1.Clinical Significance of Antinuclear Antibody Results in Patients with Uveitis
Do-Hyeon AN ; Hyun SUH ; Young-Hoon PARK ; Mirinae KIM
Journal of the Korean Ophthalmological Society 2026;67(4):110-117
Purpose:
This study investigated the results of antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing in Korean patients with uveitis, examining its relationship with the clinical course of uveitis and systemic diseases.
Methods:
We conducted a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 64 patients with noninfectious uveitis who underwent ANA testing and were followed for at least 6 months at the Department of Ophthalmology at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital from January 2006 to December 2021. Patients were divided into ANA-positive and ANA-negative groups and correlations between uveitis-related factors and ANA status were assessed.
Results:
Among the 516 patients tested for ANA, 6.58% (34/516) were positive. The initial visual acuity (logMAR) before treatment was significantly better in the ANA-positive group (0.21 ± 0.20) than in the ANA-negative group (0.59 ± 0.68) (p = 0.002). However, the final visual acuity after treatment showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Additionally, no statistically significant differences were observed in terms of immune deficiency status, types of associated rheumatic disease, rheumatoid factor positivity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (define) levels, or treatment modalities. No significant correlation was found between ANA titers and the severity of uveitis.
Conclusions
Relationships between ANA positivity and the etiology, treatment outcomes, and systemic diseases associated with uveitis are unclear. Routine ANA testing is not recommended for the diagnosis of uveitis.
3.Work-life balance and effort-reward imbalance, and their interaction, associated with presenteeism among Korean wage workers: Based on 6th Korean working conditions survey
Sang-Hyeon KIM ; Eun-Chul JANG ; Soon-Chan KWON ; In-ho LEE ; Jisuk YUN ; Ui Chan JUNG ; Young-Sun MIN
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2026;38(1):e1-
Background:
This study investigated the relationship between work-life balance (WLB), effort-reward imbalance (ERI), and presenteeism among Korean wageworkers through two models used simultaneously.
Methods:
Data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey for 28,669 Korean workers, including 13,513 men and 15,156 women, were analyzed. All analyses were performed with pre-designed weight. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between WLB, ERI, and presenteeism among Korean workers. The participants were classified into the following four groups: group 1, status of both WLB and ERI is “balanced”; group 2, WLB and ERI status are “imbalanced” and “balanced”, respectively; group 3, WLB and ERI status are “balanced” and “imbalanced”, respectively; group 4: status of both WLB and ERI is “imbalanced.”
Results:
We found that WLB and ERI were associated with presenteeism in both men and women. Depending on their WLB and ERI status, women generally had a higher tendency of presenteeism than men. Multiple logistic regression shows that, in most models and groups, there is an increased odds ratio (OR) for presenteeism in both men and women compared to the reference value. Moreover, the OR in both men and women gradually increased in groups 2, 3, and 4 compared with group 1. When considering both WLB and ERI status simultaneously, ERI had a greater impact on presenteeism than WLB. Furthermore, it was found that a synergistic effect of presenteeism manifests when both WLB and ERI are in a state of imbalance simultaneously.
Conclusions
Using the two models simultaneously, we found an association between WLB, ERI, and presenteeism according to sex with a synergistic effect among Korean workers. Our research suggests that active interventions targeting WLB and ERI are necessary to reduce presenteeism, which ultimately leads to decreased productivity.
4.Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor:History, Molecular Subtypes, and Risk Stratification
In Hye SONG ; Soomin AHN ; Hyung-Don KIM ; Jeong-Hyeon JO ; Jinho SHIN ; Min-Hee RYU ; Young Soo PARK
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2026;26(2):202-218
The gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is one of the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Between the 1990s and early 2000s, GIST was identified as a tumor characterized by KIT or PDGFRA mutations, resulting in imatinib being established as an effective targeted therapy. However, with advances in molecular diagnostics, approximately 10%–15% of GISTs have been reported to harbor alternative mutations, such as those in the succinate dehydrogenase subunit genes and BRAF, leading to the development of additional targeted therapies. GISTs exhibit a wide spectrum of clinical behaviors, ranging from indolent to highly aggressive, prompting the development of diverse risk classification systems. However, multiple systems remain in use, leading to inconsistent pathologic reports. Moreover, the mitotic counting method—a key factor in risk stratification—has become a major source of confusion among pathologists owing to the adoption of digital pathology and discrepancies between updated international guidelines and outdated reimbursement requirements. These inconsistencies have hindered pathologic reporting and communication between pathologists and clinicians. This review comprehensively overviews the historical background, molecular subtypes, and risk classification systems of GIST, focusing on evolving issues in mitotic rate evaluation and the application of risk classification systems in clinical practice.
