Pediatric kidney disease has a relatively lower prevalence than do other pediatric conditions and has a notably different etiology from kidney diseases observed in adults. Furthermore, the pediatric population is unique in that they experience ongoing growth and development, distinguishing them from adult patients. Consequently, pediatric patients with kidney disease require more specialized and meticulous nutritional management than do adults. To address this need and promote optimal dietary practices for pediatric patients with kidney disease, pediatric nephrologists from the Korean Society of Pediatric Nephrology and nutritionists from the Korean Society of Clinical Nutrition have collaborated to establish nutritional guidelines specifically tailored to Korean dietary patterns. These guidelines offer detailed, nutrient-specific recommendations covering energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium consumption while providing practical, culturally relevant guidance intended to support both pediatric patients and their caregivers.

Background: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a major cause of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial disease; however, treatment outcomes remain suboptimal.Phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) is conditionally recommended; however, conventional broth microdilution is labor-intensive. The Sensititre SLOMYCO® panel offers a standardized platform for DST of slowly growing mycobacteria. Methods: Eighty-six clinical MAC isolates (48 M. avium and 38 M. intracellulare) from respiratory specimens were tested for 13 antimicrobials using the SLOMYCO panel and reference Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) broth microdilution methods at the Korean Institute of Tuberculosis. Essential agreement (EA) was defined as minimum inhibitory concentrations within ± 1 dilution, and categorical agreement (CA) was based on CLSI 2018 breakpoints for clarithromycin, amikacin, moxifloxacin, and linezolid. Results: The EA was high for amikacin (90%), moxifloxacin (92%), linezolid (92%), and ethambutol (98%). Moderate EA was observed for clarithromycin (79%), ciprofloxacin (67%), and doxycycline (63%), and low EA was observed for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (34%).The CA values were 100%, 77.9%, 69.8%, and 47.7% for clarithromycin, amikacin, moxifloxacin, and linezolid, respectively. All isolates were clarithromycin-susceptible according to both methods, and no clarithromycin- or amikacin-resistant isolates were detected. Conclusion The SLOMYCO DST system demonstrated high agreement with the reference methods for clarithromycin and amikacin in the tested susceptible population. The variability in the results for moxifloxacin and linezolid highlights the need for refined breakpoints. The validation of resistant isolates is essential before the SLOMYCO system can be recommended for comprehensive clinical applications.

Purpose: Processing methods for hematopoietic stem cells vary significantly across institutions, with no standardized guidelines currently in place. This lack of standardization presents challenges in ensuring consistent quality and out‑ comes of stem cell transplantation procedures. This study investigated current practices in peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) processing and storage among transplant centers in Korea to establish a foundation for the development of standardized guidelines. Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire was distributed to 46 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation centers in Korea, examining five key areas: PBSC collection procedures, use of cryopreservatives, cryopreservation protocols, quality control measures, and thawing protocols. Results: Analysis of the 29 responses revealed significant variations across different stages of PBSC handling. All centers used controlled-rate freezers, and 92.9% stored cells at temperatures below -150 ◦ C . However, other prac‑ tices varied widely. Additional post-collection processing was performed by 53.8% of respondents. DMSO concen‑ trations ranged from 5 to 15%, with diverse combinations of supplementary media. Notably, 28.6% of patients did not undergo post-thaw quality assessment tests. Conclusion This study identified significant heterogeneity in PBSC processing practices across Korean transplant centers. These findings underscore the need for evidence-based standardized guidelines to ensure consistent product quality and improve transplantation outcomes.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the rate of germline variant detection following targeted cascade genetic testing among family members of prostate cancer (PCa) probands. Materials and Methods: Records of PCa patients with confirmed germline mutations and their family members recommended for cascade testing were retrospectively reviewed. Cascade testing for germline mutations identified in PCa probands was conducted among first-degree relatives (FDRs) and second-degree relatives. The rate of counseled family members who proceeded to actual testing, the proportion of mutation carriers detected, and the reasons for test refusal were analyzed. Clinical variables, including family history of malignancy and variant type, were also collected. Results: A total of 15 PCa patients and 44 eligible relatives were included in the final analysis. Eleven probands (73.3%) had a positive family history of cancer across 22 family members (18 FDRs). Among FDRs, breast/ovarian cancer (27.8%) and gastric cancer (22.2%) were the most common, followed by lymphoma, prostate, esophageal, and lung cancer (each 11.1%). Among probands, BRCA2 variants were predominant (80%, 12 of 15), followed by BRCA1 (n=2) and MLH1 (n=1) mutations. Of 41 eligible FDRs, 21 (51.2%) underwent genetic testing, and 61.9% (13 of 21) were found to carry identical germline mutations. Approximately half of the counseled family members declined testing due to concerns regarding privacy and disclosure, travel distance to the clinic, or loss to follow-up. Conclusion Over half of the FDRs who underwent cascade testing were confirmed to carry pathogenic germline variants. As the first study to evaluate cascade testing in family members of PCa probands in Korea, these findings underscore the strong heritable component of PCa and highlight the need to enhance participation in familial genetic screening.

