Purpose: To propose improvements for promoting eyeball donation and managing donated corneas, this study analyzed the current system in Korea and reviewed relevant Korean laws, international standards, and foreign practices. Methods: To understand the current situation in Korea, annual reports published by the Korean Network for Organ Sharing and existing Korean laws were examined. For the international context, references were made to the National Organ Transplant Act, 21 CFR Part 1271 (Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Part 1271), Current Good Tissue Practice guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Medical Standards of the Eye Bank Association of America in the United States. Opinions on promoting eyeball donation, improving the monitoring system for donated corneas and revising laws related to cornea management were gathered. The perspectives of 31 experts affiliated with the Korea Cornea Society were collected through a survey. Results: Currently, there are no laws or regulations that can be appropriately applied to the cornea which has properties of both organs and tissue. Additionally, there is no law regulating imported corneas. Therefore, there is a need to legislate or revise the current law; all experts who conducted the survey agreed on this. Furthermore, the current system faces limitations in the efficient procurement, stable supply, and management of donor corneas, as well as in donation promotion. To address these issues, the establishment of independent legislation for managing donated corneas and a National Central Eye Bank was proposed. This central body would oversee continuous personnel training, education, and monitoring, along with ensuring stable procurement, processing, and supply of corneas within a structured management system. Sixty-eight percent of the surveyed experts agreed with this proposal. Conclusions To establish a safe and efficient Korean corneal supply and demand system, it is imperative to enact cornea-specific laws, including the establishment of a National Central Eye Bank.

Purpose: We evaluated the long-term clinical outcomes of pars plana Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation combined with vitrectomy in patients with glaucoma. Methods: We included 25 eyes of glaucoma patients requiring pars plana vitrectomy who underwent combined pars plana AGV implantation and vitrectomy due to uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) despite maximal medical therapy. Surgical success was defined as maintaining IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg, irrespective of topical IOP-lowering medication use. Surgical failure was defined as inadequate IOP control or a decline in visual acuity to no light perception. Preoperative and postoperative parameters, including visual acuity, IOP, number of topical IOP-lowering medications, surgical success rate, corneal endothelial cell density, and postoperative complications, were analyzed. Results: The mean follow-up period was 49.5 ± 12.5 months. The mean preoperative IOP of 32.4 ± 8.4 mmHg significantly decreased to 18.0 ± 9.2 mmHg at the final visit (p < 0.001). Based on Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, the cumulative surgical success rates were 80% at 1 year, 72% at 2 years, and 68% at 5 years postoperatively. The overall success rate at the final follow-up was 76%. Corneal endothelial cell density decreased by 16.5% compared to preoperative values. Early postoperative complications (within 1 month) included hypotony in 16% of eyes, choroidal detachment in 12%, vitreous hemorrhage in 12%, and hyphema in 4%. Late complications included corneal endothelial dysfunction in one eye (4%). Conclusions In glaucoma patients requiring pars plana vitrectomy combined pars plana Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation and vitrectomy achieved sustained IOP reduction with a relatively low rate of complications. This combined surgical approach appears to be a safe and effective long-term treatment option for refractory glaucoma cases requiring posterior segment 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: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema, papules, ocular symptoms, and heightened sensitivity. Patients with neurogenic symptoms such as burning or stinging remain particularly difficult to manage. Current guidelines often underrepresent energy-based devices (EBDs), pigmentary sequelae, psychosocial burden, and ocular comorbidities. Objective: To examine Korean dermatologists’ expert perspectives on rosacea management, focusing on skin sensitivity, neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary changes, psychosocial impact, ocular involvement, and EBD use. Methods: A web-based, 29-item survey was administered to 25 board-certified Korean dermatologists (May–June 2025). Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed. Results: Erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular phenotypes with sensitivity skin predominated. EBDs (pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light) were frequently used but limited by cost and sensitivity issues. Neurogenic symptoms were recognized but rarely treated with neuromodulators. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was infrequent, yet monitoring was inconsistent.Psychosocial and ocular aspects were acknowledged but seldomly systematically addressed.Respondents expressed interest in emerging adjunctive treatments such as cold plasma, skin boosters, and holistic care approaches. Conclusion Korean dermatologists adopt individualized strategies for rosacea, yet practice gaps remain regarding neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary complications, and psychosocial and ocular comorbidities. Findings support the need for updated multidisciplinary, phenotype-driven guidelines aligned with real-world practice.

