Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by flushing, erythema, papules/pustules, and telangiectasia. Several clinical studies have investigated the efficacy of botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT/A) in the treatment of rosacea, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Objective: This study aims to examine the potential role of BoNT/A in a mouse model of rosacea-like skin lesions induced by the 37-amino acid C-terminal cathelicidin peptide (LL-37). Methods: Mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Control, LL-37, LL-37 + BoNT/A, and LL-37 + dexamethasone. Results: BoNT/A treatment alleviated skin damage, reduced skin thickness, and decreased mast cell infiltration. Furthermore, BoNT/A improved redness score severity and redness area while enhancing skin barrier function by suppressing transepidermal water loss and increasing skin hydration. At the molecular level, BoNT/A decreased the mRNA levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, which are known as pro-inflammatory cytokines. It also downregulated the expression of pyrin domain-containing protein 3, caspase-1, and IL-1 beta in the LL-37-injected dorsal skin. Furthermore, BoNT/A prevented LL-37-mediated upregulation of neurovascular-associated factors, including CD31, transient receptor potential vanilloid 1, calcitonin-related polypeptide alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, chymase 1, and tryptase alpha/beta 1. Conclusion These results indicate that BoNT/A effectively alleviates inflammatory and vascular responses in a rosacea mouse model, highlighting its potential as a promising preventive approach for rosacea.

Conventional aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonists, which play a critical role in modulating tumor immune evasion, have shown limited clinical translation due to poor solubility, restricted systemic exposure, and dose-limiting toxicities. To overcome these limitations, we developed SB5794, a phosphate prodrug of the potent AhR antagonist SB2617, designed to improve aqueous solubility and pharmacokinetic properties. SB5794 exhibited markedly enhanced solubility and achieved more than six-fold higher systemic exposure in mice compared with SB2617, while fully retaining its in vitro AhR antagonistic activity. In syngeneic tumor models, SB5794 significantly inhibited tumor growth, and its combination with anti–PD-1 therapy further enhanced antitumor efficacy. However, repeated-dose studies revealed dose-dependent histopathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and immune organs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SB5794 possesses improved drug-like properties and strong immunomodulatory activity, supporting its potential as a next-generation AhR-targeted immunotherapeutic candidate.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global infrastructure. We surveyed laboratories to analyze the changes in testing methods and procedures to improve future pandemic preparedness. Methods: This study surveyed laboratory physicians and technologists in South Korea and analyzed responses from 126 of 323 institutions. The survey was conducted in May 2023 using the proficiency test of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service and examined the diagnostic procedures, personnel, equipment, and quality control. The survey comprised 15 questions covering respondent demographics, public-private proficiency projects, COVID-19 testing procedures, and laboratory status. Results: Of the 126 laboratories, 66.7% performed bacterial smear and culture, 65.9% had biosafety level 2 facilities, and 39.7% had separate nucleic acid extraction areas. Furthermore, 98.4% of the laboratories had biological safety cabinets, the median number of PCR machines was four units, and 77.8% had autoclaves. The median numbers of personnel managing and conducting tests were one and three, respectively. Additionally, 88.1% of the laboratories found the COVID-19 proficiency test helpful, with key benefits in terms of accuracy and skill improvement. COVID-19 tests were primarily used for symptomatic or contact person testing, pre-admission screening, and periodic proactive testing. Specialized testing laboratories conducted up to 50,000 tests daily, and tertiary hospitals conducted up to 1,500 tests.Emergency, pooled, and rapid antigen tests were widely used. Most respondents wanted future tests for respiratory viruses, bacteria, and viral diarrhea, indicating a willingness to participate. Conclusion Aggressive testing and collaboration between health agencies and laboratories are crucial for managing emerging diseases. Systematic preparations are essential to maintain and strengthen laboratory capabilities for future infectious disease outbreaks.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global infrastructure. We surveyed laboratories to analyze the changes in testing methods and procedures to improve future pandemic preparedness. Methods: This study surveyed laboratory physicians and technologists in South Korea and analyzed responses from 126 of 323 institutions. The survey was conducted in May 2023 using the proficiency test of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service and examined the diagnostic procedures, personnel, equipment, and quality control. The survey comprised 15 questions covering respondent demographics, public-private proficiency projects, COVID-19 testing procedures, and laboratory status. Results: Of the 126 laboratories, 66.7% performed bacterial smear and culture, 65.9% had biosafety level 2 facilities, and 39.7% had separate nucleic acid extraction areas. Furthermore, 98.4% of the laboratories had biological safety cabinets, the median number of PCR machines was four units, and 77.8% had autoclaves. The median numbers of personnel managing and conducting tests were one and three, respectively. Additionally, 88.1% of the laboratories found the COVID-19 proficiency test helpful, with key benefits in terms of accuracy and skill improvement. COVID-19 tests were primarily used for symptomatic or contact person testing, pre-admission screening, and periodic proactive testing. Specialized testing laboratories conducted up to 50,000 tests daily, and tertiary hospitals conducted up to 1,500 tests.Emergency, pooled, and rapid antigen tests were widely used. Most respondents wanted future tests for respiratory viruses, bacteria, and viral diarrhea, indicating a willingness to participate. Conclusion Aggressive testing and collaboration between health agencies and laboratories are crucial for managing emerging diseases. Systematic preparations are essential to maintain and strengthen laboratory capabilities for future infectious disease outbreaks.