To ensure high-quality bioresources and standardize biobanks, there is an urgent need to develop and disseminate educational training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, which was developed in 2018. The standardization of biobank education programs is also required to train biobank experts. The subdivision of categories and levels of education is necessary for jobs such as operations manager (bank president), quality manager, practitioner, and administrator. Essential training includes programs tailored for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners, along with customized training for operations managers. We reviewed and studied ways to develop an appropriate range of education and training opportunities for standard biobanking education and the training of experts based on KS J ISO 20387. We propose more systematic and professional biobanking training programs in accordance with ISO 20387, in addition to the certification programs of the National Biobank and the Korean Laboratory Accreditation System. We suggest various training programs appropriate to a student’s affiliation or work, such as university biobanking specialized education, short-term job training at unit biobanks, biobank research institute symposiums by the Korean Society of Pathologists, and education programs for biobankers and researchers. Through these various education programs, we expect that Korean biobanks will satisfy global standards, meet the needs of users and researchers, and contribute to the advancement of science.

Background and Objectives: Among various emerging catheter-based treatments for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR), the spacer device can reduce the regurgitation orifice without manipulating the valve leaflet. However, its clinical application has been hampered by traumatic anchoring to the myocardium and the coaxial alignment of the balloon resulting in insufficient TR reduction. This study aimed to evaluate the early-stage safety, technical feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of the novel atraumatic vertical spacer in patients with isolated severe TR. Methods: All procedures were guided by fluoroscopy and transthoracic echocardiography.The maximum device placement time with an inflated balloon was 24 hours. Changes in the amount of TR, right ventricular function, and patient hemodynamics were measured during balloon deployment. Results: A total of 7 patients (median age 74), underwent successful device implantation without procedure-related complications. During balloon inflation (median 25 minutes), there were no symptoms or signs indicative of TR intolerance. TR was reduced by 1 grade or greater in all patients, with 2 patients exhibiting a reduction of 3 grades, from torrential TR to a moderate degree. Mild TR after balloon inflation was achieved in 3 patients with baseline severe TR. The TR reduction observed during initial balloon deployment was sustained during the subsequent balloon maintenance period. Conclusions The Pivot-balloon procedure was safe, technically feasible, and effective in reducing TR in patients with severe TR. No periprocedural complications or adverse cardiovascular events were reported during device placement with TR reduction observed in all patients. However, longer-term follow-up is needed to confirm safety and treatment effect.

Purpose: To determine the current management pattern for hordeolum and chalazion among members of the Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (KSOPRS). Methods: An anonymous web-based survey was emailed to 260 current members of the KSOPRS. The survey comprised five sections: differential diagnosis, treatment strategies for hordeolum, treatment strategies for chalazion, postsurgical care, and pediatric-specific approaches. Results: Eighty KSOPRS members participated in this study (response rate, 30.8%). Redness, swelling, and pain were the most important factors for differentiating hordeolum from chalazion. For hordeolum, topical antibiotics are preferred by 59 respondents (73.8%), with 49 (83.7%) considering them effective. Most (62 respondents, 77.6%) pursue nonsurgical treatment for 5 to 14 days before considering incision and curettage. For chalazion, treatment practices are split between conservative management and invasive methods. Intralesional steroid injections are recommended by 55 respondents (68.8%), with a preference for diluted triamcinolone acetonide. Relative to hordeolum, chalazion treatment involves less frequent antibiotic use, with only 21 respondents (26.3%) always recommending antibiotic ointments. Tissue biopsy is considered for abnormal changes in the surrounding tissues (72 respondents, 90.0%) and frequent recurrence (46 respondents, 57.5%). The practices differ between pediatric and adult cases among 38 respondents (47.5%), with 31 (81.4%) extending conservative management and delaying surgical interventions in pediatric cases. Anesthesia preferences for pediatric cases varied, with 40 respondents (50.0%) favoring local anesthesia, 19 (23.8%) opting for monitored anesthesia care, and 13 (16.2%) choosing general anesthesia. Conclusions This survey of the management of hordeolum and chalazion by KSOPRS members has revealed several interesting common practices that are considered valuable by current practitioners.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Background: and Purpose: Plasma biomarkers, including phosphorylated tau (ptau217), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NfL), are promising tools for detecting Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology. However, cross-laboratory reproducibility remains a challenge, even when using identical analytical platforms such as single-molecule array (Simoa). This study aimed to compare plasma biomarker measurements (ptau217, GFAP, and NfL) between 2 laboratories, the University of Gothenburg (UGOT) and DNAlink, and evaluate their associations with amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Methods: Plasma biomarkers were measured using Simoa platforms at both laboratories:the UGOT and DNAlink Incorporation. Diagnostic performance for predicting amyloid PET positivity, cross-laboratory agreement, and the impact of normalization techniques were assessed. Bland-Altman plots and correlation analyses were employed to evaluate agreement and variability. Results: Plasma ptau217 concentrations exhibited strong correlations with amyloid PET global centiloid values, with comparable diagnostic performance between laboratories (area under the curve=0.94 for UGOT and 0.95 for DNAlink). Cross-laboratory agreement for ptau217 was excellent (r=0.96), improving further after natural log transformation. GFAP and NfL also demonstrated moderate to strong correlations (r=0.86 for GFAP and r=0.99 for NfL), with normalization reducing variability. Conclusions Plasma biomarker measurements were consistent across laboratories using identical Simoa platforms, with strong diagnostic performance and improved agreement after normalization. These findings support the scalability of plasma biomarkers for multicenter studies and underscore their potential for standardized applications in AD research and clinical practice.

