Purpose: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) among Korean males and explore implications for targeted vaccination strategies. Materials and Methods: A total of 44,065 males underwent HPV testing between March 2014 and February 2022 using the Anyplex™ II HPV 28 system, detecting 19 high-risk (HR) and 9 low-risk (LR) HPV types. Additionally, data from 507 male patients at local clinic (2017–2022) were analyzed to compare genotype prevalence between those with (WAT group) and without (WAT X group) genital warts. Results: Overall HPV positivity was 59.1%. HPV 6 (33.3%) and HPV 11 (11.0%) were the most prevalent LR genotypes, while HPV 16 (5.2%) dominated HR infection. Multiple HPV genotype co-infection occurred in 49.3% of positive cases, with 11.3% involving multiple HR types. Younger males (teens, 20s) exhibited higher HR-HPV positivity, although total HPV positivity peaked in the 40s (60.1%). Non–9-valent HR genotypes (HPV 53, 51, 39, 66) accounted for 27.6%–35.0% of infections annually. At local clinic, HPV 43 was significantly associated with genital warts (p=0.017). Conclusions These data support including males in national HPV vaccination strategies using the current 9-valent vaccine and underscore the need for ongoing genotype surveillance to monitor non‑vaccine high‑risk types and inform public health policy, and support inclusion of males in national HPV vaccination strategies using the current 9‑valent vaccine.

Spatial transcriptomics (STs) is uniquely suited to gastrointestinal (GI) oncology, where tumor biology is fundamentally governed by the spatial arrangement of epithelial, stromal, and immune compartments. GI malignancies frequently harbor sharply demarcated microenvironments―including invasive fronts, stromal barriers, crypt- and gland-associated niches, and immune-excluded regions―that cannot be adequately resolved by bulk or dissociative transcriptomic approaches. By preserving native tissue architecture, ST enables the quantitative mapping of region-specific transcriptional programs, spatially confined cellular phenotypes, and localized interaction networks that collectively drive tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic responsiveness.In this review, we summarize the principal ST methodologies, evaluate their technical attributes in relation to the structural and biochemical features of GI tissues, and synthesize current applications across gastric, colorectal, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers. We further highlight how spatially anchored profiling has elucidated early neoplastic transformation, stromalimmune patterning, and microregional determinants of therapeutic resistance. These insights collectively underscore ST’s increasing relevance for advancing mechanistic understanding and translational research in GI oncology.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea and the third leading cause of death from cancer. Treatment outcomes for colon cancer are steadily improving due to national health screening programs with advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic agents.. The Korea Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary (KCCM) Committee intends to provide professionals who treat colon cancer with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve outcomes and help them make decisions that reflect their patients’ values and preferences. These guidelines have been established by consensus reached by the KCCM Guideline Committee based on a systematic literature review and evidence synthesis and by considering the national health insurance system in real clinical practice settings. Each recommendation is presented with a recommendation strength and level of evidence based on the consensus of the committee.

This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the adaptation of novice nutrition teachers through big data analysis and to propose strategies for enhancing this process. Data were collected from internet portals using the keywords ‘novice nutrition teacher’ and ‘nutrition teacher’ from May 25, 2021, to May 25, 2024.Text mining techniques, including frequency analysis, semantic network analysis, and CONvergence of iterated CORrelations (CONCOR) analysis, were employed. Key terms such as ‘teacher’, ‘nutrition’, ‘career’, ‘school’, and ‘school meals’ exhibited high frequency and centrality, indicating the multifaceted roles of novice nutrition teachers and the need for increased support. Excessive workload and stress related to school meal management negatively impacted adaptation, highlighting the need for systematic management and capacity-building training programs. Mentoring and consulting systems played a crucial role in enhancing professional development, leading to better adaptation and higher job satisfaction. Additionally, stress and anxiety during the appointment preparation process were significant factors influencing adaptation, suggesting the need for improvements in the training curriculum at teacher education institutions. These findings provide valuable insights for developing policies to support the adaptation of novice nutrition teachers.