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global infrastructure. We surveyed laboratories to analyze the changes in testing methods and procedures to improve future pandemic preparedness. Methods: This study surveyed laboratory physicians and technologists in South Korea and analyzed responses from 126 of 323 institutions. The survey was conducted in May 2023 using the proficiency test of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service and examined the diagnostic procedures, personnel, equipment, and quality control. The survey comprised 15 questions covering respondent demographics, public-private proficiency projects, COVID-19 testing procedures, and laboratory status. Results: Of the 126 laboratories, 66.7% performed bacterial smear and culture, 65.9% had biosafety level 2 facilities, and 39.7% had separate nucleic acid extraction areas. Furthermore, 98.4% of the laboratories had biological safety cabinets, the median number of PCR machines was four units, and 77.8% had autoclaves. The median numbers of personnel managing and conducting tests were one and three, respectively. Additionally, 88.1% of the laboratories found the COVID-19 proficiency test helpful, with key benefits in terms of accuracy and skill improvement. COVID-19 tests were primarily used for symptomatic or contact person testing, pre-admission screening, and periodic proactive testing. Specialized testing laboratories conducted up to 50,000 tests daily, and tertiary hospitals conducted up to 1,500 tests.Emergency, pooled, and rapid antigen tests were widely used. Most respondents wanted future tests for respiratory viruses, bacteria, and viral diarrhea, indicating a willingness to participate. Conclusion Aggressive testing and collaboration between health agencies and laboratories are crucial for managing emerging diseases. Systematic preparations are essential to maintain and strengthen laboratory capabilities for future infectious disease outbreaks.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global infrastructure. We surveyed laboratories to analyze the changes in testing methods and procedures to improve future pandemic preparedness. Methods: This study surveyed laboratory physicians and technologists in South Korea and analyzed responses from 126 of 323 institutions. The survey was conducted in May 2023 using the proficiency test of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service and examined the diagnostic procedures, personnel, equipment, and quality control. The survey comprised 15 questions covering respondent demographics, public-private proficiency projects, COVID-19 testing procedures, and laboratory status. Results: Of the 126 laboratories, 66.7% performed bacterial smear and culture, 65.9% had biosafety level 2 facilities, and 39.7% had separate nucleic acid extraction areas. Furthermore, 98.4% of the laboratories had biological safety cabinets, the median number of PCR machines was four units, and 77.8% had autoclaves. The median numbers of personnel managing and conducting tests were one and three, respectively. Additionally, 88.1% of the laboratories found the COVID-19 proficiency test helpful, with key benefits in terms of accuracy and skill improvement. COVID-19 tests were primarily used for symptomatic or contact person testing, pre-admission screening, and periodic proactive testing. Specialized testing laboratories conducted up to 50,000 tests daily, and tertiary hospitals conducted up to 1,500 tests.Emergency, pooled, and rapid antigen tests were widely used. Most respondents wanted future tests for respiratory viruses, bacteria, and viral diarrhea, indicating a willingness to participate. Conclusion Aggressive testing and collaboration between health agencies and laboratories are crucial for managing emerging diseases. Systematic preparations are essential to maintain and strengthen laboratory capabilities for future infectious disease outbreaks.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly impacted global infrastructure. We surveyed laboratories to analyze the changes in testing methods and procedures to improve future pandemic preparedness. Methods: This study surveyed laboratory physicians and technologists in South Korea and analyzed responses from 126 of 323 institutions. The survey was conducted in May 2023 using the proficiency test of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service and examined the diagnostic procedures, personnel, equipment, and quality control. The survey comprised 15 questions covering respondent demographics, public-private proficiency projects, COVID-19 testing procedures, and laboratory status. Results: Of the 126 laboratories, 66.7% performed bacterial smear and culture, 65.9% had biosafety level 2 facilities, and 39.7% had separate nucleic acid extraction areas. Furthermore, 98.4% of the laboratories had biological safety cabinets, the median number of PCR machines was four units, and 77.8% had autoclaves. The median numbers of personnel managing and conducting tests were one and three, respectively. Additionally, 88.1% of the laboratories found the COVID-19 proficiency test helpful, with key benefits in terms of accuracy and skill improvement. COVID-19 tests were primarily used for symptomatic or contact person testing, pre-admission screening, and periodic proactive testing. Specialized testing laboratories conducted up to 50,000 tests daily, and tertiary hospitals conducted up to 1,500 tests.Emergency, pooled, and rapid antigen tests were widely used. Most respondents wanted future tests for respiratory viruses, bacteria, and viral diarrhea, indicating a willingness to participate. Conclusion Aggressive testing and collaboration between health agencies and laboratories are crucial for managing emerging diseases. Systematic preparations are essential to maintain and strengthen laboratory capabilities for future infectious disease outbreaks.