Pediatric kidney disease has a relatively lower prevalence than do other pediatric conditions and has a notably different etiology from kidney diseases observed in adults. Furthermore, the pediatric population is unique in that they experience ongoing growth and development, distinguishing them from adult patients. Consequently, pediatric patients with kidney disease require more specialized and meticulous nutritional management than do adults. To address this need and promote optimal dietary practices for pediatric patients with kidney disease, pediatric nephrologists from the Korean Society of Pediatric Nephrology and nutritionists from the Korean Society of Clinical Nutrition have collaborated to establish nutritional guidelines specifically tailored to Korean dietary patterns. These guidelines offer detailed, nutrient-specific recommendations covering energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium consumption while providing practical, culturally relevant guidance intended to support both pediatric patients and their caregivers.

The nutrient composition of feed plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression in animals,thereby affecting growth, metabolism, and immune functions. In poultry, the optimized use offeed additives such as crude protein and phytase can enhance nutrient absorption, improvefeed efficiency, and reduce environmental waste. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomic changes in the blood of forty-eight one-week-old broiler chickens fed diets differing in crude protein and phytase content. Using RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, a total of 44 differentially expressed genes were identified in response to dietary variation. These genes were primarily involved in immune response, regulation of cell morphology, glycolytic process, and glycerolipid metabolism. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant associations with cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathways, which regulate lipid metabolism, cellular proliferation, differentiation, and inflammatory responses. Moreover, decreased levels of crude protein and phytase were linked to alterations in protein autophosphorylation, amino acid biosynthesis, and energy metabolism pathways. These findings indicate that dietary modulation of crude protein and phytase levels can significantly influence metabolic and immune regulatory mechanisms in early-stage broilers. The appropriate feeding of feed additives (such as crude protein and phytase) not only improves nutritional deficiencies and feed efficiency issues in livestock, but also contributes to sustainable meat production, includ-ing the reduction of nitrogen and ammonia emissions, thereby supporting environmentallyresponsible poultry production.

In the 2023 series, we summarized the major clinical research advances in gynecologic oncology based on communications at the conference of Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology Review Course. The review consisted of 1) Endometrial cancer: immune checkpoint inhibitor, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), selective inhibitor of nuclear export, CDK4/6 inhibitors WEE1 inhibitor, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. 2) Cervical cancer: surgery in low-risk early-stage cervical cancer, therapy for locally advanced stage and advanced, metastatic, or recurrent setting; and 3) Ovarian cancer: immunotherapy, triplet therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors along with antiangiogenic agents and PARP inhibitors, and ADCs. In 2023, the field of endometrial cancer treatment witnessed a landmark year, marked by several practice-changing outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the reliable efficacy of PARP inhibitors and ADCs.

Glue, a volatile substance that is illegal as a recreational drug, has been popularly used for decades, and it can serve as a stepping stone for harder drugs. Chronic exposure can lead to substantial damage to several organs, including central and peripheral nervous systems. Glue-sniffing neuropathy has been reported since the 1960s, but with a lower frequency in recent years. We report a 45-year-old man who sniffed glue and presented with symmetrical distal motor weakness and paresthesia. Based on the patient’s inhalation history and initial electrodiagnostic study, we considered toxic neuropathy and demyelinating polyneuropathy in the differential diagnosis. He became chair-bound with repeating glue sniffing, and a following nerve conduction study showed the progression of motor-dominant polyneuropathies with markedly reduced amplitudes. An incomplete response to steroid therapy and recovery with inhalant cessation confirmed the diagnosis of glue-sniffing neuropathy. We conclude that glue, a neurotoxic volatile inhalant, produced glue-sniffing neuropathy with characteristic clinical and electrodiagnostic features.

In the 2023 series, we summarized the major clinical research advances in gynecologic oncology based on communications at the conference of Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology Review Course. The review consisted of 1) Endometrial cancer: immune checkpoint inhibitor, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), selective inhibitor of nuclear export, CDK4/6 inhibitors WEE1 inhibitor, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. 2) Cervical cancer: surgery in low-risk early-stage cervical cancer, therapy for locally advanced stage and advanced, metastatic, or recurrent setting; and 3) Ovarian cancer: immunotherapy, triplet therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors along with antiangiogenic agents and PARP inhibitors, and ADCs. In 2023, the field of endometrial cancer treatment witnessed a landmark year, marked by several practice-changing outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the reliable efficacy of PARP inhibitors and ADCs.

Background: Stress management is an important component of management of mental health. Stress processing can be understood as the appraisal of and coping with stress. This study aimed to compare positive and negative perceptions of stress according to patterns of coping strategies. Methods: The study recruited 116 college students who completed the Perceived Stress Scale and Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations using a tablet PC or smartphone application. K-means cluster analysis was used to categorize the subjects into three clusters. Results: Positive perceptions were highest in Cluster 2 (i.e., task and avoidance dominant) at 3.18±0.66 followed by 2.30±0.65 in Cluster 1 (passive coping) and lowest in Cluster 3 (emotion dominant) at 1.75±0.63. Negative perceptions were highest in Cluster 3 at 2.45±0.66 followed by Cluster 1 at 1.66±0.65 and Cluster 2 at 1.07±0.68. Conclusion Differences in coping patterns can reduce the negative effects of stress. Thus, assessing the perception and management of stress can be useful and help people change their coping styles to more adaptive ones. Toward this end, a mobile application can be an appropriate tool.