Objective: The prognostic value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) volume and density was derived from an automated artificial intelligence (AI)-based analysis of non-electrocardiogram-gated chest CT. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 7,552 asymptomatic adults who underwent chest CT as part of a national health screening program between 2007 and 2014 at two tertiary hospitals were examined for eligibility, of whom 1,109 with detectable CAC were analyzed. CAC density was derived by back-calculation from the Agatston score and CAC volume, both of which were obtained using AI software on chest CT. Differences in the probability of being free from major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) across the four combined CAC volume-density groups were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves and restricted mean survival time (RMST). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between CAC volume and density and MACE. Results: Among the 1,109 participants with nonzero CAC (median age, 60.3 years; 87% men), 207 experienced MACE during a median follow-up of 7.7 years. Ten-year RMSTs were 9.45 years in the low-volume-high-density group, 9.07 years in the lowvolume-low-density group, 8.03 years in the high-volume-high-density group, and 7.68 years in the high-volume-low-density group. Differences in time to MACE were predominantly driven by CAC volume, with no significant density-related differences within the volume strata. CAC density demonstrated a significant, independent, inverse association after adjusting for CAC volume and clinical covariates (hazard ratio [HR] per increase by standard deviation [SD], 0.786; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.659–0.936; P = 0.007). CAC volume also remained independently associated with an increased risk of MACE (HR per increase by SD, 2.608; 95% CI, 2.016–3.374; P < 0.001). Conclusion CAC density derived from chest CT using automated AI quantification was independently and inversely associated with MACE, providing additional prognostic value when added to CAC volume.

Background: Despite advancements in laboratory animal facility management, pinworm infections remain a persistent issue in immunodeficient mouse colonies. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to mitigating potential scientific and economic consequences. Effective control requires both the administration of anthelmintic agents and rigorous environmental decontamination. However, the safety and efficacy of these treatments in genetically modified mouse models remains uncertain.Case presentation Aspiculuris tetraptera infestation was identified in multiple immunodeficient mouse models housed in a laboratory facility. Diagnosis was confirmed through fecal flotation for egg detection and necropsy for adult worm examination in the large intestines. Mice received three subcutaneous ivermectin injections at two-week intervals, coupled with environmental decontamination using ivermectin spray for four consecutive weeks. Following treatment, all colonies tested negative for A. tetraptera without any mortality. Conclusions A combination of subcutaneous ivermectin injection and environmental spray application effectively eradicated A. tetraptera infestation in immunodeficient mouse colonies. The treatment protocol led to the complete elimination of eggs and adult worms, offering a practical strategy for managing pinworm infections in genetically modified mouse models. Limitations include the small sample size, and the lack of a comprehensive evaluation of physiological and metabolic safety in immunodeficient mice. Further validation will be required to confirm the broader applicability of this approach.

Background: Melanoma, though less common than other cutaneous malignancies, remains clinically significant. In Asia, acral and nailunit melanoma—less related to ultraviolet exposure—pose diagnostic and reconstructive challenges. Clarifying temporal and anatomic trends in melanoma within plastic surgery practice may enhance early recognition and guide standardized reconstruction. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 960 surgically treated cutaneous malignancies (2000–2022) in a tertiary plastic surgery department, classifying tumors as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), malignant melanoma (MM), or others. For MM, we analyzed anatomic site (headeck, trunk, non-acral extremity, acral), sex, age, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors, comparing period A (2000–2017) with period B (2018–2022). Group comparisons used the chi-square or Fisher exact test and the Mann-Whitney test. Incidence rates were calculated with Poisson confidence intervals; between-period differences were evaluated using exact binomial tests and rate ratios. Results: Of 960 tumors, BCC, SCC, MM, and others comprised 47.4%, 44.3%, 5.8%, and 2.5%. MM site distribution was heterogeneous: headeck 14.3%, trunk 30.4%, non-acral extremity 21.4%, acral 33.9%. Distribution shifted significantly (chi-square p= 0.043), with headeck lesions decreasing from 28.0% to 3.2% and trunk and acral lesions each increasing to 38.7%. Annual MM incidence rose from 1.39 to 6.20 cases per year (rate ratio, 4.46; p< 0.001). Hypertension (64.5%) and diabetes (35.5%) were more frequent in period B. Conclusion Recent years showed a sharply increased MM caseload and redistribution toward trunk and acral sites with greater metabolic comorbidity, reflecting both epidemiologic change and evolving detection or referral patterns.

