Background/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits high de novo recurrence rates post-resection. Current post-surgery recurrence prediction methods are limited, emphasizing the need for reliable biomarkers to assess recurrence risk. We aimed to develop methylation-based markers for classifying HCC patients and predicting their risk of de novo recurrence post-surgery. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from HCC patients who underwent surgical resection in Korea, excluding those with recurrence within one year post-surgery. Using the Infinium Methylation EPIC array on 140 samples in the discovery cohort, we classified patients into low- and high-risk groups based on methylation profiles. Distinctive markers were identified through random forest analysis. These markers were validated in the cancer genome atlas (n=217), Validation cohort 1 (n=63) and experimental Validation using a methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) assay in Validation cohort 1 and Validation cohort 2 (n=63). Results: The low-risk recurrence group (methylation group 1; MG1) showed a methylation average of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.77) with a 23.5% recurrence rate, while the high-risk group (MG2) had an average of 0.17 (95% CI 0.14–0.20) with a 44.1% recurrence rate (P<0.03). Validation confirmed the applicability of methylation markers across diverse populations, showing high accuracy in predicting the probability of HCC recurrence risk (area under the curve 96.8%). The MS-HRM assay confirmed its effectiveness in predicting de novo recurrence with 95.5% sensitivity, 89.7% specificity, and 92.2% accuracy. Conclusions Methylation markers effectively classified HCC patients by de novo recurrence risk, enhancing prediction accuracy and potentially offering personalized management strategies.

Background/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits high de novo recurrence rates post-resection. Current post-surgery recurrence prediction methods are limited, emphasizing the need for reliable biomarkers to assess recurrence risk. We aimed to develop methylation-based markers for classifying HCC patients and predicting their risk of de novo recurrence post-surgery. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from HCC patients who underwent surgical resection in Korea, excluding those with recurrence within one year post-surgery. Using the Infinium Methylation EPIC array on 140 samples in the discovery cohort, we classified patients into low- and high-risk groups based on methylation profiles. Distinctive markers were identified through random forest analysis. These markers were validated in the cancer genome atlas (n=217), Validation cohort 1 (n=63) and experimental Validation using a methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) assay in Validation cohort 1 and Validation cohort 2 (n=63). Results: The low-risk recurrence group (methylation group 1; MG1) showed a methylation average of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.77) with a 23.5% recurrence rate, while the high-risk group (MG2) had an average of 0.17 (95% CI 0.14–0.20) with a 44.1% recurrence rate (P<0.03). Validation confirmed the applicability of methylation markers across diverse populations, showing high accuracy in predicting the probability of HCC recurrence risk (area under the curve 96.8%). The MS-HRM assay confirmed its effectiveness in predicting de novo recurrence with 95.5% sensitivity, 89.7% specificity, and 92.2% accuracy. Conclusions Methylation markers effectively classified HCC patients by de novo recurrence risk, enhancing prediction accuracy and potentially offering personalized management strategies.

Background/Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits high de novo recurrence rates post-resection. Current post-surgery recurrence prediction methods are limited, emphasizing the need for reliable biomarkers to assess recurrence risk. We aimed to develop methylation-based markers for classifying HCC patients and predicting their risk of de novo recurrence post-surgery. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from HCC patients who underwent surgical resection in Korea, excluding those with recurrence within one year post-surgery. Using the Infinium Methylation EPIC array on 140 samples in the discovery cohort, we classified patients into low- and high-risk groups based on methylation profiles. Distinctive markers were identified through random forest analysis. These markers were validated in the cancer genome atlas (n=217), Validation cohort 1 (n=63) and experimental Validation using a methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) assay in Validation cohort 1 and Validation cohort 2 (n=63). Results: The low-risk recurrence group (methylation group 1; MG1) showed a methylation average of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69–0.77) with a 23.5% recurrence rate, while the high-risk group (MG2) had an average of 0.17 (95% CI 0.14–0.20) with a 44.1% recurrence rate (P<0.03). Validation confirmed the applicability of methylation markers across diverse populations, showing high accuracy in predicting the probability of HCC recurrence risk (area under the curve 96.8%). The MS-HRM assay confirmed its effectiveness in predicting de novo recurrence with 95.5% sensitivity, 89.7% specificity, and 92.2% accuracy. Conclusions Methylation markers effectively classified HCC patients by de novo recurrence risk, enhancing prediction accuracy and potentially offering personalized management strategies.

