The effects of curcumin and the role of hexokinase 2 (HK2) in this process were also examined.

PM2.5 Exposure Triggers Hypothalamic Oxidative and ER Stress Leading to Depressive-like Behaviors in Rats.

Epidemiological studies have linked fine dust pollution to depression, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are known contributors to depression, but their induction by particulate matter (PM), particularly PM2.5, in animal models has been limited.

Efficacy of Fruit Extract in Hangover Mitigation: Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Evaluation.

The fruit of Thunb. (HD) is renowned for its medicinal properties and is rich in bioactive compounds, traditionally used in East Asian medicine as a natural antidote for alcohol intoxication. A randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo (PLA)-controlled clinical trial was conducted to compare the effects of beverages containing 0.

Clinical Evaluation of Extract Combinations for Effective Hangover Relief in Humans.

Alcohol consumption is associated with both short- and long-term adverse effects, including hangover symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine the potential benefits of traditional beverages containing a combination of extract (HD) with either extract (HDPB) or glutathione yeast extract (HDGB) in abbreviating alcohol intoxication and mitigating hangover symptoms. A total of 25 participants between the ages of 19 and 40 who had previously experienced a hangover were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo (PLA)-controlled clinical trial.

Kir4.1 and Aqp4 Contribution to Schisis Cystic Water Accumulation and Clearance in the Rs1 Exon-1 Del XLRS Rat Model.

Background/objective: The Rs1 exon-1-del rat (Rs1KO) XLRS model shows normal retinal development until postnatal day 12 (P12) when small cystic spaces start to form in the inner nuclear layer. These spaces enlarge rapidly, peak at P15, and then collapse by P19.

Methods: We explored the possible involvement of Kir4.

Expert Consensus on Developing Information and Communication Technology-Based Patient Education Guidelines for Rheumatic Diseases in the Korea.

Background: This study aimed to identify key priorities for the development of guidelines for information and communication technology (ICT)-based patient education tailored to the needs of patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs) in the Republic of Korea, based on expert consensus.

Methods: A two-round modified Delphi study was conducted with 20 rheumatology, patient education, and digital health literacy experts. A total of 35 items covering 7 domains and 18 subdomains were evaluated.

Gaps and Similarities in Research Use LOINC Codes Utilized in Korean University Hospitals: Towards Semantic Interoperability for Patient Care.

Background: The accuracy of Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) mappings is reportedly low, and the LOINC codes used for research purposes in Korea have not been validated for accuracy or usability. Our study aimed to evaluate the discrepancies and similarities in interoperability using existing LOINC mappings in actual patient care settings.

Methods: We collected data on local test codes and their corresponding LOINC mappings from seven university hospitals.

COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations for 2024-2025 in Korea.

The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases has been regularly publishing guidelines for adult immunization since 2007. Following the release of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination recommendations in 2023, significant changes have occurred due to the emergence of new variant strains and the waning immunity from previous vaccinations. This article provides a comprehensive update as of November 2024, incorporating the latest evidence and guidelines.

Co-administration of polyethylene glycol with binge ethanol reduces markers of intestinal and hepatic inflammation in C57BL/6J mice by diminishing ethanol absorption through the intestinal wall.

Background: Therapeutic options for managing intestinal and hepatic inflammation associated with alcohol consumption, a prevalent health problem worldwide, remain unavailable. This study examines the potential efficacy of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in mitigating the intestinal and hepatic damage, employing a mouse model for assessment.

Methods: First, the mixture of ethanol (4 g/kg body weight) and PEG (2 g/kg body weight) or an equivalent volume of vehicle was administered orally alcohol consumption.

Tau reduction impairs nephrocyte function in Drosophila.

Tau, a microtubule-associated protein, is known for its significant involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. While various molecular and immunohistochemical techniques have confirmed the presence of Tau in podocytes, its precise function within these cells remains elusive. In this study, we investigate the role of Tau in kidney podocytes using Drosophila pericardial nephrocytes as a model.

Study Protocol of the Korean EGFR Registry: A Multicenter Prospective and Retrospective Cohort Study in Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Patients With EGFR Mutation.

Introduction: The provision of treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has increased in Korea. However, multicenter studies on the clinicopathologic dataset and treatment outcomes, using a large-scale dataset, have not been conducted. The current study is a prospective and retrospective multicenter observational cohort study that registers all stages of EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and hyperuricemia/gout in the general population: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Hyperuricemia and gout may be associated with OSA, but large-scale studies on this are limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between hyperuricemia/gout and OSA using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES).

Impact of perforation following self-expandable metal stent as a bridge to surgery for malignant colorectal obstruction: a multicenter study of the Research Group for Stent in the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Background And Aims: Self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are effective in alleviating malignant colorectal obstruction. However, bowel perforation following SEMS placement remains a significant concern, as it can adversely affect oncological outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the recurrence and overall survival rates associated with SEMS-related bowel perforations.

Impact of Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Colonization on Clinical Characteristics, Antibiotic Treatment, and Clinical Outcomes of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia.

Purpose: To determine effects of colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) in general wards on characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP).

Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with HAP admitted to 16 tertiary or university hospitals in Korea from July 2019 to December 2019. From the entire cohort, patients who developed pneumonia in general wards with known colonization status before the onset of pneumonia were included in this study.

Optimizing Triage in Chemical Disasters: Validation of Modified IGSA Criteria for Hydrofluoric Acid Exposure.

Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate the modified irritant gas syndrome agent (IGSA) criteria, utilizing readily available triage information and epidemiologic data to efficiently segregate patients based on the severity of hydrofluoric acid (HFA) exposure.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 160 patients exposed to HFA was performed to develop the criteria and assess the criteria's efficacy, focusing on age, respiratory rate, and compliance with IGSA standards. The criteria's validity was assessed by comparing clinical outcomes between patients meeting the modified IGSA (mIGSA) criteria and those who did not as external and internal.

Role of Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone Stimulation Test and Autoantibody in 952 Subjects with Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

Context: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is characterized by elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and normal free thyroxine (fT4) levels. In upper normal TSH levels, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test proved to be useful in identifying an exaggerated TSH response.

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the incidence and predictive ability of basal TSH, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) for exaggerated TRH stimulation test in SCH.

Survey of the Actual Practices Used for Endoscopic Removal of Colon Polyps in Korea: A Comparison with the Current Guidelines.

Background/aims: We investigated the clinical practice patterns of Korean endoscopists for the endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps.

Methods: From September to November 2021, an online survey was conducted regarding the preferred resection methods for colorectal polyps, and responses were compared with the international guidelines.

Results: Among 246 respondents, those with <4 years, 4-9 years, and ≥10 years of experience in colonoscopy practices accounted for 25.

Measuring Medical Waste from Gastrointestinal Endoscopies in South Korea to Estimate Their Carbon Footprint.

Background/aims: Although gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) is a major contributor to the carbon footprint of national healthcare, the amount of medical waste generated by GIE procedures is not reported in South Korea. This study aimed to measure the amount of medical waste generated from GIE procedures in South Korea.

Methods: We conducted a 5-day audit of medical waste generated during GIEs at seven hospitals.