Background: Current guidelines recommend factor IIa- or Xa-specific inhibitors over warfarin analogs for preventing thromboembolic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).However, their plasma concentrations in Korean patients are not well understood. Methods: We conducted a single-center laboratory study to determine the distribution ranges of peak and trough concentrations of three factor Xa inhibitors (apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban) prescribed for preventing strokes in patients with AF. Patients receiving one of these drugs and undergoing blood specimen collection for laboratory tests were screened. Blood specimens were obtained from patients who had adhered to the prescribed drug regimen consistently for at least 1 week. Drug plasma concentrations were measured using heparin liquid-reagent technology-based anti-Xa chromogenic assays. Results: We selected 459 patients who were taking standard or on-label-reduced doses of apixaban (N = 252), edoxaban (N = 182), or rivaroxaban (N = 25). The 5th–95th percentile ranges of the peak concentrations were 84–414 ng/mL (apixaban), 72–424 ng/mL (edoxaban), and 97–517 ng/mL (rivaroxaban). The respective 5th–95th percentile ranges of the trough concentrations were 44–237 ng/mL, 23–93 ng/mL, and 13–219 ng/mL. Approximately 19.6% (apixaban), 33.3% (edoxaban), and 64.0% (rivaroxaban) of patients in each group had peak concentrations out of the predicted distribution ranges based on pharmacokinetic data. Approximately 7.3%, 52.8%, and 8.3% of patients had trough concentrations out of the predicted distribution ranges. Conclusions A considerable proportion of Korean patients with AF taking factor Xa inhibitors may require population-specific reference ranges to guide therapeutic monitoring.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the therapeutic outcomes of no-touch (NT) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) vs. tumorpuncture microwave ablation (MWA) in the treatment of single hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) measuring ≤3 cm. Materials and Methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 304 patients who underwent either NT-RFA (n = 144) or MWA (n = 160) for a single HCC measuring ≤3 cm. Comparative analyses were conducted for the overall cohort, while 81 patients per group were matched using propensity score matching (PSM). The analyzed outcomes included technical success, primary technique efficacy, local tumor progression (LTP), and major complications. Cumulative LTP was estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and compared using the log-rank text, while the rate of ablative margin ≥5 mm and ablation time were compared using Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests, respectively. Results: Technical success was achieved in 98.6% (142/144) and 100% (160/160) of in the NT-RFA and MWA patients, respectively before PSM (P = 0.224), and 98.8% (80/81) and 100% (81/81) after PSM (P = 1.000). The primary technique efficacies were 98.6% (142/144) and 100% (160/160) before PSM (P = 0.224), and 97.5 % (79/81) and 100% (81/81) after PSM (P = 0.497), respectively. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative LTP rates were 1.4%, 1.4%, and 2.3%, respectively, for NTRFA and 5.1%, 8.6%, and 8.6%, respectively, for MWA before PSM (P = 0.013). After PSM, the corresponding rates were 0%, 0%, and 0% for NT-RFA, and 7.6%, 10.4%, and 10.4% for MWA (P = 0.006). Major complications were not observed. NT-RFA achieved a higher proportion, with an ablative margin ≥5 mm (88.7% [126/142] vs. 71.9% [115/160]; P < 0.001), but required longer ablation times (median, 10.0 vs. 6.0 min; P < 0.001). Conclusion NT-RFA showed superior local tumor control compared to MWA, despite greater procedural complexity and longer ablation times.

