1.Multicenter evaluation of the PASS score as a negative predictive tool and the impact of inter-observer variability in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma risk stratification
Sungyeon JUNG ; Hye-Ri SHIN ; Su-Jin SHIN ; Hee Young NA ; Soon-Won HONG ; So Yeon PARK ; Chan Kwon JUNG ; Kyeong Cheon JUNG ; Young Lyun OH ; Jae-Kyung WON
Journal of Pathology and Translational Medicine 2026;60(2):202-213
The Pheochromocytoma of the Adrenal Gland Scaled Score (PASS) is widely used for risk stratification in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), but its clinical utility is limited by inter-observer variability of its parameters and inconsistent predictive performance. Methods: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study of 1,518 patients with PPGL from five tertiary referral centers in Korea. Prognostic utility of PASS system was assessed using logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Inter-observer variability was inferred by comparing area under the ROC curve (AUCs) across institutions. Simplified PASS systems were developed based on multivariable analysis of key histopathological parameters. Results: The PASS system was a significant predictor of adverse events and recurrence-free survival. Although the PASS system demonstrated only modest discriminative ability (AUC, 0.673), it showed a high negative predictive value (NPV, 0.885), supporting its usefulness as a screening tool for benign behavior. However, there was significant inter-institutional variability in PASS performance (AUC; range, 0.513 to 0.727; p < .05). The 3-factor Simple PASS, which incorporates necrosis, spindling, and mitotic figures, exhibited less inter-observer variation. The 4-factor Simple PASS, which adds vascular invasion to the 3-factor model, also showed reduced inter-observer variability and improved AUC and NPV compared to the original PASS system. Conclusions: In this multicenter cohort, the PASS system demonstrated high NPV and screening potential, but significant inter-observer variability remains a challenge. Simplification of the PASS system and enhanced pathologist training may improve reproducibility and clinical utility in PPGL risk stratification.
2.Exploring the Association Between Physical Fitness Components and Cognitive Function in Older Korean Adults: The SUPERBRAIN Exploratory Sub-study
Da Ae KIM ; Buongo CHUN ; Muncheong CHOI ; Kyunghwa SUN ; Jee Hyang JEONG ; Yoo Kyoung PARK ; Chang Hyung HONG ; Hae Ri NA ; Seong Hye CHOI ; So Young MOON ; Hong-sun SONG ; Sun Min LEE
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2026;25(1):13-24
Background:
and Purpose: Tailored physical exercise interventions have the potential to promote cognitive health in older adults and offer significant advantages for those more vulnerable to decline. The specific relationship between physical fitness and cognition among the elderly has not been clearly established. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the relationship between physical fitness and cognitive function in older Korean adults.
Methods:
Eighty-four community-dwelling older adults (mean age: 70.7±5.3 years; 81.0% female) completed a standardized physical fitness battery assessing handgrip strength, sit-and-reach, 30-second sit-to-stand, 2-minute stationary march, 3-m sit-walk-and-return, figure-8-walk, and T-wall response time. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Descriptive statistics, partial correlation analyses, and stepwise multiple linear regression were conducted.
Results:
Slower T-wall response time was significantly correlated with lower RBANS total index, immediate memory, and delayed memory scores. In regression models, slower T-wall response time was independently associated with lower RBANS total index (β=−0.234, p=0.026) and delayed memory scores (β=−0.295, p=0.029). The regression model for immediate memory was not statistically significant overall; therefore, no predictive conclusion was drawn for this domain. Higher education showed a significant positive association with cognitive performance.
Conclusions
Coordination, as measured by T-wall response time, emerged as the only physical fitness component consistently associated with cognitive performance in older adults. Coordination-related fitness may be an important correlate of cognitive function in older adults and a promising target for future exercise interventions.
