Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of drug use-related problems in a Korean community sample and to examine the association between drug use-related problems and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Methods: Data were collected from 500 community-dwelling adults residing in Jeju, Korea. Drug use-related problems were assessed using the Drug Abuse Screening Test–10, and HRQOL was measured using the 26-item abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument. Results: A total of 25 participants (5.0%) reported experiencing drug use–related problems in the previous 12 months.Multivariate analysis revealed that drug use-related problems were significantly associated with lower scores in all HRQOL domains, i.e., physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment, even after adjusting for relevant covariates. Conclusion Drug use-related problems were strongly associated with poorer HRQOL. These findings imply that clinicians should pay close attention to HRQOL when evaluating and treating individuals with illicit drug use.

Background: Citrin deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in SLC25A13, presenting with various age-dependent clinical phenotypes and a broad spectrum of severity. However, few studies have examined the frequency and prevalence of citrin deficiency. We aimed to analyze the carrier frequency and disease prevalence in East Asian populations and Koreans. Methods: We comprehensively reviewed the literature and conducted a cross-sectional study to analyze genomic databases, including the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD), Korean Variant Archive (KOVA), and Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization (ToMMo), to identify pathogenic SLC25A13 variants in East Asian populations. A founder 3-kilobase (kb) insertion in intron 16 of SLC25A13 was investigated using whole-genome sequencing data from 681 Koreans with the Linux grep command. Results: Twenty-three pathogenic SLC25A13 variants were identified, with c.852_855del being the most common. Analysis of data from 17,501 East Asian individuals in the gnomAD and ToMMo databases revealed a carrier frequency of 1 in 62 people. Analysis of data from 7,214 individuals in the gnomAD and KOVA databases revealed a carrier frequency of 1 in 86, corresponding to an estimated disease prevalence of 1 in 29,502.c.1177+1G > A was identified as the most prevalent pathogenic variant in Koreans. The 3 kb insertion in intron 16 was detected in three out of 681 individuals, indicating a carrier frequency of 1 in 228. Conclusions The high carrier frequency of citrin deficiency in East Asians highlights the need for enhanced genetic screening and counseling, particularly in Korea, providing a valuable reference for future studies on genetic diversity and pathogenic variants in this population.

Purpose: Various materials and techniques have been explored to prevent anastomotic leakage (AL). Polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets and cyanoacrylate (CA) glue have been investigated for their potential in wound healing and fistula closure. This study aims to assess the feasibility of PGA-CA complex (PCC) to prevent AL by developing a major leakage model in rats. Methods: After the creation of the major leakage model in the jejunum of rat, the leakage site was treated with each material individually and in combination. Rats were categorized into the control, CA, PGA, and PCC groups. Results: A total of 40 rats were included, with one animal from the CA and PGA groups having expired. Gross intraabdominal conditions showed no significant difference between the groups. Median intraluminal bursting pressure was 120.0 (range, 102.5–138.0) in the CA group and 138.0 (range, 127.0–147.0) in the PCC group (P = 0.286). Pathologic evaluation revealed fibroblast activation was significantly different in the PCC group (P = 0.025). Conclusion No significant differences were observed in the macroscopic intra-abdominal findings or intraluminal bursting pressure between the groups. The only difference in PCC group was enhanced fibroblast activation at moderate levels compare to the control group. Further research is warranted to optimize material combinations and validate efficacy in larger preclinical and clinical settings.

Objective: Since its development in 2002 by the Korean College of Neuropsychopharmacology and the Korean Society for Affective Disorders, the Korean Medication Algorithm Project for Depressive Disorder (KMAP-DD) has undergone five revisions. Methods: To improve survey efficiency, reflect general clinical practice, and facilitate comparisons with previous KMAP-DD revisions, the overall structure of the questionnaire was retained. The six sections of the questionnaire were as follows:1) pharmacological treatment strategies for major depressive disorder with and without psychotic features; 2) pharmacological treatment strategies for persistent depressive disorder and other depressive disorder subtypes; 3) consensus on treatment-resistant depression; 4) selection of an antidepressant in consideration of safety, adverse effects, and comorbid physical conditions; 5) treatment strategies for special populations (children/adolescents, elderly, and women); and 6) non-pharmacological biological therapies. First-, second-, and third-line treatment recommendations were statistically derived. Results: Compared to KMAP-DD 2021, only minor changes were noted, due to the limited introduction of new medications or treatment modalities. Nonetheless, notable shifts included an increased preference for atypical antipsychotics (AAPs), and higher preference of combination strategies involving AAPs and mood stabilizers, indicating a more proactive and intensive treatment trend in Korea. Conclusion KMAP-DD is expected to serve as a valuable clinical resource by providing expert consensus-based recommendations on specific treatment strategies and pharmacological options for major depressive disorders, thereby supporting the integration of real-world clinical practice with evidence-based medicine.

The estimated global prevalence of diabetes is similar for women and men (8.4% vs. 8.9%). Even among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D), there are known gender differences in the impact of the disease. The relative risk of cardiovascular (CV) complications between people with and without T2D is higher in women than in men. In contrast, lifestyle interventions and bariatric surgery appear to have similar effects regardless of gender. Importantly, not only is the excess risk of coronary artery disease associated disproportionately highly with diabetes, but the clinical presentation of coronary artery disease differs between women and men. Women more often present with atypical symptoms of angina, which can hinder accurate diagnosis and early treatment, potentially leading to disease progression and subsequent myocardial infarction. Whether these gender differences also exist in CV disease remains uncertain. Evidence that men and women experience diabetes-related conditions differently suggests that further research is needed to clarify the biological, behavioral, or social mechanisms involved. Meanwhile, the menopausal transition in women is a time of accelerated cardiovascular disease risk. Endocrine and metabolic changes are closely linked during the menopausal transition. This review highlights key differences in diabetes-related CV complications by gender.

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has been used for over a century and has been demonstrated to be effective in treating patients with various allergic diseases. AIT allergens can be administered through various routes, including subcutaneous, sublingual, intralymphatic, oral, or epicutaneous routes. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has recently gained clinical interest, and it is considered an alternative treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. This review provides an overview of the current evidence-based studies that address the use of SLIT for treating AR, including (1) mechanisms of action, (2) appropriate patient selection for SLIT, (3) the current available SLIT products in Korea, and (4) updated information on its efficacy and safety. Finally, this guideline aims to provide the clinician with practical considerations for SLIT.

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a causative treatment of allergic diseases in which allergen extracts are regularly administered in a gradually escalated doses, leading to immune tolerance and consequent alleviation of allergic diseases. The need for uniform practice guidelines in AIT is continuously growing as the number of potential candidates for AIT increases and new therapeutic approaches are tried. This updated version of the Korean Academy of Asthma Allergy and Clinical Immunology recommendations for AIT, published in 2010, proposes an expert opinion by specialists in allergy, pediatrics, and otorhinolaryngology. This guideline deals with the basic knowledge of AIT, including mechanisms, clinical efficacy, allergen standardization, important allergens in Korea, and special consideration in pediatrics. The article also covers the methodological aspects of AIT, including patient selection, allergen selection, schedule and doses, follow-up care, efficacy measurements, and management of adverse reactions. Although this guideline suggests the optimal dosing schedule, an individualized approach and modifications are recommended considering the situation for each patient and clinic.