Background: An increased incidence of hair loss disorders has been noted among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and individuals vaccinated against COVID-19. However, research involving large populations on this topic is lacking. Objective: To investigate the risks associated with developing hair loss disorders in patients with COVID-19 and individuals vaccinated against COVID-19. Methods: This nationwide, population-based, cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and healthy individuals without a history of COVID-19 infection registered in the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021. COVID-19 infection and vaccine databases were integrated using this NHIS database. The odds ratios of hair loss disorders were compared using multivariate logistic regression models. Results: COVID-19 infection was associated with an increased risk of total alopecia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.076; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002–1.156), although this association was not significant after propensity score matching. No significant associations were found between COVID-19 infection and alopecia areata or telogen effluvium. However, COVID-19 vaccination was positively correlated with total alopecia (aOR, 1.266; 95% CI, 1.191–1.346), alopecia areata (aOR, 1.243; 95% CI, 1.154–1.339), and telogen effluvium (aOR, 1.495; 95% CI, 1.133–1.974). Conclusion COVID-19 vaccination was positively correlated with hair loss disorders but not COVID-19 infection. However, given the advantages of vaccines in reducing COVID-19 mortality and morbidity, alopecia may be relatively reversible and less severe. Physicians need to understand the benefits and possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Background: Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is prevalent among hairdressers due to frequent exposure to chemicals like hair dyes and bleaching agents. Despite the risks, awareness among hairdressers remains low, leading to underreporting and inadequate preventive measures. Objective: This study evaluated hairdressers’ awareness of harmful hair dye ingredients, their experiences with OCD, and the association with product usage patterns. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 100 hairdressers in Korea examined the relationship between work experience, product usage, and OCD. Chi-square tests and multivariate regression identified significant correlations. Results: Among the participants, 51% reported experiencing adverse skin reactions, with the hands being the most commonly affected area. Longer work experience as a hairdresser was significantly associated with the occurrence of adverse effects ( p=0.046). Notably, shampoo was identified as a suspected causative material significantly more often by the severe group compared to the non-severe group (28.0% vs. 3.8%, p=0.04). Conclusion Chemical exposure and frequent wet work contribute to high rates of OCD among hairdressers. Poor glove usage, especially during shampooing due to inconvenience, is a major risk factor. Raising awareness, promoting proper glove use, and improving workplace safety training are essential for reducing these skin conditions.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate postoperative imaging findings of patients who underwent breastconserving surgery for cancer and reconstruction with MegaDerm® (sheet-type and pellet-type), analyzing false positives and recurrences, using multi-modality images. Materials and Methods: This study included 201 women (age range: 28–81 years, mean age ± standard deviation: 53.2 ± 8.6 years) who underwent breast-conserving surgery and immediate reconstruction with MegaDerm®. Post-surgery, each patient underwent at least one mammography (MG), ultrasonography (US), and MRI, totaling 713 MG, 1063 US, and 607 MRI examinations. Postoperative images were reviewed separately for the two types of MegaDerm®, and suspicious imaging findings (false positives and recurrences) were analyzed, with a particular focus on the findings in direct contact with MegaDerm®. Results: MegaDerm® appeared as a circumscribed mass with homogeneous iso- or high density on MG, posterior shadowing on US, and no enhancement on MRI. Calcification was more common and increased in size in sheet-type MegaDerm®, while pellet-type often exhibited irregular margins. Nine out of 17 false positives had suspicious findings in direct contact with MegaDerm®, and six out of nine recurrences showed similar findings. Common suspicious findings included calcifications, asymmetries, and MegaDerm® irregularities on MG; masses and MegaDerm® irregularities on US; and enhancing masses and MegaDerm® irregularities with enhancement on MRI. Notably, MegaDerm® irregularity with calcification was observed on MG and US in only one recurrence case. In 44.4% (4/9) of false-positives in direct contact with MegaDerm®, suspicious findings showed no change or resolution on follow-up. Conclusion Suspicious imaging findings in direct contact with MegaDerm® may be associated with false positives or recurrences. Therefore, it is essential to recognize these characteristic findings and review the patient’s history of MegaDerm® insertion when in doubt.

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disease that encompasses a wide range of conditions, from mild cases to severe conditions where survival depends on insulin therapy. The Korean Diabetes Association Task Force Team for Diabetes with β-Cell Failure has established the term to classify severe refractory disease with β-cell failure. Individuals with β-cell failure are at high risk of diabetes-related complications. We propose that diabetes with β-cell failure can be diagnosed when individuals treated with multiple daily insulin injections or insulin pumps meet at least one of the following criteria: fasting C-peptide ≤ 0.6 ng/mL, non-fasting C-peptide ≤ 1.8 ng/mL, 24-hour urine C-peptide < 30 μg/day, or spot urine C-peptide/creatinine ratio ≤ 0.6 nmol/mmol. Among cases of diabetes with β-cell failure, β-cell failure with absolute insulin deficiency can be diagnosed when at least one of the following criteria is met: fasting C-peptide < 0.24 ng/mL, non-fasting C-peptide < 0.6 ng/mL, or spot urine C-peptide/ creatinine ratio < 0.2 nmol/mmol. Multiple daily insulin injections with long-acting insulin analogs and rapid-acting insulin analogs or insulin pumps are required for treatment of diabetes with β-cell failure. Continuous glucose monitoring and an automated insulin delivery system, sensor-augmented pump, or smart insulin pen, along with structured education, are necessary. We call for improvements in the relevant systems to ensure that such treatments can be provided.

