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.

Long-term clinical outcome of a weekly 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine regimen in treatment-naïve patients with hairy cell leukemia.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) has a favorable clinical outcome with appropriate treatment; however, further research is needed on managing patients with relapsed or refractory disease and the risk of infection during prolonged periods. This study examined the long-term effects of 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA), particularly using a weekly infusion protocol, in treatment-naïve patients with HCL. This retrospective study evaluated the long-term follow-up data from 21 South Korean patients diagnosed with HCL.

The impact of clinical seizures and adverse brain MRI patterns in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and abnormal neurodevelopment.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the associations among seizures, clinical characteristics, and brain injury on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in infants with Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), and to determine whether these findings can predict unfavorable neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Method: Clinical and electrographic seizures were assessed by amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram, and the extent of brain injury was evaluated by using MRI. At 12‒24 months of age, developmental impairment or death was assessed.

Endonuclease G promotes hepatic mitochondrial respiration by selectively increasing mitochondrial tRNA production.

Mitochondrial endonuclease G (EndoG) contributes to chromosomal degradation when it is released from mitochondria during apoptosis. It is presumed to also have a mitochondrial function because EndoG deficiency causes mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the mechanism by which EndoG regulates mitochondrial function is not known.

Association between exclusive or dual use of combustible cigarettes and heated tobacco products and depressive symptoms.

Purpose: Despite the advent of heated tobacco products (HTPs), their relationship to mental health remains unclear. This study aimed to determine associations between the use of combustible cigarettes (CCs) and HTPs with depressive symptoms.

Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2023.

Basic Science and Pathogenesis.

Background: Women's elevated risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to men remains unclear, with gonadal hormones proposed as potential contributors. This study aimed to explore the association between follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), neuropsychological AD stages, and cerebral Aβ deposition.

Methods: A total of 679 subjects were included in the study (N = 198 for cognitively normal (CN), N = 373 for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and N = 108 for AD dementia groups).

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and albuminuria in Korean adults: a nationwide populationbased study.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Albuminuria, an early marker of kidney damage, is a proposed risk factor for OSA and its adverse outcomes. The study explored the association between OSA and albuminuria in Korean adults.

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.

Evidence-based clinical recommendations for hypofractionated radiotherapy: exploring efficacy and safety - Part 4: Liver and locally recurrent rectal cancer.

In this paper, we review the use of hypofractionated radiotherapy for gastrointestinal malignancies, focusing on primary and metastatic liver cancer, and recurrent rectal cancer. Technological advancements in radiotherapy have facilitated the direct delivery of high-dose radiation to tumors, while limiting normal tissue exposure, supporting the use of hypofractionation. Hypofractionated radiotherapy is particularly effective for primary and metastatic liver cancer where high-dose irradiation is crucial to achieve effective local control.

Assessment of the efficacy of on-demand tegoprazan therapy in gastroesophageal reflux disease through a randomized controlled trial.

In patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) whose symptoms improve with acid-suppression therapy, on-demand treatment could constitute maintenance therapy. This study investigated the comparative efficacy and safety of on-demand tegoprazan and proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in GERD. From six university hospitals in the Daejeon-Chungcheong region, we enrolled patients with GERD who had experienced symptomatic improvement with acid-suppressive therapy and, using a randomization table, randomly allocated these participants to two groups: to receive either tegoprazan 50 mg + esomeprazole placebo or tegoprazan placebo + esomeprazole 20 mg, respectively.

Circulatory age-associated B cells: Their distinct transcriptomic characteristics and clinical significance in drug-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Age-associated B cells (ABCs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. However, the global gene expression and clinical significance of circulatory ABCs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remain poorly understood. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing identified nine B cell subsets in peripheral blood of RA patients, including ABCs.

Factors Associated With Registered Nurses' Safety Nursing Activities in Nursing Homes.

Purpose: A key challenge in quality improvement is ensuring resident safety, especially in nursing homes. However, few studies have comprehensively examined safety nursing activities and explored the possible contributing factors, such as organizational or individual factors, within this context. This study analyzes safety nursing activities in nursing homes and explores the relationship between organizational and individual factors regarding these activities.

Impact of posterior septectomy on olfaction in endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery.

Background: Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery is widely used to resect pituitary adenomas, yet its impact on olfactory function after resection of the posterosuperior nasal septum remains a concern. To optimize surgical techniques to preserve olfactory function, it is essential to understand the relationship between the extent of septal resection and olfactory outcomes.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 295 patients who underwent pituitary adenoma surgery.