Purpose: To develop the 2025 update to the Korean colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines by systematically evaluating recent evidence, integrating domestic data, and addressing changes since the 2015 guideline revision, thereby providing an evidence-based standard for clinicians and policymakers. Methods: A multidisciplinary committee developed the guidelines using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The process included formulation of three key questions addressing screening efficacy, diagnostic accuracy, and optimal screening age and interval. A systematic review of international guidelines and primary literature was conducted, yielding 327 eligible studies. In addition, a utility-based analysis using a Markov model was performed to determine optimal screening ages and intervals. Results: The evidence synthesis identified high-certainty evidence supporting the use of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for reducing CRC mortality and moderate-certainty evidence for colonoscopy. Evidence for computed tomographic colonography (CTC) and stool DNA testing was rated as very low certainty. Based on the evidence review and cost-utility analysis, the committee conditionally recommends CRC screening for asymptomatic, average-risk adults aged 45–74 years using either colonoscopy every 10 years or FIT every 1–2 years. CTC and stool DNA testing were not recommended owing to insufficient evidence. Conclusion The 2025 Korean Guidelines for Colorectal Cancer Screening present updated, evidence-based recommendations tailored to the domestic healthcare context. By conditionally endorsing both colonoscopy and FIT for individuals aged 45–74 years, these guidelines aim to improve population-level screening effectiveness and reduce the burden of CRC in South Korea.

Pediatric vulvar hematoma typically results from straddle-type injuries and is usually managed with nonoperative measures. However, rapid progression and the risk of complications in some cases, including tissue necrosis, infection, and urinary retention, necessitate surgical intervention. The highly vascularized anatomy of the vulva allows for rapid hematoma expansion, requiring careful assessment of hematoma size, progression, functional impairment, and hemodynamic stability when determining the treatment strategy. In addition, genital trauma during developmental periods can influence self-perception and psychosexual development, making timely intervention important to prevent aesthetic and functional sequelae. We present two pediatric patients with vulvar hematoma who underwent successful surgical treatment following careful evaluation of both physical and psychological factors. This report emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to the management of pediatric vulvar hematomas.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are an important treatment option for ulcerative colitis, providing rapid onset of action, oral administration, and efficacy even after biologic failure. The 3 approved agents—tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib—differ in JAK isoform selectivity, leading to clinically meaningful differences in efficacy and safety. Evidence from network meta-analyses, clinical trials, and real-world studies consistently shows that upadacitinib provides the highest efficacy for induction and maintenance of remission, whereas filgotinib demonstrates the most favorable safety profile. The strong efficacy of upadacitinib and tofacitinib is particularly relevant in patients with severe disease, including acute severe ulcerative colitis, and upadacitinib maintains high efficacy regardless of prior advanced therapy exposure. JAK inhibitors also benefit extraintestinal manifestations. Although risks such as herpes zoster, serious infection, thromboembolism, and major cardiovascular events differ among agents, long-term data suggest generally acceptable safety when used appropriately. Intraclass JAK-to-JAK cycling is feasible, with about half of patients achieving steroid-free clinical remission in retrospective cohorts. Based on mechanistic, clinical, and real-world evidence, filgotinib may be a first-line option for patients with lower disease activity or when safety is a priority, whereas upadacitinib or tofacitinib may be preferred in higher disease activity. Strategically selecting agents may improve durability and outcomes.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and early-onset dementia (EOD), defined as dementia diagnosed at an age <65 years, is increasing worldwide, with significant socioeconomic implications. We investigated the association between diabetes, prediabetes, and EOD, focusing on the influence of diabetes duration on EOD risk. Methods: Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed data from 1,979,509 patients aged 40–60 years who underwent health checkups in 2009. Patients were categorized into five groups: normal, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), newly diagnosed diabetes, diabetes duration <5 years, and diabetes duration ≥5 years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for EOD after adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates. Results: During the observation period (mean 7.75 years), 8,921 patients with EOD were identified. The diabetes group demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of EOD compared to the normal group (aHR, 1.334; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.226 to 1.451). EOD risk increased with longer diabetes duration, with the highest risk observed in patients with diabetes ≥5 years (aHR, 1.543; 95% CI, 1.368 to 1.741). No significant difference was observed between the IFG and normal groups (aHR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.938 to 1.043). Additionally, the hypertension group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of EOD compared to the non-hypertension group (aHR, 1.364; 95% CI, 1.291 to 1.442). Conclusion Diabetes is independently associated with increased risk of EOD, and this risk increases with longer diabetes duration. This association remained significant regardless of the presence and duration of hypertension.

In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), initial recurrence risk stratification based on clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data remains the key determinant for guiding management strategies during the first 1-2 years post-treatment. However, the adoption of ongoing risk stratification (ORS), which dynamically reassesses risk by integrating longitudinal clinical data and treatment response, enables more precise long-term prognostic assessment and facilitates highly individualized management. Building upon recent guidelines, the 2026 KTA guideline has been further refined by incorporating robust evidence from large-scale national cohorts and comprehensive systematic reviews. These updated recommendations outline contemporary concepts of ORS, risk-adapted TSH suppression targets, optimized surveillance modalities for recurrence detection, and disease-specific long-term follow-up strategies. Reflecting the paradigm shift toward de-escalated treatment, this revision integrates evolved perspectives on TSH suppression intensity, the clinical interpretation of thyroglobulin levels, and tailored follow-up intervals. These evidence-based recommendations aim to minimize unnecessary treatment and excessive surveillance in the large proportion of patients with excellent prognosis after initial therapy, while ensuring that each patient receives appropriately tailored and effective long-term management.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.