Purpose: Preterm birth remains a leading cause of long-term neurodevelopmental impairment, yet early evaluations frequently underestimate subsequent deficits. This study examined longitudinal neurodevelopmental trajectories across gestational age groups and identified predictors of developmental delay. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 532 preterm children, stratified by gestational age, was followed from the neonatal period to early preschool age. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Korean version of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition at 8–12 months (n=481), 13–24 months (n=118), and 25–42 months (n=100). Longitudinal trajectories were analyzed using general linear models, and predictors of developmental delay were identified through multivariable logistic regression. Results: During the first year, motor scores differed significantly across gestational age groups, with extremely preterm infants showing the lowest values. By the third to fourth years of life, cognitive and language scores diverged markedly, with extremely preterm children exhibiting the steepest decline and additional deficits in motor and adaptive behavior domains. Lower gestational age remained an independent predictor of both cognitive and language delay at early preschool age, while no independent predictors were identified for motor, social-emotional, or adaptive behavior outcomes. Conclusion Neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm children follow dynamic, domain-specific trajectories influenced by gestational age and developmental timing. Motor delays are most evident in infancy, whereas cognitive and language impairments emerge by early preschool age. Gestational age remains a consistent predictor of later delay, emphasizing the need for longitudinal, gestational age–stratified monitoring and early, targeted intervention.

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: The taxonomic status of house mice (Mus musculus) on the Korean Peninsula has long been debated due to conflicting morphological classifications and limited genetic evidence. Historically, three subspecies (M. m.molossinus, M. m. utsuryonis, and M. m. yamashinai) have been proposed based on external traits, although the validity of these proposals remains uncertain. Thus, this study aimed to integrate genetic and morphological analyses to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of Korean mice relative to the well-known primary M. musculus subspecies and evaluate the taxonomic distinctiveness. Results: Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (cytb gene) from mice across Korea, including islands, mountains, and agricultural fields, confirmed that these mice belong to the Eurasian M. m. musculus lineage. Morphologically, Korean mice exhibited tail ratios consistent with previously assigned subspecies, suggesting these traits represent intraspecific variation within M. m. musculus. Craniometric analyses revealed distinctive features, such as a shorter, narrower premaxillary tooth-patch width and a longer maxillary tooth-row length, thereby distinguishing these mice from laboratory strains derived from M. m. domesticus. These cranial configurations, visualized via three-dimensional micro-computed tomography scans, further supported the morphological divergence of these mice from other subspecies. Conclusions Our findings indicate that Korean house mice belong to a single subspecific group within M. m.musculus, with observed morphological variations reflecting local adaptation rather than distinct taxonomic divisions.The Korean Peninsula likely served as an ecological bridge, facilitating the spatiotemporal diversification of M. m.musculus across East Eurasia. This study resolves longstanding taxonomic ambiguities and underscores the subspecific status of Korean house mice within M. m. musculus. These insights provide a foundation for understanding the biogeographic history of human commensal species and future biomedical research utilizing wild-derived mouse models.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary supplement use is common among breast cancer survivors, but studies on Asian populations remain limited. This study investigated dietary supplement use among Korean breast cancer survivors, distinguishing between vitamin/ mineral (VM) and non-vitaminon-mineral (NVNM) supplements. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,136 stage I–III breast cancer survivors from 12 Korean hospitals, who survived more than 6 mon post-surgery. The participants completed a questionnaire on post-diagnostic dietary supplement use. Stepwise logistic regression was applied, calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with VM and NVNM use. RESULTS: Seventy percent of survivors reported supplement use, with 25% using a single product. The most common VM supplements were multivitamins/minerals, vitamin D, and vitamin C, while the most common NVNM supplements included omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and ginseng. Survivors with higher education and greater physical activity were more likely to use VM supplements (ORs [95% CIs], 2.74 [1.76–4.25] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.38 [1.02–1.88] for the most active group vs. the least active group). NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity levels, and a history of smoking (ORs [95% CIs], 2.29 [1.46–3.58] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.52 [1.13–2.06] for the most active group vs. the least active group; 2.00 [1.23–3.25] for ever smokers vs. never smokers). Survivors who had undergone chemotherapy were also more likely to use NVNM supplements than those who had not (OR [95% CI], 1.37 [1.02–1.84]). CONCLUSION Seventy percent of Korean breast cancer survivors used dietary supplements in this study. VM use was associated with higher education and physical activity, while higher NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity, a history of smoking, and chemotherapy.

