Purpose: To report a nationwide survey on neuroblastoma conducted by the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in 2020. Methods: The clinical data of pediatric patients diagnosed with and treated for neuroblastoma from 2005 to 2019 in 19 hospitals of KAPS members were collected. Survival and prognostic factor analyses were performed using the log rank test and Cox proportional hazard analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 669 patients with neuroblastoma were registered for the study. The results were presented and discussed at the 36th annual meeting of the KAPS, which was held in Seoul on August 21, 2020. Conclusion This study provides information on patient demographics, prognostic outcomes, and comprehensive treatment outcomes for neuroblastoma. The study is expected to be an important reference for improving pediatric surgeons’ understanding and treatment of neuroblastoma.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate and compare the incidence, demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical classifications, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes of patients with intestinal atresia treated by the members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) through three nationwide surveys. Methods: KAPS conducted 3 national surveys in 1998, 2010, and 2024 to examine the patients diagnosed with intestinal atresia. In preparation for the survey, we developed a customized case registration form to obtain data on patient sex, birth weight, gestational age, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical types, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes. Authorized KAPS members completed the case registration form. Results: The first, second, and third national surveys included 218, 222, and 236 individuals diagnosed with intestinal atresia, respectively. The male-to-female ratios were 1.5:1, 1.1:1, and 1.1:1, respectively. The first, second, and third national surveys revealed that 34.3%, 43.3%, and 53.4% of patients were born before 37 weeks of gestation, respectively. Additionally, 28.7%, 32.0%, and 40.7% of patients had a birth weight under 2,500 g. In the third national survey, duodenoduodenostomy was the most common procedure, performed in 70 out of 82 patients diagnosed with duodenal atresia. Resection and anastomosis were the main surgical procedures conducted in 47 out of 54 cases of jejunal atresia and 74 out of 92 cases of ileal atresia. The mortality rates in the first, second, and third national surveys were 13.8%, 3.6%, and 1.3% respectively, with the lowest rate observed in the third national survey. Conclusion These national surveys offer valuable insights into the current state of intestinal atresia, including specific surgical interventions and postoperative outcomes in South Korea. For pediatric surgeons aiming to enhance their understanding of intestinal atresia and its treatment options, these surveys could be an indispensable resource and guide.

Background: Despite the increasing use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, limited data exist on their perceived benefits and challenges among patients and healthcare providers. This study explored CGM-related experiences in South Korea. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted between January and December 2021 at four university hospitals. Respondents included patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), physicians, and DM education nurses. The survey assessed the use of CGM, its benefits, and barriers. Most devices were first-generation CGMs: FreeStyle Libre 1 (Abbott Diabetes Care), Dexcom G6 (Dexcom Inc.), and Medtronic Guardian 3 (Medtronic MiniMed). Results: Among 1,010 patients (33.4% with type 1 DM [T1DM], 63.6% with type 2 DM [T2DM], and 3.1% others; mean age, 51.4±14.6 years), 92.7% found CGM helpful. Although 59.6% reported discomfort, 81.9% intended to continue using CGM, indicating that perceived benefits outweighed barriers. The key advantages were glucose monitoring without finger pricks (T1DM, 57.9%; T2DM, 56.2%) and maintenance of target glucose levels. Discomfort was related to discomfort during activities (53.8%), skin problems (45.0%), and pain (43.0%). Healthcare provider recommendations were associated with reduced discomfort (adjusted odds ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.21–0.60). Physicians (n=29) cited high costs as the main barrier (T1DM, 58.9%; T2DM, 64.8%); only 51.9% and 14.5% prescribed CGM for T1DM and T2DM, respectively. Insulin adjustment and glucose control were the main reasons for prescription, while cost (89.3%) and limited consultation time (67.9%) were barriers. DM educators (n=9) reported heavy workloads, with training and follow-up times averaging 31.7±7.5 minutes and 21.7±9.7 minutes, respectively; 77.8% of DM educators identified frequent patient inquiries as their greatest burden. Conclusion CGM provides significant clinical benefits but is limited by discomfort, costs, and educational burden. Sustained adoption requires device improvements, insurance support, and workforce expansion.

Purpose: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly challenging subtype of breast cancer, with a poorer prognosis compared to other subtypes. Unfortunately, unlike luminal-type cancers, there is no validated biomarker to predict the prognosis of patients with early-stage TNBC. Accurate biomarkers are needed to establish effective therapeutic strategies. Materials and Methods: In this study, we analyzed gene expression profiles of tumor samples from 184 TNBC patients (training cohort, n=76; validation cohort, n=108) using RNA sequencing. Results: By combining weighted gene expression, we identified a 10-gene signature (DGKH, GADD45B, KLF7, LYST, NR6A1, PYCARD, ROBO1, SLC22A20P, SLC24A3, and SLC45A4) that stratified patients by risk score with high sensitivity (92.31%), specificity (92.06%), and accuracy (92.11%) for invasive disease-free survival. The 10-gene signature was validated in a separate institution cohort and supported by meta-analysis for biological relevance to well-known driving pathways in TNBC. Furthermore, the 10-gene signature was the only independent factor for invasive disease-free survival in multivariate analysis when compared to other potential biomarkers of TNBC molecular subtypes and T-cell receptor β diversity. 10-gene signature also further categorized patients classified as molecular subtypes according to risk scores. Conclusion Our novel findings may help address the prognostic challenges in TNBC and the 10-gene signature could serve as a novel biomarker for risk-based patient care.

