Rectal cancer, which accounts for approximately 40% of colorectal cancers, remains a major clinical concern. Recent advances in diagnostic imaging, surgical techniques, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment have steadily improved rectal cancer outcomes. Considering this, the Korean Rectal Cancer Multidisciplinary (KRCM) Committee has aimed to provide clinicians and policymakers with up-to-date, evidence-based clinical practice guidelines to support optimal decision-making, reflecting current evidence, the Korean healthcare context, and patient values and preferences. The Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rectal Cancer version 2.0 were developed through multidisciplinary collaboration with related academic societies, building upon and updating the KRCM Clinical Practice Guidelines version 1.0 (titled “Multidisciplinary guidelines for the management of rectal cancer”). These consensus guidelines of the KRCM were established based on a comprehensive literature review, evidence synthesis, with recommendation development guided by the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology, and consideration of applicability in real-world clinical practice under the national health insurance system. Each recommendation has been presented with its strength and level of evidence.

Background: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is widely applied in dermatology for its regenerative effects; however, its clinical utility is limited by low stability and high production costs.To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel probiotic-derived epidermal growth factor (pEGF) by engineering Pediococcus pentosaceus CBT SL4 to express and secrete EGF. Objective: To investigate the anti-photoaging effects of topical pEGF in a ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated mice by assessing histological and molecular changes related to collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Methods: SKH1 hairless mice were exposed to UVB for twelve weeks to induce photoaging and treated with topical 10% pEGF cream from week 9 to 12. Skin samples were analyzed using dermoscopy, histology, immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and proteomics to evaluate morphological and molecular alterations in ECM components and inflammatory markers. Results: Topical pEGF treatment improved skin texture and reduced wrinkles. Histological evaluation revealed that EGF significantly attenuated UVB-induced epidermal thickening and restored collagen density, with the strongest effects observed in the pEGF group. Molecular analysis showed downregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs; MMP-1, MMP-3), upregulation of collagen (type I collagen, type III collagen) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs; TIMP-1, TIMP-2). Additionally, pEGF reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β) and oxidative stress markers. Conclusion pEGF demonstrated potent anti-photoaging effects through ECM restoration, inflammation modulation, and barrier reinforcement. These findings support the therapeutic potential of pEGF as a stable, cost-effective alternative to conventional EGF in dermatological applications.

The loss of occlusal vertical dimension due to multiple tooth loss and wear can lead to a collapsed occlusion, resulting in both functional and aesthetic problems.This case report describes a patient exhibiting mandibular prognathism as a result of vertical dimension loss. A comprehensive oral rehabilitation involving an increase in vertical dimension was required. A minimal number of implants were placed, and implant-supported surveyed crowns were fabricated, allowing for the design of a stable and retentive implant-assisted removable partial denture. The treatment resulted in both functional and aesthetic improvements. The anterior rotational pattern of the mandible was alleviated, and the implant-assisted partial denture provided clinically high levels of patient satisfaction. This case report details the diagnostic and therapeutic processes involved in this treatment.

Crossbite refers to a condition where there are remaining teeth, but none of the teeth are in occlusal contact, resulting in the loss of vertical support. When posterior vertical stop is lost, it is important to appropriately restore this support and create a harmonious occlusal plane. In this case, the patient had lost posterior support but declined surgical intervention due to a history of osteoporosis and the associated risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). To restore the vertical space required for prosthetic rehabilitation, the vertical dimension was increased. The missing posterior teeth were replaced using removable partial dentures. Cross-mounting was performed, and the metal copings of the surveyed crowns and the framework of the final removable partial denture were 3D printed. After the treatment was completed, the patient expressed satisfaction with both functions and aesthetics. Regular follow-ups were conducted to monitor oral hygiene and occlusal stability.

Background and Objectives: Evidence remains limited on the real-world prescription of very low-dose oral anticoagulation among frail patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We described the practice patterns, effectiveness, and safety of very low-dose edoxaban (15 mg once daily). Methods: Patients with AF prescribed edoxaban 15 mg once daily in 2 tertiary hospitals between 2016 and September 2022 were included. Baseline clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of interest were thromboembolic and bleeding events. Results: A total of 674 patients were included (mean age 78.3±9.1, 49.7% aged ≥80 years, 49.3% women, median follow-up 1.0±1.2 years). Mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was 3.9±1.6, and the modified HAS-BLED score was 2.0±1.1. Between 2016 and 2022, the number of very lowdose edoxaban prescriptions increased. The main reasons for the prescription of very lowdose were low body weight (55.5% below 60 kg), anaemia (62.8%), chronic kidney disease (40.2%), active cancer (15.3%), concomitant anti-platelet use (26.7%), and prior major bleeding (19.7%). During a median follow-up duration of 8 (interquartile range 3–16) months, overall thromboembolic and bleeding events occurred in 16 (2.3%) and 88 (13.1%) patients, respectively. Compared to the expected event rates on the established risk scoring systems, patients receiving very low-dose edoxaban demonstrated a 61% reduction in ischemic stroke, a 68% reduction of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism, whereas a 49% increase in major bleeding. Conclusions The prescription of very low-dose edoxaban was increased over time, attributable to various clinical factors. The use of very low-dose edoxaban reduced the expected risk of thromboembolic events.