Nanoparticle-Mediated Explosive Anti-PD-L1 Factory Built in Tumor for Advanced Immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies, has revolutionized oncology. However, it encounters challenges such as inadequate drug accumulation and limited efficacy against "cold" tumors characterized by lack of T cell infiltration and immunosuppressive microenvironments. Here, a controlled antibody production and releasing nanoparticle (CAPRN) is introduced, designed to augment ICB efficacy by facilitating tumor-targeted antibody production and inducing photodynamic cell death.

Poststroke Ipsilesional Motor Performance: Microstructural Biomarkers and Their Associations With Executive Function.

Background: Unilateral hemispheric stroke can impair the ipsilesional motor performance, which is crucial for attaining optimal functional outcomes poststroke. However, the specific brain structures contributing to ipsilesional motor performance impairment remain unclear.

Objective: To explore the link between ipsilesional motor performance and the microstructural integrity of relevant neural pathways.

Survey on Treatment-Seeking Patterns in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis.

Background And Objectives: The medications preferred by patients for allergic rhinitis and their usage remain unclear. This study investigated treatment-seeking behaviors in patients with allergic rhinitis, including medical treatments, environmental controls, and surgical treatments.

Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by internal medicine, pediatric, or otorhinolaryngology physicians at university hospitals from January 2022 to April 2022.

Human Nasal Turbinate-Derived Stem Cells for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells present in adult tissues that are recognized as promising candidates for cell therapy due to their ease of access, straightforward isolation, and capacity for bio-preservation with minimal loss of potency. However, the clinical application of MSCs faces significant challenges, such as donor site morbidity, underscoring the need for alternative sources. Recent studies have suggested that inferior turbinate tissues, which are commonly removed during turbinate surgery, may be a viable donor site for MSCs.

A Review of the Long-Term Efficacy of Submucosal Medpor Implantation for Empty Nose Syndrome: A Short Communication.

To evaluate the long-term effects of submucosal Medpor implants in patients with empty nose syndrome (ENS), using the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT) score as a measure of clinical improvement. A comprehensive search of six databases was conducted up to October 2024. The analysis included studies that examined the impact of submucosal Medpor implants on refractory ENS symptoms, as assessed by various symptom-specific questionnaires.

Male preference for TERT alterations and HBV integration in young-age HBV-related HCC: implications for sex disparity.

Background/aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits significant sex disparities in incidence, yet its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We explored the role of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) genetic alterations and hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration, both known major contributors to HCC, in sex-specific risk for HBV-related HCC.

Methods: We examined 310 HBV-related HCC tissues to investigate sex-specific TERT promoter (TERT-pro) mutations and HBV integration profiles, stratified by sex and age, and validated with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data.

Targeting T helper 17 cells: emerging strategies for overcoming transplant rejection.

Solid organ transplantation has significantly improved the survival rate of patients with terminal organ failure. However, its success is often compromised by allograft rejection, a process in which T helper 17 (Th17) cells play a crucial role. These cells facilitate rejection by enhancing neutrophil infiltration into the graft and by activating endothelial cells and fibroblasts.

Prognostic Value of Retinoblastoma in Small Intestinal Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Background: The retinoblastoma (RB) protein which is encoded by gene selectively provides a cell type-specific function in malignancies. In colorectal carcinoma, RB has been highly expressed and related cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors have shown improved therapeutic effects in some patients. However, little is known about RB in small intestinal adenocarcinoma (SIAC).

The research gap in evaluating community-based mental health interventions in Korea: A comparative analysis with the United Kingdom.

South Korea has historically relied on inpatient psychiatric care. Although the 1995 Mental Health Act aimed to promote community mental health services, progress in developing community-based interventions has been limited. This review aims to provide a concise analysis of the current state of research on evaluating community mental health care in Korea, employing a comparative perspective with the United Kingdom (UK), where community-based mental health approaches have been more extensively studied and implemented.

Comparison of ocular biometry and refractive outcomes using two swept-source optical coherence tomography-based biometers.

Background: To evaluate the ocular biometry agreement and prediction of postoperative refractive outcomes obtained using two swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometers: Anterion (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) and Argos (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA).

Methods: Ambispective analysis was conducted on 105 eyes at the Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea, between June 2021 and March 2022. Biometric values were assessed using both devices before cataract surgery.