Purpose: This study provides insights into the prevalence at birth, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of gastroschisis and omphalocele in Korea over the past decade, addressing the lack of localized data despite advanced healthcare capabilities. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed data from 20 pediatric surgical centers in Korea from January 2012 to December 2021, including 269 patients diagnosed with gastroschisis or omphalocele. Data variables included gender, gestational age, birth weight, associated anomalies, type of defect, surgical interventions, and outcomes. Results: The study covered 269 patients, with 80 gastroschisis and 189 omphalocele cases. Gastroschisis prevalence at birth remained stable at 2.15 per 100,000 live births, while omphalocele increased to 5.08 per 100,000. Both conditions had similar gender ratios (0.95). Gastroschisis patients had lower birth weights (2,463.90±505.50 g) and smaller head circumferences (31.97±1.86 cm) compared to omphalocele patients (2,757.65±761.24 g, 32.78±2.64 cm). Omphalocele cases had more associated anomalies, especially cardiovascular issues. Prenatal diagnosis rates were high: 93.7% for gastroschisis and 86.4% for omphalocele. About 96.3% of gastroschisis and 84.1% of omphalocele patients were born in their treatment hospitals. Gastroschisis patients underwent surgery sooner (average 3.5 days) and started feeding later (16.5 days) than omphalocele patients (average 56.5 days to surgery, 6.6 days to start feeding). Hospital stays and follow-up durations were similar, averaging around 782.6 days for gastroschisis and 800.3 days for omphalocele patients. Survival rates were 89.7% for gastroschisis and 87.1% for omphalocele. Conclusion The study highlights the need for early diagnosis, centralized care, and specialized surgical approaches to optimize outcomes for gastroschisis and omphalocele patients in Korea. Enhanced prenatal screening and surgical protocols are recommended to improve these patients' prognosis.

Purpose: This study investigated pathological complete response (pCR) according to androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and estimated the relationship between AR expression and clinicopathological factors. Materials and Methods: We identified 624 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the National Cancer Center in Goyang, Korea from April 2016 to October 2019. We retrospectively collected the clinicopathologic information and AR expression results and analyzed the data according to cancer stage, hormonal receptor (HR) status, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status, tumor subtype, and pCR. Results: Among the 624 breast cancer patients, 529 (84.8%) were AR-positive (AR+) patients and 95 (15.2%) were AR-negative (AR–) patients. AR+ patients showed more estrogen receptor (ER) positivity, progesterone receptor (PR) positivity, HER2-positivity, and HR-positive and HER2-negative (HR+/HER2–) subtype. The rate of pCR was 31.4% (196/624). AR– patients had a significantly higher rate of pCR than AR+ patients (AR– 43.2% vs. AR+ 29.3%, p=0.007). The tumor factors associated with pCR were early stage, histologic grade 3, ER-negative, PR-negative, AR-negative, HER2-positive, and high Ki-67 values. In univariable analysis, AR+ significantly decreased the state of pCR (odds ratio, 0.546; 95% confidence interval, 0.349 to 0.853; p=0.008). According to tumor subtype, AR– tumor showed higher pCR rate in HR+/HER2– subtype (AR– 28.6% vs. AR+ 7.3%, p=0.022). Conclusion AR expression is predominant in the HR+/HER2– subtype. AR– is significantly associated with the pCR rate in breast cancer patients, especially within HR+/HER2– subtype. When determining neoadjuvant chemotherapy for the HR+/HER2– subtype, AR expression can be considered as a pCR predictive marker.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic or intermittent hyperglycemia is associated with the development of diabetic complications. Oxidative stress and inflammation can be altered by hyperglycemia in diverse tissues, including kidneys and eyes, and play a pivotal role in diabetic complications. Our previous studies showed that the water-insoluble 5,7-dihydroxyflvone chrysin effectively combats diabetic damages incurred in diabetic kidneys and retinas. The current study employed the newly-synthesized 5.7-di-O-acetylchrysin, having higher solubility than chrysin, to compare the effects on diabetes-associated renal fibrosis and abnormal retinal neovascularization.MATERIALS/METHODS: In the in vivo study, db/db mice as animal models of type 2 diabetes were orally administrated 10 mg/kg BW diacetylchrysin, daily for 10 weeks. RESULTS: Unlike chrysin, oral administration of 10 mg/kg diacetylchrysin did not lower the blood glucose level and 24 h urine volume in db/db mice. Nevertheless, the urinary albumin excretion was markedly reduced. The administration of diacetylchrysin also diminished the deposition of collagen fibers in diabetic glomeruli and tubules by suppressing the induction of connective tissue growth factor and collagen IV in diabetic kidneys. Supplying diacetylchrysin enhanced the membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression reduced in diabetic kidneys, while the tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 induction was attenuated in diacetylchrysin-challenged diabetic kidneys. In addition, supplementing diacetylchrysin to diabetic mice ameliorated renal injury due to glomerulosclerosis and tubular interstitial fibrosis. Furthermore, the reduced retinal inductions of Zonula occludens-1 and vascular endothelial cadherin in db/db mice were elevated in the retinal tissues of diacetylchrysintreated animals. Oral administration of diacetylchrysin curtailed the induction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 in db/db mice, ultimately retarding diabetes-associated retinal neovascularization. Additionally, the retinal formation of acellular capillaries with leaky vessels was reduced in diacetylchrysin-treated db/db mice. CONCLUSION Diacetylchrysin may act as a potent pro-health agent for treating renal fibrosisassociated diabetic nephropathy and retinal neovascularization-associated diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: The treatment of male breast cancer (MBC) has been extrapolated from female breast cancer (FBC) because of its rarity despite their different clinicopathologic characteristics. We aimed to investigate the distribution of intrinsic subtypes based on immunohistochemistry, their clinical impact, and treatment pattern in clinical practice through a multicenter study in Korea. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 248 MBC patients from 18 institutions across the country from January 1995 to July 2016. Results: The median age of MBC patients was 63 years (range, 25 to 102 years). Among 148 intrinsic subtype classified patients, 61 (41.2%), 44 (29.7%), 29 (19.5%), and 14 (9.5%) were luminal A, luminal B, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and triple-negative breast cancer, respectively. Luminal A subtype showed trends for superior survival compared to other subtypes. Most hormone receptor-positive patients (166 patients, 82.6%) received adjuvant endocrine treatment. Five-year completion of adjuvant endocrine treatment was associated with superior disease-free survival (DFS) in patients classified with an intrinsic subtype (hazard ratio [HR], 0.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04 to 0.49; p=0.002) and in all patients (HR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.54; p=0.003). Conclusion Distribution of subtypes of MBC was similar to FBC and luminal type A was most common. Overall survival tended to be improved for luminal A subtype, although there was no statistical significance. Completion of adjuvant endocrine treatment was associated with prolonged DFS in intrinsic subtype classified patients. MBC patients tended to receive less treatment. MBC patients should receive standard treatment according to guidelines as FBC patients.