3.Predicting and Early Detection of Delirium through Motion Patterns:A Narrative Review
Ji Sun HONG ; Na Yeon KIM ; Hye Ri KIM ; Doug Hyun HAN ; Sun Mi KIM
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2026;24(1):30-39
Delirium is a common acute neuropsychiatric syndrome, and its early detection may improve clinical outcomes. This narrative review synthesized findings from 11 original studies and two systematic reviews that employed wearable sensors (actigraphy) to predict or detect delirium. In surgical, intensive care unit, and geriatric populations, delirium has consistently been associated with disrupted rest–activity rhythms, including lower daytime activity, increased nighttime activity, and fragmented sleep–wake cycles. Characteristic motor patterns also differed based on the motor subtype (hyperactive vs. hypoactive). Several studies have demonstrated that continuous wrist accelerometry can objectively detect the onset of delirium and classify motor subtypes. Notably, one machine learning model showed improved prediction accuracy, increasing from approximately 62% to 74% when motion features were included. Overall, continuous motion monitoring appears feasible and may serve as a promising non-invasive tool for early delirium detection and risk stratification. However, the findings remain heterogeneous, and motion-based algorithms alone show only moderate sensitivity. Further validation in larger and more diverse cohorts, as well as integration with clinical risk factors, is required before clinical implementation.
4.SoUth Korean study to PrEvent cognitive impaiRment and protect BRAIN health through Multidomain interventions via facE-to-facE and video communication plaTforms in mild cognitive impairment (SUPERBRAIN-MEET): Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Soo Hyun CHO ; Hae Jin KANG ; Yoo Kyoung PARK ; So Young MOON ; Chang Hyung HONG ; Hae Ri NA ; Hong-Sun SONG ; Muncheong CHOI ; Sooin JEONG ; Kyung Won PARK ; Hyun Sook KIM ; Buong-O CHUN ; Jiwoo JUNG ; Jee Hyang JEONG ; Seong Hye CHOI
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2024;23(1):30-43
Background:
and Purpose: The SoUth Korea study to PrEvent cognitive impaiRment and protect BRAIN health through lifestyle intervention (SUPERBRAIN) proved the feasibility of multidomain intervention for elderly people. One-quarter of the Korean population over 65 years of age has mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Digital health interventions may be costeffective and have fewer spatial constraints. We aim to examine the efficacy of a multidomain intervention through both face-to-face interactions and video communication platforms using a tablet personal computer (PC) application in MCI.
Methods:
Three hundred participants aged 60–85 years, with MCI and at least one modifiable dementia risk factor, will be recruited from 17 centers and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the multidomain intervention and the waiting-list control groups. Participants will receive the 24-week intervention through the tablet PC SUPERBRAIN application, which encompasses the following five elements: managing metabolic and vascular risk factors, cognitive training,physical exercise, nutritional guidance, and boosting motivation. Participants will attend the interventions at a facility every 1–2 weeks. They will also engage in one or two self-administered cognitive training sessions utilizing the tablet PC application at home each week. They will participate in twice or thrice weekly online exercise sessions at home via the ZOOM platform. The primary outcome will be the change in the total scale index score of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status from baseline to study end.
Conclusions
This study will inform the effectiveness of a comprehensive multidomain intervention utilizing digital technologies in MCI.
5.Development of a Next-generation Sequencing-based Gene Panel Test to Detect Measurable Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Jin Ju KIM ; Ji Eun JANG ; Hyeon Ah LEE ; Mi Ri PARK ; Hye Won KOOK ; Seung-Tae LEE ; Jong Rak CHOI ; Yoo Hong MIN ; Saeam SHIN ; June-Won CHEONG
Annals of Laboratory Medicine 2023;43(4):328-336
Background:
AML is a heterogeneous disease, and despite intensive therapy, recurrence is still high in AML patients who achieve the criterion for cytomorphologic remission (residual tumor burden [measurable residual disease, MRD]<5%). This study aimed to develop a targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel to detect MRD in AML patients and validate its performance.
Methods:
We designed an error-corrected, targeted MRD-NGS panel without using physical molecular barcodes, including 24 genes. Fifty-four bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from 23 AML patients were sequenced using the panel. The panel design was validated using reference material, and accuracy was assessed using droplet digital PCR.
Results:
Dilution tests showed excellent linearity and a strong correlation between expected and observed clonal frequencies (R>0.99). The test reproducibly detected MRD in three dilution series samples, with a sensitivity of 0.25% for single-nucleotide variants. More than half of samples from patients with morphologic remission after one month of chemotherapy had detectable mutations. NGS-MRD positivity for samples collected after one month of chemotherapy tended to be associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival.