This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the adaptation of novice nutrition teachers through big data analysis and to propose strategies for enhancing this process. Data were collected from internet portals using the keywords ‘novice nutrition teacher’ and ‘nutrition teacher’ from May 25, 2021, to May 25, 2024.Text mining techniques, including frequency analysis, semantic network analysis, and CONvergence of iterated CORrelations (CONCOR) analysis, were employed. Key terms such as ‘teacher’, ‘nutrition’, ‘career’, ‘school’, and ‘school meals’ exhibited high frequency and centrality, indicating the multifaceted roles of novice nutrition teachers and the need for increased support. Excessive workload and stress related to school meal management negatively impacted adaptation, highlighting the need for systematic management and capacity-building training programs. Mentoring and consulting systems played a crucial role in enhancing professional development, leading to better adaptation and higher job satisfaction. Additionally, stress and anxiety during the appointment preparation process were significant factors influencing adaptation, suggesting the need for improvements in the training curriculum at teacher education institutions. These findings provide valuable insights for developing policies to support the adaptation of novice nutrition teachers.

This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing the adaptation of novice nutrition teachers through big data analysis and to propose strategies for enhancing this process. Data were collected from internet portals using the keywords ‘novice nutrition teacher’ and ‘nutrition teacher’ from May 25, 2021, to May 25, 2024.Text mining techniques, including frequency analysis, semantic network analysis, and CONvergence of iterated CORrelations (CONCOR) analysis, were employed. Key terms such as ‘teacher’, ‘nutrition’, ‘career’, ‘school’, and ‘school meals’ exhibited high frequency and centrality, indicating the multifaceted roles of novice nutrition teachers and the need for increased support. Excessive workload and stress related to school meal management negatively impacted adaptation, highlighting the need for systematic management and capacity-building training programs. Mentoring and consulting systems played a crucial role in enhancing professional development, leading to better adaptation and higher job satisfaction. Additionally, stress and anxiety during the appointment preparation process were significant factors influencing adaptation, suggesting the need for improvements in the training curriculum at teacher education institutions. These findings provide valuable insights for developing policies to support the adaptation of novice nutrition teachers.

Antimalarial drugs are an urgently need and crucial tool in the campaign against malaria, which can threaten public health. In this study, we examined the cytotoxicity of the 9 antimalarial compounds chemically synthesized using SKM13-2HCl. Except for SKM13-2HCl, the 5 newly synthesized compounds had a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) > 100 µM, indicating that they would be less cytotoxic than SKM13-2HCl. Among the 5 compounds, only SAM13-2HCl outperformed SKM13-2HCl for antimalarial activity, showing a 3- and 1.3-fold greater selective index (SI) (CC50/IC50) than SKM13-2HCl in vitro against both chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine -resistant (K1) Plasmodium falciparum strains, respectively. Thus, the presence of morpholine amide may help to effectively suppress human-infectious P. falciparum parasites. However, the antimalarial activity of SAM13-2HCl was inferior to that of the SKM13-2HCl template compound in the P. berghei NK65-infected mouse model, possibly because SAM13-2HCl had a lower polarity and less efficient pharmacokinetics than SKM13-2HCl. SAM13-2HCl was more toxic in the rodent model. Consequently, SAM13-2HCl containing morpholine was selected from screening a combination of pharmacologically significant structures as being the most effective in vitro against human-infectious P. falciparum but was less efficient in vivo in a P. berghei-infected animal model when compared with SKM13-2HCl. Therefore, SAM13-2HCl containing morpholine could be considered a promising compound to treat chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum infections, although further optimization is crucial to maintain antimalarial activity while reducing toxicity in animals.

Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) is a pivotal enzyme in the Toll-like receptor (TLR)/MYD88 dependent signaling pathway, which is highly activated in rheumatoid arthritis tissues and activated B cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ABC-DLBCL). Inflammatory responses followed by IRAK4 activation promote B-cell proliferation and aggressiveness of lymphoma. Moreover, proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (PIM1) functions as an anti-apoptotic kinase in propagation of ABC-DLBCL with ibrutinib resistance. We developed a dual IRAK4/PIM1 inhibitor KIC-0101 that potently suppresses the NF-κB pathway and proinflammatory cytokine induction in vitro and in vivo. In rheumatoid arthritis mouse models, treatment with KIC-0101 significantly ameliorated cartilage damage and inflammation. KIC-0101 inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and activation of JAK/STAT pathway in ABC-DLBCLs. In addition, KIC-0101 exhibited an anti-tumor effect on ibrutinib-resistant cells by synergistic dual suppression of TLR/MYD88-mediated NF-κB pathway and PIM1 kinase. Our results suggest that KIC-0101 is a promising drug candidate for autoimmune diseases and ibrutinib-resistant B-cell lymphomas.

Background/Aims: It remains unclear which maintenance treatment modality is most appropriate for mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).We aimed to compare on-demand treatment with continuous treatment using a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) in the maintenance treatment for patients with non-erosive GERD or mild erosive esophagitis. Methods: Patients whose GERD symptoms improved after 4 weeks of standard dose PPI treatment were prospectively enrolled at 25 hospitals.Subsequently, the enrolled patients were randomly assigned to either an on-demand or a continuous maintenance treatment group, and followed in an 8-week interval for up to 24 weeks. Results: A total of 304 patients were randomized to maintenance treatment (continuous, n = 151 vs on-demand, n = 153). The primary outcome, the overall proportion of unwillingness to continue the assigned maintenance treatment modality, failed to confirm the noninferiority of on-demand treatment (45.9%) compared to continuous treatment (36.1%). Compared with the on-demand group, the GERD symptom and health-related quality of life scores significantly more improved and the overall satisfaction score was significantly higher in the continuous treatment group, particularly at week 8 and week 16 of maintenance treatment. Work impairment scores were not different in the 2 groups, but the prescription cost was less in the on-demand group. Serum gastrin levels significantly elevated in the continuous treatment group, but not in the on-demand group. Conclusions Continuous treatment seems to be more appropriate for the initial maintenance treatment of non-erosive GERD or mild erosive esophagitis than on-demand treatment. Stepping down to on-demand treatment needs to be considered after a sufficient period of continuous treatment.

Background: The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (AI) overlap with the common effects of advanced cancer and chemotherapy. Considering that AI may negatively affect the overall prognosis of cancer patients if not diagnosed in a timely manner, we analyzed the incidence, risk factors, and predictive methods of AI in cancer patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 184 adult patients with malignancy who underwent a rapid adrenocorticotrophic hormone stimulation test in the medical hospitalist units of a tertiary hospital. Their baseline characteristics and clinical features were evaluated, and the risk factors for AI were identified using logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the study patients, 65 (35%) were diagnosed with AI, in whom general weakness (63%) was the most common symptom. Multivariate logistic regression showed that eosinophilia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 4.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10–16.63; P = 0.036), history of steroid use (aOR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.10–5.15; P = 0.028), and history of megestrol acetate use (aOR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.38–5.33; P = 0.004) were associated with AI. Baseline cortisol levels of 6.2 μg/dL and 12.85 μg/dL showed a specificity of 95.0% and 95.4% for AI diagnosis, respectively. Conclusion AI was found in about one-third of patients with cancer who showed general symptoms that may be easily masked by cancer or chemotherapy, suggesting that clinical suspicion of AI is important while treating cancer patients. History of corticosteroids or megestrol acetate were risk factors for AI and eosinophilia was a pre-test predictor of AI.Baseline cortisol level appears to be a useful adjunct marker for AI.