Background: Long-term care insurance for the elderly has been stably established along with the quantitative expansion of long-term care facilities. Indeed, the need for a paradigm about human rights-based service approach is being raised throughout society from a service perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the association between elderly human rights awareness and quality of service by considering human rights education as a moderate variable. Methods: This study conducted surveys with 138 caregivers working in long-term care facilities located in Seoul and Gangwon.General characteristics, awareness of human rights, and the level of service quality were examined using descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, and correlation analysis. And multi-variable linear regression with a hierarchical framework was employed. These analyses were performed using IBM SPSS ver. 25.0. Results: Of the 138 caregivers, 97.1% were female, 87.7% were more than 50 years old, and most of their education level was high-school graduates. Their length of employment ranged from more than 5 years to less than 10 years. The level of awareness regarding elderly human rights of the elderly was below normal (mean=2.21), but the quality of service was high (mean=4.21), and the need for human rights education was also high (mean=4.28). Among the general characteristics, the length of employment was significantly associated with awareness of elderly human rights. Moreover, political rights awareness, included as sub-domains of human rights, was positively associated with quality of service. However, the moderating variable, human rights education, was not significantly associated with the quality of service. Conclusion In this study, human rights education, as a moderating variable, did not have a statistically significant effect on caregivers’ human rights awareness in relation to service quality. This finding is inconsistent with previous research results. These results can be explained by the fact that the frequency of education in long-term care facilities was a significant factor in the practice of protecting the human rights of the elderly. Therefore ongoing encouragement for the frequency of current human rights education and improvements in the educational approach appear to be necessary. In addition, these findings reveal the need for strength of education policies and effective in-depth research about human rights and quality of service to respect the human rights of the elderly.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of hospital ethical climate and communication self-efficacy on nursing care left undone. Methods: The participants were 142 nurses working in a general hospital. Data were collected from July 18 to August 30, 2021. Data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis using the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program. Results: (a) The mean value of hospital ethical climate was 3.54±0.41, communication self-efficacy was 5.03±0.81, and the sum of nursing cares left undone was 3.68±3.14.(b) Nursing cares left undone had a negative correlation with hospital ethical climate(r=-.25, p=.003) but not with communication self-efficacy (r=-.13,p=.116). (c) Factors that affected nursing cares left undone included education (≥master) (β=.23, p=.005), marital status (single) (β=-.19, p=.018), age (26~27) (β=-.18, p=.022), and hospital ethical climate (β=-.18, p=.029); the explanation power was 18.0% (F=8.66, p<.001). Conclusion Our study shows that hospital ethical climate plays a significant role in nursing cares left undone of nurses. It is important to strengthen hospital ethical climate to lower the incidence of nursing cares left undone. These results may serve as basic data to help develop strategies for reducing the incidence of nursing cares left undone.