Background: Treatment of comminuted patellar fractures accompanied by coronal split articular and inferior pole fragments is a challenge. To treat this difficult fracture, we perform articular fragment detachment and separate fixation for coronal split articular and inferior pole fragments. We aimed to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of our technique in comminuted patellar fractures at least 1 year after surgery. Methods: Between January 2019 and June 2022, 15 patients diagnosed with comminuted patellar fractures accompanied by coronal split articular and inferior pole fragments based on preoperative computed tomography underwent surgery using the articular detachment technique. The key point of this technique was anatomical reduction and subchondral fixation of the coronal split articular fragment to the superior main fragment after complete detachment of the coronal split fragment from the inferior pole. The remaining inferior pole was fixed using a separate construct. Postoperative articular gap, articular step-off, and complications, including resorption, reduction loss, and avascular necrosis of fixed articular fragments, were evaluated as radiological outcomes. Range of motion and the Lysholm scores were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Results: Among the 15 patients, the coronal split articular fragments were fixed using Kirschner wires in 13 patients and headless screws in 2 patients. The inferior poles were fixed using separate vertical wiring in 13 patients and tension-band wiring in 2 patients. A postoperative articular gap was noted in 7 patients, with an average articular gap of 1.0 mm (range, 0.7–1.6 mm). No articular step-off was observed. Bone union and normal range of motion were achieved in all patients. On the 1-year postoperative lateral radiograph, resorption of the articular fracture site was seen in 5 patients. There was no loss of reduction or avascular necrosis of the coronal split articular fragments. The average postoperative Lysholm score at 1 year was 89.3 ± 4.1 (range, 82–95). Conclusions The technique would be a reliable and safe option for the surgical treatment of comminuted patellar fractures accompanied by coronal split articular and inferior pole fragments in terms of anatomical reduction and stable fixation of articular fragments without risk of avascular necrosis.

Background: The distribution of bacteria isolated from bloodstream infections and cumulative antimicrobial susceptibility data are the basis for empirical decisions regarding antibiotics as an initial treatment. Therefore, it is important to consistently collect blood culture results of individual patients and analyze them correctly. Methods: The blood culture results of patients at a university hospital from 2016 to 2020 were analyzed retrospectively to determine the bacterial distributions and antibiotic resistance patterns. Duplicates were eliminated by including only the first isolate of each species per patient. Results: Escherichia coli (27.1%) was the most commonly isolated bacterium from blood cultures, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus (8.6%). The methicillin resistance rate of S. aureus was 49.2%, and the vancomycin resistance rate of Enterococcus faecium was 39.5%; with no significant changes over the study period. The cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, and ertapenem resistance rates of E. coli were 35.0%, 46.8%, and 0.7%, respectively. Seventeen carbapenem-resistant E. coli strains were isolated, of which 11 produced carbapenemase. The cefotaxime, ciprofloxacin, and ertapenem resistance rates of K. pneumoniae were 29.5%, 31.7%, and 5.4%, respectively. Forty-eight carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strains were isolated, of which 37 produced carbapenemase. The imipenem resistance rates of Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were 72.3% and 23.4%, respectively. Conclusion In the blood culture results from 2016 to 2020, the isolation frequency of E.coli, K. pneumoniae, and E. faecium showed an increasing trend, whereas that of S. aureus was stable. Over the 5 year study period, the ciprofloxacin resistance rate of E. coli and P.aeruginosa and ampicillin/sulbactam resistance rate of A. baumannii significantly increased.

Spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula (SEDAVF) is a rare vascular malformation. Due to the mass effect of enlarged epidural veins and venous hypertension, progressive radiculopathy and myelopathy are likely to occur. A 33-year-old female presented with right upper extremity weakness for a month. The cause of this symptom was a SEDAVF, which was located near the C5-6-7 foramens and compressed the nerve roots. In the absence of intradural venous drainage, endovascular treatment is often difficult because of the large venous pouch. We performed endovascular trapping of the vertebral artery (VA) and loose packing of the coil material on the AVF to minimize mass effects. Immediately after embolization, the fistula was occluded, but a small new feeder vessel developed a day later. An n-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization was performed, and the fistula was successfully occluded.