This study aimed to investigate changes in candidemia incidence, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility, initial antifungal use, and mortality trends in Korea before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective analysis was conducted on candidemia cases from two tertiary care hospitals in Korea between 2017 and 2022. Data were compared between the pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and pandemic (2020-2022) periods. Statistical methods included incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and multivariate Cox regression to assess 30-day mortality risk factors. A total of 470 candidemia cases were identified, with 48.7% occurring pre-pandemic and 51.3% during the pandemic. While the overall incidence of candidemia remained similar across the two periods (IRR 1.15;p=0.13), the incidence in intensive care units (ICUs) significantly increased during the pandemic (IRR 1.50; p<0.01). The distribution of Candida species did not differ significantly between the two periods. Fluconazole non-susceptibility in C. albicans markedly decreased (10.0% vs. 0.9%, p<0.01), whereas C. glabrata exhibited a significant rise in caspofungin non-susceptibility during the pandemic (0% vs. 22.4%, p<0.01).Echinocandin use increased (21.8% vs. 34.4%; p<0.01), while fluconazole use declined (48.0% vs. 32.8%; p<0.01). Although the 30-day mortality rate was higher during the pandemic (60.2% vs. 57.2%), the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.57).The findings highlight the need for region-specific surveillance and tailored management strategies to improve candidemia outcomes, especially during healthcare disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: To determine the current management pattern for hordeolum and chalazion among members of the Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (KSOPRS). Methods: An anonymous web-based survey was emailed to 260 current members of the KSOPRS. The survey comprised five sections: differential diagnosis, treatment strategies for hordeolum, treatment strategies for chalazion, postsurgical care, and pediatric-specific approaches. Results: Eighty KSOPRS members participated in this study (response rate, 30.8%). Redness, swelling, and pain were the most important factors for differentiating hordeolum from chalazion. For hordeolum, topical antibiotics are preferred by 59 respondents (73.8%), with 49 (83.7%) considering them effective. Most (62 respondents, 77.6%) pursue nonsurgical treatment for 5 to 14 days before considering incision and curettage. For chalazion, treatment practices are split between conservative management and invasive methods. Intralesional steroid injections are recommended by 55 respondents (68.8%), with a preference for diluted triamcinolone acetonide. Relative to hordeolum, chalazion treatment involves less frequent antibiotic use, with only 21 respondents (26.3%) always recommending antibiotic ointments. Tissue biopsy is considered for abnormal changes in the surrounding tissues (72 respondents, 90.0%) and frequent recurrence (46 respondents, 57.5%). The practices differ between pediatric and adult cases among 38 respondents (47.5%), with 31 (81.4%) extending conservative management and delaying surgical interventions in pediatric cases. Anesthesia preferences for pediatric cases varied, with 40 respondents (50.0%) favoring local anesthesia, 19 (23.8%) opting for monitored anesthesia care, and 13 (16.2%) choosing general anesthesia. Conclusions This survey of the management of hordeolum and chalazion by KSOPRS members has revealed several interesting common practices that are considered valuable by current practitioners.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Purpose: To determine the current management pattern for hordeolum and chalazion among members of the Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (KSOPRS). Methods: An anonymous web-based survey was emailed to 260 current members of the KSOPRS. The survey comprised five sections: differential diagnosis, treatment strategies for hordeolum, treatment strategies for chalazion, postsurgical care, and pediatric-specific approaches. Results: Eighty KSOPRS members participated in this study (response rate, 30.8%). Redness, swelling, and pain were the most important factors for differentiating hordeolum from chalazion. For hordeolum, topical antibiotics are preferred by 59 respondents (73.8%), with 49 (83.7%) considering them effective. Most (62 respondents, 77.6%) pursue nonsurgical treatment for 5 to 14 days before considering incision and curettage. For chalazion, treatment practices are split between conservative management and invasive methods. Intralesional steroid injections are recommended by 55 respondents (68.8%), with a preference for diluted triamcinolone acetonide. Relative to hordeolum, chalazion treatment involves less frequent antibiotic use, with only 21 respondents (26.3%) always recommending antibiotic ointments. Tissue biopsy is considered for abnormal changes in the surrounding tissues (72 respondents, 90.0%) and frequent recurrence (46 respondents, 57.5%). The practices differ between pediatric and adult cases among 38 respondents (47.5%), with 31 (81.4%) extending conservative management and delaying surgical interventions in pediatric cases. Anesthesia preferences for pediatric cases varied, with 40 respondents (50.0%) favoring local anesthesia, 19 (23.8%) opting for monitored anesthesia care, and 13 (16.2%) choosing general anesthesia. Conclusions This survey of the management of hordeolum and chalazion by KSOPRS members has revealed several interesting common practices that are considered valuable by current practitioners.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.