Background: A systematic evaluation of potential living liver donors is essential to ensure donor safety and optimize recipient outcomes in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). This study aimed to assess donor acceptance rates and reasons for disqualification among individuals evaluated for LDLT at a high-volume transplant center over a one-year period. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 1,087 potential living liver donors who presented for LDLT evaluation in 2023. Of these, 991 candidates advanced beyond the initial screening (Stage 1) and underwent comprehensive clinical, imaging, and pathological assessments (Stages 2 and 3). Candidates who discontinued after Stage 1 were excluded due to the absence of documented reasons for non-progression. Results: Among the 991 candidates who proceeded beyond initial screening, 473 (47.7%) completed the full donor evaluation, of whom 466 were judged to be suitable donors. Among suitable donors, 384 (82.4%) proceeded to donor hepatectomy, whereas 82 did not, primarily due to recipient-related factors such as clinical deterioration or withdrawal of consent. Donor ineligibility was determined in 422 candidates (42.6%), most commonly due to inadequate remnant liver volume (52.8%), hepatic steatosis (20.6%), and insufficient graft size (10.2%). Among candidates undergoing Stage 2 evaluation, 162 (16.3%) failed to meet steatosis criteria; 126 were excluded solely for steatosis and advised weight reduction, and 39 subsequently became eligible and successfully donated. Conclusion In this high-volume LDLT center, donor disqualification was primarily driven by remnant liver volume and hepatic steatosis. Targeted interventions such as weight reduction enabled successful donation in a subset of initially ineligible candidates, underscoring the importance of individualized donor evaluation and pre-donation optimization.

Robotic thyroidectomy has progressed from multiport to single-port (SP) platforms to minimize invasiveness and improve cosmesis. The da Vinci SP system (Intuitive Surgical) combines a flexible 3-dimensional endoscope with 3 wristed instruments in a single 2.5-cm cannula-enabled concealed remote access route and mitigates external arm collisions.This review synthesized PubMed-indexed reports (2020–2025) on SP robotic thyroidectomy using the following approaches:transaxillary variants, SP areolar, retroauricular/facelift (SP-hairline variants), and transoral approach. We focused on technical refinement, learning curves, and clinical outcomes. We highlight technical refinements and clinical outcomes across access routes. Contemporary series indicate that SP thyroidectomy is feasible and safe in well-selected patients, with high cosmetic satisfaction and operative metrics comparable to those of multiport cohorts. Among the SP routes, transaxillary variants have the most mature peer-reviewed reporting and are therefore discussed in greater detail. Early applications of SP-assisted lateral neck dissection have also been described. The limitations of current SP platforms include constrained counter-traction, reduced internal workspace, and incomplete integration of advanced energy devices.Nonetheless, ongoing device innovations and the growing global experience suggest that SP systems will increasingly shape endocrine neck surgeries.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration and significant depression. However, the mechanisms linking depression to AD pathology remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether Notch2 signaling mediates depressionlike behaviors in presenilin-2 (PS2) N141I mutant mice, an early-onset AD model. PS2 wild-type (WT) and mutant (MT) mice aged 12-15 months were subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) for 4 weeks, followed by sucrose preference, tail-hanging, and forced swimming tests. Behavioral assessments showed that UCMS exacerbated anhedonia and immobility only in PS2 MT mice. Molecular analysis revealed concomitant increases in plasma corticosterone, hippocampal γ-secretase activity, and Notch2 expression, and elevated total and phosphorylated glucocorticoid receptor levels in PS2 MT-UCMS mice. Gene expression profiling of human hippocampal datasets confirmed upregulation of NOTCH2 in Alzheimer’s disease and depression.Pharmacological inhibition of γ-secretase and Notch signaling with DAPT normalizes depressive behavior, reduces corticosterone release, attenuates GR phosphorylation, and inhibits Notch2 signaling in PS2 MT mice. These findings identify Notch2 as a pivotal mediator linking chronic stress to molecular changes associated with depression and AD, and suggest that targeting Notch2 signaling may provide therapeutic benefits for comorbid mood and neurodegenerative disorders.