5.Opportunistic Assessment of Coronary Artery Calcium Volume and Density From Non-Electrocardiogram-Gated Chest CT Using Artificial Intelligence:Prognostic Implications in a Screening Cohort
Na Young KIM ; Yun-Hyeon KIM ; Jong Eun LEE ; Young Joo SUH
Korean Journal of Radiology 2026;27(6):532-542
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.
7.Predictors and patterns of early liver regeneration after major hepatectomy
Seoyeong KU ; Garam LEE ; Hyung Hwan MOON ; Hyungjune KU ; Won Jong YANG ; Junho SONG ; Suyeon KIM ; Chol Min KANG ; Amy CHOI ; Dong Hyeon GIM ; Young Il CHOI ; Dong Hoon SHIN ; Namkee OH ; Jinsoo RHU
Kosin Medical Journal 2026;41(1):58-66
Background:
Postoperative liver regeneration is essential for maintaining hepatic function. This study evaluated the rate, determinants, and volumetric patterns of early liver regeneration after hemihepatectomy.
Methods:
A retrospective review was conducted of 50 patients who underwent right or left hemihepatectomy between April 2019 and March 2025. Liver and spleen volumes (SV) were assessed preoperatively, at postoperative day (POD) 1 week, and at POD 3 months. Early liver regeneration rate (LRR) was defined as the percentage increase in remnant liver volume at POD 1 week relative to the preoperative future liver remnant (FLR), and patients were categorized into low (<50%) and high (≥50%) LRR groups. Clinical, biochemical, and volumetric variables were compared, and predictors of regeneration were identified using multivariable analyses. Regeneration patterns were also examined according to whether the FLR/standard liver volume (SLV) ratio was <50% or ≥50%.
Results:
FLR/SLV was the strongest independent predictor of rapid early liver regeneration (p<0.001). Remnants with FLR/SLV <50% exhibited rapid and sustained regeneration, whereas those with FLR/SLV ≥50% showed slower regrowth that plateaued after reaching approximately 90% of SLV. SV increased at POD 1 week in all patients; however, only the FLR/SLV ≥50% group showed a reduction by POD 3 months, whereas the <50% group maintained elevated volumes.
Conclusions
FLR/SLV reliably predicts early postoperative liver regeneration. Smaller remnants regenerate more rapidly, whereas persistent splenic enlargement suggests a sustained portal hemodynamic burden. Combined evaluation of FLR/SLV and SV may enhance perioperative risk assessment and surgical planning.
8.Stress Accelerates Depressive-Like Behaviors through Increase of Notch2 Expression in N141I Mutation Presenilin-2 Transgenic Mice
Seung Sik YOO ; Sun Mi GU ; Kyung Tak NAM ; Jeong Soon CHOI ; Yong Sun LEE ; In Jun YEO ; Ji Eun YU ; Sanghyeon KIM ; Dong Won LEE ; Hyeon Joo HAM ; Ju Young CHANG ; Jaesuk YUN ; Dong Ju SON ; Sang-Bae HAN ; Jin Tae HONG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2026;34(3):544-555
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration and significant depression. However, the mechanisms linking depression to AD pathology remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether Notch2 signaling mediates depressionlike behaviors in presenilin-2 (PS2) N141I mutant mice, an early-onset AD model. PS2 wild-type (WT) and mutant (MT) mice aged 12-15 months were subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) for 4 weeks, followed by sucrose preference, tail-hanging, and forced swimming tests. Behavioral assessments showed that UCMS exacerbated anhedonia and immobility only in PS2 MT mice. Molecular analysis revealed concomitant increases in plasma corticosterone, hippocampal γ-secretase activity, and Notch2 expression, and elevated total and phosphorylated glucocorticoid receptor levels in PS2 MT-UCMS mice. Gene expression profiling of human hippocampal datasets confirmed upregulation of NOTCH2 in Alzheimer’s disease and depression.Pharmacological inhibition of γ-secretase and Notch signaling with DAPT normalizes depressive behavior, reduces corticosterone release, attenuates GR phosphorylation, and inhibits Notch2 signaling in PS2 MT mice. These findings identify Notch2 as a pivotal mediator linking chronic stress to molecular changes associated with depression and AD, and suggest that targeting Notch2 signaling may provide therapeutic benefits for comorbid mood and neurodegenerative disorders.