Conclusions
Our highly sensitive and accurate NGS-MRD panel can be readily used to monitor most AML patients in clinical practice, including patients without gene rearrangement. In addition, this NGS-MRD panel may allow the detection of newly emerging clones during clinical relapse, leading to more reliable prognoses of AML.
6.Effects of GV1001 on Language Dysfunction in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: Post Hoc Analysis of Severe Impairment Battery Subscales
Hyuk Sung KWON ; Seong-Ho KOH ; Seong Hye CHOI ; Jee Hyang JEONG ; Hae Ri NA ; Chan Nyoung LEE ; YoungSoon YANG ; Ae Young LEE ; Jae-Hong LEE ; Kyung Won PARK ; Hyun Jeong HAN ; Byeong C. KIM ; Jinse PARK ; Jee-Young LEE ; Kyu-Yong LEE ; Sangjae KIM
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2023;22(3):100-108
Background:
and Purpose: The efficacy and safety of GV1001 have been demonstrated in patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we aimed to further demonstrate the effectiveness of GV1001 using subscales of the Severe Impairment Battery (SIB), which is a validated measure to assess cognitive function in patients with moderate-tosevere AD.
Methods:
We performed a post hoc analysis of data from a 6 month, multicenter, phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with GV1001 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03184467). Patients were randomized to receive either GV1001 or a placebo for 24 weeks. In the current study, nine subscales of SIB—social interaction, memory, orientation, language, attention, praxis, visuospatial ability, construction, and orientation to name— were compared between the treatment (GV1001 1.12 mg) and placebo groups at weeks 12 and 24. The safety endpoints for these patients were also determined based on adverse events.
Results:
In addition to the considerable beneficial effect of GV1001 on the SIB total score, GV1001 1.12 mg showed the most significant effect on language function at 24 weeks compared to placebo in both the full analysis set (FAS) and per-protocol set (PPS) (p=0.017 and p=0.011, respectively). The rate of adverse events did not differ significantly between the 2 groups.
Conclusions
Patients with moderate-to-severe AD receiving GV1001 had greater language benefits than those receiving placebo, as measured using the SIB language subscale.
7.Development of a Guideline for Antipsychotic-induced Hyperprolactinemia in Korea Using the ADAPTE Process
Hye Ri KIM ; Sun Mi KIM ; Won Sub KANG ; Hong Jun JEON ; Seung-Ho JANG ; Duk-In JON ; Jeongwan HONG ; Jong-Hyun JEONG
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2023;21(3):447-456
Objective:
To develop an evidence-based guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia by adapting existing high-quality clinical guidelines with a view to improve the clinical symptoms and long-term quality of life of patients by providing appropriate management.
Methods:
This guideline was developed according to the ADAPTE methodology. The adaptation process included determining key health questions, systematically searching and screening guidelines, evaluating the quality and contents of these guidelines, deriving recommendations for key questions, and performing a peer review. The selection criteria for the guideline search were (1) evidence-based guidelines, (2) published within the last 5 years, and (3) written in English or Korean.
Results:
After evaluating the quality and content, we finally selected three guidelines for adaptation. The final output of the development process was 25 recommendations for 10 key questions. We adopted the Agency for Health Research Quality methodology and presented the level of evidence from levels I to IV. In addition, we defined the recommendation grades from grade A (strongly recommended) to D (no recommendation) based on the level of evidence and clinical significance of the recommendation.
Conclusion
The development and dissemination of the adapted guideline is expected to increase the certainty of medical decision making and improve the quality of medical care. Further studies on the effectiveness and applicability of the developed guideline are necessary.
8.Clinical Relevance of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Neurodegenerative Disease
Yu-Ri JE ; Hong-Gi HAM ; Yu-Hyun PARK ; Tae-Yun KIM ; Min-su GO ; Hye-In LEE ; Da Eun KIM ; Na-Yeon JUNG ; Myung Jun LEE ; Sang-Won SEO ; Eun-Joo KIM
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2023;41(4):281-292
Background:
Enlarged perivascular space (ePVS) is recently reported to be associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The topographical location of ePVS may relate to the underlying pathology; basal ganglia (BG)-ePVS has been associated with cerebral vascular diseases and centrum semi-ovale (CSO)-ePVS associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). However, the effects of ePVS on various neurological conditions remain still controversial. To investigate the clinical relevance of ePVS in neurodegenerative diseases, we tested relationships between ePVS and cognition, markers of SVD, vascular risk factors, or amyloid pathology.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 292 patients (133 AD dementia, 106 mild cognitive impairment, 39 other neurodegenerative diseases, 14 subjective cognitive decline) who underwent both amyloid positron emission tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Vascular risk factors and cognitive tests results were collected. The ePVS in the BG and CSO, SVD markers and the volume of white matter hyperintensities were measured.