Background: and Purpose Although blood pressure (BP) elevation is common in acute ischemic stroke, and guidelines recommend reducing systolic BP to <185 mm Hg prior to reperfusion therapy, the safety and efficacy of active BP lowering in the hyperacute phase before endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) remain uncertain. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective hospital-based registry that included consecutive patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion who underwent EVT between 2016 and 2024. Patients were categorized into the active BP lowering in the emergency department (ED) group or the absence of BP lowering in the ED group based on whether they received intravenous antihypertensive treatment prior to EVT. The primary outcome was the distribution of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3 months. Propensity score matching and multivariable regression analyses were also performed. Results: Of the 492 included patients, 53 (10.8%) received active BP lowering in the ED. After propensity score matching, patients who underwent active BP lowering showed a worse distribution of 3-month mRS scores compared with those who did not receive BP lowering (adjusted odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18 to 0.80; p=0.013). The active BP lowering group exhibited greater infarct volume growth (adjusted β coefficient, 33.4; 95% CI, 18.2 to 48.7; p<0.001), whereas the incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage did not differ between groups. Conclusions Active BP lowering in the ED before EVT was associated with worse functional outcomes and increased infarct growth without a corresponding reduction in the occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. These findings highlight the need for caution in initiating antihypertensive therapy before reperfusion and support further investigations to define optimal pre-EVT BP management.

Background: and Purpose The relationship between thrombus histology and long-term stroke patient outcomes remains unexplored. We aimed to determine whether the histological characteristics of thrombi are associated with long-term outcomes in stroke patients and to identify the thrombus features linked to these outcomes. Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study included 512 patients with ischemic stroke who underwent endovascular thrombectomy between July 2017 and July 2023. Patients were followed up for long-term major adverse cardiovascular events occurrence. Thrombus histology was assessed using immunohistochemistry, including the proportion of fibrin, red blood cells, and platelets, as well as the distribution patterns categorized as layered, erythrocytic, diffuse platelet, and mixed. Results: During a median follow-up of 38.1 months, 164 patients experienced major adverse cardiovascular events, with an incidence rate of 3.02 per 100 person-years. Major adverse cardiovascular events occurrence was associated with the diffuse platelet pattern and proportion of platelets and red blood cells within the thrombus. After adjusting for confounders, the diffuse platelet pattern independently predicted major adverse cardiovascular events, including mortality and stroke recurrence. Subgroup analysis also demonstrated that the association between the diffuse platelet pattern and major adverse cardiovascular events was consistent across key clinical subgroups based on age (≥65 vs. <65 yr), atrial fibrillation, cancer status, and discharge medications. Conclusions Thrombus histology could provide predictive value for long-term prognosis. In particular, histological distribution patterns may be more important than simple composition in thrombus research, including in the prediction of prognosis.

Dong Nai province in southern Viet Nam was among the hardest hit in a measles outbreak in 2024–2025 with over 7000 cases. Our analysis outlines major takeaways for measles control in recommending the need for strengthened surveillance, digital communication and intersectoral collaboration to address immunization gaps and build health system resilience in Viet Nam.