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: The discovery and evaluation of reliable biomarkers of vitiligo are important;however, no clinically established serological markers exist for predicting the clinical prognosis of vitiligo. Objective: To investigate the levels of SOX10 and lamin A/C antibodies in the serum of patients diagnosed with vitiligo. Methods: In this multicenter prospective study, blood serum samples were collected from adult vitiligo patients. The levels of SOX10 and lamin A/C antibodies were analyzed by direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody levels between the groups were compared according to disease activity and subtype. Results: A total of 80 patients (46 females; median age 60 years) were enrolled, including 56 (70%) with nonsegmental vitiligo and 27 (33.7%) with active disease. Positivity for SOX10 and lamin A/C antibodies was observed in 35.0% and 71.3% of patients, respectively. SOX10 positivity was significantly higher in active vitiligo than in stable vitiligo (59.3% vs. 24.5%; p=0.003), whereas lamin A/C positivity did not show significant difference (77.8% vs. 69.8%; p=0.60).No significant associations were found between SOX10 or lamin A/C status and the subtype, extent, or the presence of antinuclear antibody, anti-thyroid peroxidase, or anti-thyroglobulin (all p>0.05). Conclusion SOX10 antibody could be a potential marker for assessing disease activity in vitiligo. The increased production of SOX10 antibodies in the serum may be due to the underlying death or turnover of SOX10 containing cells under active autoimmune response.

This study examined the inhibitory effects of pluviatolide, a lignan derived from Podophyllum hexandrum, on mast cell activation and IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity, focusing on FcεRI-dependent and calcium-mediated pathways. Using bone marrowderived mast cells (BMMCs) and rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells, we found that pluviatolide significantly decreased β-hexosaminidase release and suppressed the expression and secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in a concentration-dependent manner, without causing cytotoxicity. While we initially hypothesized that it would selectively modulate antigen-specific FcεRI signaling, pluviatolide also inhibited degranulation induced by calcium ionophore and thapsigargin, indicating its effects extend to receptorindependent, Ca2+-dependent activation mechanisms. Immunoblot analyses revealed decreased phosphorylation of proximal kinases (Lyn, Syk), adaptor proteins (LAT, PLCγ1), MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK, p38), and NF-κB p65. In a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) mouse model, oral administration of pluviatolide significantly reduced Evans blue extravasation and mast cell degranulation in ear tissues. These findings demonstrate that pluviatolide suppresses both early and late-phase mast cell responses through multi-nodal inhibition of activation pathways, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for both IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated allergic disorders.

Purpose: The male predominance in the incidence of gastric cancer (GC) is established; however, sex differences in the prognosis of GC remain controversial. As such, this study analyzed the prognosis of patients with GC based on age and sex. Materials and Methods: Data from 14,739 patients diagnosed with GC at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 2003 and 2023 were analyzed. Baseline characteristics, histological types of GC, overall and GC-specific survival rates (age and stage stratification), and associated risk factors were analyzed. Results: Females were significantly younger (p < 0.001) and exhibited more gastric body cancers (p < 0.001) and tumors with diffuse-type or poorly differentiated histology (p < 0.001) than males. Females exhibited an advantage over males in terms of overall survival (p=0.004), but not in GC-specific survival. However, age stratification revealed significant sex differences, that females < 50 years of age exhibited survival disadvantages (p < 0.001); however, this trend was reversed with age, and females > 60 years exhibited survival advantages (p < 0.001) for both overall and GC-specific survival. This may be explained by the lower ratio of diffuse-type GC as females age. Furthermore, in the analysis according to stage, females with stage IV disease exhibited significant survival disadvantages, with significantly younger age and a higher proportion of diffuse-type GC which exhibits aggressive features, resulting in poorer survival than in males. Conclusion Age and stage stratification revealed significant differences in survival between the sexes, which can be helpful for public health strategies.