Purpose: The incidence of cancer during pregnancy is increasing, presenting several challenges to the treatment of cancer in pregnant women. However, research focusing on the lived experiences of pregnant women with cancer in South Korea is limited. This study aimed to explore and describe the day-today lived experiences of women diagnosed with or treated for cancer during pregnancy and their husbands. Methods: The study employed a qualitative descriptive design and utilized purposive sampling to recruit participants. The participants comprised six women living in Korea diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy and one husband of a female participant. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, audiotaped, and transcribed. Five of the participants agreed to a second interview, resulting in a total of 12 individual interviews. A thematic analysis was then performed. The participants' ages ranged from 31 to 40 years, and their diagnoses during pregnancy were either breast or thyroid cancer. Results: Four main themes were identified: (1) Participants faced various heart-breaking difficulties maintaining their pregnancies throughout cancer treatment; (2) Pregnant women with cancer experienced complex but responsible feelings toward their children; (3) Patients with cancer also fulfilled their roles as parents even with their own diseases; and (4) Family support had a significant impact on the pregnant women to overcome the path. Conclusions These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of being diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy. A recommended strategy is to develop a nursing education program for pregnant women with cancer to provide necessary information and support, and to help them cope positively with their situation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate postoperative imaging findings of patients who underwent breastconserving surgery for cancer and reconstruction with MegaDerm® (sheet-type and pellet-type), analyzing false positives and recurrences, using multi-modality images. Materials and Methods: This study included 201 women (age range: 28–81 years, mean age ± standard deviation: 53.2 ± 8.6 years) who underwent breast-conserving surgery and immediate reconstruction with MegaDerm®. Post-surgery, each patient underwent at least one mammography (MG), ultrasonography (US), and MRI, totaling 713 MG, 1063 US, and 607 MRI examinations. Postoperative images were reviewed separately for the two types of MegaDerm®, and suspicious imaging findings (false positives and recurrences) were analyzed, with a particular focus on the findings in direct contact with MegaDerm®. Results: MegaDerm® appeared as a circumscribed mass with homogeneous iso- or high density on MG, posterior shadowing on US, and no enhancement on MRI. Calcification was more common and increased in size in sheet-type MegaDerm®, while pellet-type often exhibited irregular margins. Nine out of 17 false positives had suspicious findings in direct contact with MegaDerm®, and six out of nine recurrences showed similar findings. Common suspicious findings included calcifications, asymmetries, and MegaDerm® irregularities on MG; masses and MegaDerm® irregularities on US; and enhancing masses and MegaDerm® irregularities with enhancement on MRI. Notably, MegaDerm® irregularity with calcification was observed on MG and US in only one recurrence case. In 44.4% (4/9) of false-positives in direct contact with MegaDerm®, suspicious findings showed no change or resolution on follow-up. Conclusion Suspicious imaging findings in direct contact with MegaDerm® may be associated with false positives or recurrences. Therefore, it is essential to recognize these characteristic findings and review the patient’s history of MegaDerm® insertion when in doubt.

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disease that encompasses a wide range of conditions, from mild cases to severe conditions where survival depends on insulin therapy. The Korean Diabetes Association Task Force Team for Diabetes with β-Cell Failure has established the term to classify severe refractory disease with β-cell failure. Individuals with β-cell failure are at high risk of diabetes-related complications. We propose that diabetes with β-cell failure can be diagnosed when individuals treated with multiple daily insulin injections or insulin pumps meet at least one of the following criteria: fasting C-peptide ≤ 0.6 ng/mL, non-fasting C-peptide ≤ 1.8 ng/mL, 24-hour urine C-peptide < 30 μg/day, or spot urine C-peptide/creatinine ratio ≤ 0.6 nmol/mmol. Among cases of diabetes with β-cell failure, β-cell failure with absolute insulin deficiency can be diagnosed when at least one of the following criteria is met: fasting C-peptide < 0.24 ng/mL, non-fasting C-peptide < 0.6 ng/mL, or spot urine C-peptide/ creatinine ratio < 0.2 nmol/mmol. Multiple daily insulin injections with long-acting insulin analogs and rapid-acting insulin analogs or insulin pumps are required for treatment of diabetes with β-cell failure. Continuous glucose monitoring and an automated insulin delivery system, sensor-augmented pump, or smart insulin pen, along with structured education, are necessary. We call for improvements in the relevant systems to ensure that such treatments can be provided.