Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed. Objective: This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based recommendations. Methods: The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved. Results: This guideline provides treatment guidance on advanced systemic treatment modalities for AD. In particular, the guideline offers up-to-date treatment recommendations for biologics and Janus-kinase inhibitors used in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe AD.It also provides guidance on other therapies for AD, along with tailored recommendations for children, adolescents, the elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Conclusion KADA’s updated AD treatment guidelines incorporate the latest evidence and expert opinion to provide a comprehensive approach to AD treatment. The guidelines will help clinicians optimize patient-specific therapies.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disease with a wide range of symptoms. Due to the rapidly changing treatment landscape, regular updates to clinical guidelines are needed. Objective: This study aimed to update the guidelines for the treatment of AD to reflect recent therapeutic advances and evidence-based practices. Methods: The Patient characteristics, type of Intervention, Control, and Outcome framework was used to determine 48 questions related to AD management. Evidence was graded, recommendations were determined, and, after 2 voting rounds among the Korean Atopic Dermatitis Association (KADA) council members, consensus was achieved. Results: The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on foundational therapies, including the use of moisturizers, cleansing and bathing practices, allergen avoidance, and patient education. Guidance on topical therapies, such as topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, is also provided to help manage inflammation and maintain skin barrier function in patients with AD. Additionally, recommendations on conventional systemic therapies, including corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and methotrexate, are provided for managing moderate to severe AD. Conclusion KADA’s updated AD guidelines offer clinicians evidence-based strategies focused on basic therapies, topical therapies, and conventional systemic therapies, equipping them to enhance quality of care and improve patient outcomes in AD management.

Background: Pig red blood cells (RBCs) are rapidly eliminated when transfused into nonhuman primates (NHPs) because of immune reactions involving antibody binding and complement activation. We assessed the relationship between post-transfusion hemolysis and complement activation. Methods: RBCs for transfusion were prepared from wild-type (WT) and genetically modified pigs and NHPs. After the withdrawal of 25% of the blood volume, NHPs received transfusions of WT (N = 4), triple knockout (TKO, N = 8), and TKO pig RBCs expressing human CD55 and CD39 (TKO/hCD55.hCD39, N = 4). Additional groups received repeated xenotransfusions (ReXTf, N = 3), NHP RBC transfusions (N = 3), or a saline infusion (N = 4).Blood samples were collected at multiple time points to measure Hb and complement fragment (C3a, C4a, and factor Bb) levels and agglutination titers. Results: Hb levels were restored by transfusions but not by saline infusion. The degree of complement activation varied with the type of transfused RBCs, with significant increases in C3a and factor Bb levels immediately after xenotransfusions but not allotransfusions.These increases were particularly notable in ReXTf and negatively correlated with Hb levels on post-transfusion day 1 (ρ = –0.547 and –0.556; P = 0.0187 and 0.0165, respectively).In TKO/hCD55.hCD39 pig RBC transfusions, C3a and factor Bb peak levels were delayed until post-transfusion day 3, unlike in TKO pig RBC transfusions. Conclusions Post-transfusion complement activation varies depending on prior sensitization and genetic modifications in pig RBCs. Monitoring complement activation can provide insight into the survival and compatibility of transfused RBCs in NHPs.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify core domains for pre-registered nurses by comparing licensing competencies with program outcomes (POs) in undergraduate nursing education. This was accomplished in preparation for the transition of the Korean Nurse Licensing Examination (KNLE) from a tradition seven-subject format to a newly integrated, competency-based single-subject format that reflects current trends in nursing assessment. Methods: A literature review and survey were conducted. From 828 studies retrieved via PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar using keywords such as “newly graduated registered nurses” and “competency OR competence,” 18 were selected according to pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Documents from national and international nursing organizations were included to extract relevant licensing competencies. We also reviewed POs from all undergraduate nursing schools in South Korea to align educational outcomes with the identified core domains. Results: The core domains identified were clinical performance and decision-making, professional attitudes and ethics, communication and interpersonal skills, leadership and teamwork, quality improvement and safety, health promotion and prevention, and information technology and digital health. These domains showed strong alignment with POs under the fourth-cycle accreditation standards. Conclusion It concludes the seven core domains will be appropriate for evaluating pre-registered nurses in the integrated KNLE. Based on the seven identified core domains, expert consensus should be sought in the next phase to support the development of integrated, competency-based test items grounded in these domains.

Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form. Data were collected on 86 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. The results of the 2023 survey were compared with those of previous surveys. Results: Data from 12,751 cases were collected from 66 institutions. The mean patient age was 64.6 years, and the proportion of patients aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 31.7% in 2023. The proportion of upper-third tumors slightly decreased to 16.8% compared to 20.9% in 2019. Early gastric cancer accounted for 63.1% of cases in 2023.Regarding operative procedures, a totally laparoscopic approach was most frequently applied (63.2%) in 2023, while robotic gastrectomy steadily increased to 9.5% from 2.1% in 2014.The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (48.8%) after distal gastrectomy and double-tract reconstruction (51.9%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2023.However, the proportion of esophago-gastrostomy with anti-reflux procedures increased to 30.9%. The rates of post-operative mortality and overall complications were 1.0% and 15.3%, respectively. Conclusions The results of the 2023 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for future gastric cancer research.

Purpose: The career ladder system is a pivotal strategy for securing excellent nurses. The aim of this study is to understand hospital nurses’ experiences of participating in the career ladder system and to explore the essence of this system. Methods: In February 22 to March 3, 2022, nurses employed at a general hospital in South Korea were selected for this study using snowball and purposive sampling. Data were collected from interviews with three focus groups, the compositions of which are as follows: group 1, 6 participants; group 2, 5 participants; and group 3, 6 participants. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subsequently analyzed using qualitative research methods. Results: The following six categories were derived under the overall theme of “the arduous journey to discovering a nurse’s true name”: (1) rites of passage to becoming the ideal nurse; (2) unexpected challenges in the promotion preparation process; (3) biased criteria for evaluating nursing competencies; (4) unclear changes in roles and perceptions after promotion; (5) self-discovered pride and fulfillment as a nurse; and (6) the unspoken struggles of evaluators. Conclusion The findings suggest that the career ladder system fosters nurses’ professional growth and self-actualization. However, for effective implementation, nurses’ deep understanding and systematic management of the career ladder system are essential. This study offers valuable insights and benchmarks for healthcare institutions aiming to adopt the system.

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in South Korea, imposing substantial physical, emotional, and financial burdens on patients and society. Despite the high burden of symptom and complex care needs of HF patients, palliative care and hospice services remain underutilized in South Korea due to cultural, institutional, and knowledge-related barriers. This position statement from the Korean Society of Heart Failure emphasizes the need for integrating palliative and hospice care into HF management to improve quality of life and support holistic care for patients and their families. By clarifying the role of palliative care in HF and proposing practical referral criteria, this position statement aims to bridge the gap between HF and palliative care services in South Korea, ultimately improving patient-centered outcomes and aligning treatment with the goals and values of HF patients.