The loss of occlusal vertical dimension due to multiple tooth loss and wear can lead to a collapsed occlusion, resulting in both functional and aesthetic problems.This case report describes a patient exhibiting mandibular prognathism as a result of vertical dimension loss. A comprehensive oral rehabilitation involving an increase in vertical dimension was required. A minimal number of implants were placed, and implant-supported surveyed crowns were fabricated, allowing for the design of a stable and retentive implant-assisted removable partial denture. The treatment resulted in both functional and aesthetic improvements. The anterior rotational pattern of the mandible was alleviated, and the implant-assisted partial denture provided clinically high levels of patient satisfaction. This case report details the diagnostic and therapeutic processes involved in this treatment.

Crossbite refers to a condition where there are remaining teeth, but none of the teeth are in occlusal contact, resulting in the loss of vertical support. When posterior vertical stop is lost, it is important to appropriately restore this support and create a harmonious occlusal plane. In this case, the patient had lost posterior support but declined surgical intervention due to a history of osteoporosis and the associated risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). To restore the vertical space required for prosthetic rehabilitation, the vertical dimension was increased. The missing posterior teeth were replaced using removable partial dentures. Cross-mounting was performed, and the metal copings of the surveyed crowns and the framework of the final removable partial denture were 3D printed. After the treatment was completed, the patient expressed satisfaction with both functions and aesthetics. Regular follow-ups were conducted to monitor oral hygiene and occlusal stability.

The loss of occlusal vertical dimension due to multiple tooth loss and wear can lead to a collapsed occlusion, resulting in both functional and aesthetic problems.This case report describes a patient exhibiting mandibular prognathism as a result of vertical dimension loss. A comprehensive oral rehabilitation involving an increase in vertical dimension was required. A minimal number of implants were placed, and implant-supported surveyed crowns were fabricated, allowing for the design of a stable and retentive implant-assisted removable partial denture. The treatment resulted in both functional and aesthetic improvements. The anterior rotational pattern of the mandible was alleviated, and the implant-assisted partial denture provided clinically high levels of patient satisfaction. This case report details the diagnostic and therapeutic processes involved in this treatment.

Crossbite refers to a condition where there are remaining teeth, but none of the teeth are in occlusal contact, resulting in the loss of vertical support. When posterior vertical stop is lost, it is important to appropriately restore this support and create a harmonious occlusal plane. In this case, the patient had lost posterior support but declined surgical intervention due to a history of osteoporosis and the associated risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). To restore the vertical space required for prosthetic rehabilitation, the vertical dimension was increased. The missing posterior teeth were replaced using removable partial dentures. Cross-mounting was performed, and the metal copings of the surveyed crowns and the framework of the final removable partial denture were 3D printed. After the treatment was completed, the patient expressed satisfaction with both functions and aesthetics. Regular follow-ups were conducted to monitor oral hygiene and occlusal stability.

Background and Objectives: Evidence remains limited on the real-world prescription of very low-dose oral anticoagulation among frail patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We described the practice patterns, effectiveness, and safety of very low-dose edoxaban (15 mg once daily). Methods: Patients with AF prescribed edoxaban 15 mg once daily in 2 tertiary hospitals between 2016 and September 2022 were included. Baseline clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes of interest were thromboembolic and bleeding events. Results: A total of 674 patients were included (mean age 78.3±9.1, 49.7% aged ≥80 years, 49.3% women, median follow-up 1.0±1.2 years). Mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score was 3.9±1.6, and the modified HAS-BLED score was 2.0±1.1. Between 2016 and 2022, the number of very lowdose edoxaban prescriptions increased. The main reasons for the prescription of very lowdose were low body weight (55.5% below 60 kg), anaemia (62.8%), chronic kidney disease (40.2%), active cancer (15.3%), concomitant anti-platelet use (26.7%), and prior major bleeding (19.7%). During a median follow-up duration of 8 (interquartile range 3–16) months, overall thromboembolic and bleeding events occurred in 16 (2.3%) and 88 (13.1%) patients, respectively. Compared to the expected event rates on the established risk scoring systems, patients receiving very low-dose edoxaban demonstrated a 61% reduction in ischemic stroke, a 68% reduction of ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism, whereas a 49% increase in major bleeding. Conclusions The prescription of very low-dose edoxaban was increased over time, attributable to various clinical factors. The use of very low-dose edoxaban reduced the expected risk of thromboembolic events.