9.Comparison of Surveillance with Low-Dose and Contrast-Enhanced Chest Computed Tomography in Patients Disease-Free for 2 Years after Curative Resection for Lung Cancer
Bubse NA ; Ji Hyeon PARK ; Kwon Joong NA ; Samina PARK ; Chang Hyun KANG ; Young Tae KIM ; In Kyu PARK
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):454-464
Purpose:
Low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended for surveillance 2–3 years after curative resection of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); however, supporting clinical evidence is limited. This study compared LDCT with contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (CECT) in terms of recurrence detection and overall survival (OS) in patients 2 years after curative resection of NSCLC.
Materials and Methods:
Among patients who underwent curative resection for NSCLC between January 2011 and December 2017 and survived for 2 years without recurrence, 2,083 patients were included. Comparisons between the LDCT and CECT groups were performed in both the entire cohort and propensity score-matched cohort. The primary outcome was the difference in overall survival. Secondary outcomes included time-to-recurrence, recurrence-free survival, and post-recurrence survival in each group.
Results:
In the propensity score-matched population, the 5-year OS (96.0% for LDCT, 98.0% for CECT, p=0.097) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (95.4% for LDCT, 96.0% for CECT, p=0.761) did not differ. The OS and RFS did not differ in subgroup analyses stratified by pathologic stage and histologic type. In the competing risk analysis, the overall 5-year cumulative incidence of recurrence did not differ between the two groups (4.56% for LDCT, 3.93% for CECT, p=0.765). When stratified by pathologic stage and histologic type, there was no significant difference in the cumulative incidence of recurrence. The distribution of recurrence sites did not differ between groups.
Conclusion
Similar OS and RFS were observed in LDCT and CECT surveillance in patients who achieved a 2-year disease-free status after curative resection for NSCLC.
10.Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Era: A Study of the Korean Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry
Hee Young JU ; Hyoung Soo CHOI ; Hyeon Jin PARK ; Keon Hee YOO ; Chuhl Joo LYU ; Ho Joon IM ; Min Kyoung KIM ; Yeung-Chul MUN ; Joon Ho MOON ; Sung-Soo YOON ; Eunyoung LEE ; Jae Hoon LEE ; Je-Hwan LEE ; So Young CHONG ; June-Won CHEONG ; Seunghyun WON ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):632-641
Purpose:
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in children, adolescents, and young adults is rare and differs from older adults. This study evaluated the outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in young Korean CML patients during the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 35 CML patients aged < 40 years who underwent allogeneic HSCT from 2009 to 2019 was conducted using Korean Blood and Marrow Transplantation Registry data. Patients were grouped by age < 20 years at HSCT (group 1, n=15) and 20-40 years at HSCT (group 2, n=20). Survival outcomes including overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and event-free survival (EFS) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results:
The median time between diagnosis and HSCT was 8.9 months. All the patients achieved engraftment but platelet recovery was significantly slower in group 1 (p=0.034). Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease occurred in 54.3% and 34.3%, respectively. Five-year OS, RFS, and EFS rates of total patients were 66.8%, 50.8%, and 47.6%, with better OS was observed in group 1 by multivariable analysis (p=0.048). Disease status at HSCT was a significant predictor of OS (p=0.028), RFS (p=0.003), and EFS (p=0.004). Disease progression occurred in 13 out of 35 patients (37.1%); treatment-related mortality accounted for 63.6% of deaths (7 out of 11).
Conclusion
When performed at a younger age, allogeneic HSCT result in superior outcome in CML. Achieving remission before HSCT is critical for improved outcomes, highlighting the importance of pretransplant remission via optimal TKI strategies and minimal residual disease monitoring.

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