Results:
There were no significant differences in the severity and distribution of ePVS among clinical syndromes. Both BG- and CSO-ePVS were not related to cognitive function. Patients with lacunes were more likely to have high-degree BG-ePVS. High degree CSO-ePVS had an odds ratio (OR) for amyloid positive of 2.351, while BG-ePVS was a negative predictor for amyloid pathology (OR, 0.336).
Conclusions
Our findings support that ePVS has different underlying pathologies according to the cerebral topography. BG-ePVS would be attributed to hypertensive angiopathy considering the relation with SVD markers, whereas and CSO-ePVS would be attributed to CAA considering the association with amyloid pathology.
9.Risk factors associated with death due to severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome in hospitalized Korean patients (2018–2022)
Jia KIM ; Hyo-jeong HONG ; Ji-hye HWANG ; Na-Ri SHIN ; Kyungwon HWANG
Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives 2023;14(3):151-163
Objectives:
Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) has no vaccine or treatment and an extremely high fatality rate. We aimed to analyze and evaluate the risk factors for death associated with SFTS.
Methods:
Among reports from 2018 to 2022, we compared and analyzed 1,034 inpatients aged 18 years or older with laboratory-confirmed SFTS who underwent complete epidemiological investigations.
Results:
Most of the inpatients with SFTS were aged 50 years or older (average age, 67.6 years). The median time from symptom onset to death was 9 days, and the average case fatality rate was 18.5%. Risk factors for death included age of 70 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 4.82); agriculture-related occupation (OR, 2.01); underlying disease (OR, 7.20); delayed diagnosis (OR, 1.28 per day); decreased level of consciousness (OR, 5.53); fever/chills (OR, 20.52); prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (OR, 4.19); and elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (OR, 2.91), blood urea nitrogen (OR, 2.62), and creatine (OR, 3.21).
Conclusion
The risk factors for death in patients with SFTS were old age; agriculture-related occupation; underlying disease; delayed clinical suspicion; fever/chills; decreased level of consciousness; and elevated activated partial thromboplastin time, aspartate aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatine levels.
10.Predictive Factors of Event-Free Survival at 24 Months in Patients with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: A Retrospective Study
Yu Ri KIM ; Soo-Jeong KIM ; Hye Sun LEE ; Soyoung JEON ; Hyunsoo CHO ; Haerim CHUNG ; Ji Eun JANG ; June-Won CHEONG ; Yoo Hong MIN ; Jin Seok KIM
Cancer Research and Treatment 2022;54(2):613-620
Purpose:
Event-free survival at 24 months (EFS24) is known to be a surrogate marker for overall survival (OS) for patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). We examined the role of EFS24 in PTCL compared to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and then assessed the clinical predictive factors of achieving EFS24.
Materials and Methods:
Patients with newly diagnosed PTCL treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy were included. Subsequent OS was defined as the time elapsed from 24 months after diagnosis until death from any cause in those who achieved EFS24.
Results:
Overall, 153 patients were evaluated, and 51 patients (33.3%) achieved EFS24. Patients who achieved EFS24 showed superior OS compared to patients who did not (p < 0.001). EFS24 could stratify the subsequent OS although it did not reach to that of the general population. After matching the PTCL group to the DLBCL group based on the international prognostic index, the subsequent OS in patients who achieved EFS24 was similar between the two groups (p=0.094). Advanced stage was a significant factor to predict the failing EFS24 by multivariable analysis (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Patients with PTCL who achieve EFS24 could have a favorable subsequent OS. Since advanced disease stage is a predictor of EFS24 failure, future efforts should focus on developing novel therapeutic strategies for PTCL patients presenting with advanced disease.

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