Background: Laser procedures are integral to dermatologic practice, yet safety measures- particularly regarding ocular protection and plume control- are poorly studied in real-world settings. Objective: To evaluate current practices in eye protection, infection control, and occupational risk awareness among Korean dermatologists performing laser treatments. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among board-certified dermatologists at the 2024 Korean Society for Dermatologic Laser Surgery meeting. The questionnaire covered demographics, laser frequency, use of goggles and masks, infection control strategies, ophthalmologic monitoring, and history of warts or cancer. Results: Seventy-nine respondents completed the survey. All reported using protective goggles, but only 26.6% and 22.8% did so for CO 2 and erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet lasers, respectively. Only 24.1% underwent regular eye exams, and 13.9% reported eye conditions after starting laser practice. While 89.9% used masks, 40.8% used dental masks, which are inadequate for plume protection. Suction devices were used by 94.9%, though performance specifications were unclear. Warts were reported by 46.8% of respondents; two reported cancer diagnoses after initiating laser work. Conclusion Despite high overall adherence to basic safety practices, critical gaps remain. Our findings highlight the need for standardized guidelines and long-term occupational health monitoring to ensure safe laser practice.

Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema, papules, ocular symptoms, and heightened sensitivity. Patients with neurogenic symptoms such as burning or stinging remain particularly difficult to manage. Current guidelines often underrepresent energy-based devices (EBDs), pigmentary sequelae, psychosocial burden, and ocular comorbidities. Objective: To examine Korean dermatologists’ expert perspectives on rosacea management, focusing on skin sensitivity, neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary changes, psychosocial impact, ocular involvement, and EBD use. Methods: A web-based, 29-item survey was administered to 25 board-certified Korean dermatologists (May–June 2025). Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed. Results: Erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular phenotypes with sensitivity skin predominated. EBDs (pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light) were frequently used but limited by cost and sensitivity issues. Neurogenic symptoms were recognized but rarely treated with neuromodulators. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was infrequent, yet monitoring was inconsistent.Psychosocial and ocular aspects were acknowledged but seldomly systematically addressed.Respondents expressed interest in emerging adjunctive treatments such as cold plasma, skin boosters, and holistic care approaches. Conclusion Korean dermatologists adopt individualized strategies for rosacea, yet practice gaps remain regarding neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary complications, and psychosocial and ocular comorbidities. Findings support the need for updated multidisciplinary, phenotype-driven guidelines aligned with real-world practice.

Background: The 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0-hr/1-hr algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) aims at early diagnosis and shorter emergency department (ED) stays. While this algorithm has been well-established in controlled studies, real-world implementation remains challenging. We evaluated the algorithm’s clinical performance and risk stratification capability in patients with chest pain or discomfort. Methods: We measured hs-cTnI in 4,678 patients suspected of NSTE-ACS between August 2022 and July 2023, using an Atellica IM Analyzer (Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany). We categorized patients into rule-in, observe, or rule-out groups according to the algorithm and assessed its diagnostic performance for NSTE-ACS. The final diagnosis of NSTE-ACS was adjudicated by two independent physicians. Additionally, we evaluated 30-day all-cause mortality, hazard risk, and ED length of stay across the three groups. Results: The algorithm categorized 3,408 (72.9%), 573 (12.2%), and 697 (14.9%) patients into the rule-out, observe, and rule-in groups, respectively. Among 90 patients diagnosed as having NSTE-ACS, none were falsely categorized into the rule-out group. Survival analysis revealed significant differences (P < 0.001), with Cox hazard ratios of 2.38 (95% confidence interval: 1.20–4.71) and 6.39 (3.45–11.86) in the observe and rule-in groups, respectively. ED stays shortened in the order of rule-out, observe, and rule-in groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions The 2020 ESC 0-hr/1-hr algorithm demonstrates excellent diagnostic accuracy without false rule-outs and effective risk stratification, and contributes to efficient ED throughput, supporting its clinical utility in real-world emergency settings.

Background: Precision oncology is advancing, increasing the demand for comprehensive, non-invasive genomic profiling tools. Liquid biopsy using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) enables real-time molecular profiling, treatment monitoring, and early detection of resistance variants. We developed the PAN100 panel (Dxome), a hybridization capture panel targeting 101 genes, as a pan-cancer genotyping assay to detect clinically actionable variants across various cancer types. This study presents the first comprehensive validation of the PAN100 panel including both analytical and clinical performance across eight cancer types using reference materials and matched tissue samples. Methods: For analytical validation, we assessed accuracy, limit of detection (LoD), and precision using Seraseq ctDNA v2 Reference Materials (SeraCare, Milford, MA, USA). Clinical validation was performed using plasma samples from 27 patients with eight types of cancer and 17 matched tumor samples. Positive percent agreement (PPA) between ctDNA and tissue next-generation sequencing (NGS) results was assessed using TruSight Oncology 500 and TruSight Tumor 170 assays. The limit of blank (LoB) was evaluated in 34 healthy individuals. Results: The PAN100 panel demonstrated high precision and linearity (LoD, 0.3%; 95.0% confidence interval, 0.29–0.35) variant allele frequency. The PPA between ctDNA and tissue NGS was 73.1% for single-nucleotide variants, 80.0% for insertions/deletions, and 74.2% overall. The LoB was 0.00001%. Conclusions The PAN100 panel is a robust tool for detecting clinically significant variants with high concordance with tissue NGS. Its sensitivity for low-frequency variants enables real-time treatment adaptation, supporting precision oncology. Its comprehensive design is particularly valuable for challenging diagnoses and clonal evolution monitoring.

Background: Although the association between handgrip strength and glycemic control has been reported, studies conducted exclusively within specific occupational groups remain limited. To explore the association between handgrip strength and metabolic health in industrial settings, this study examined the relationship between relative handgrip strength and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) among male automobile manufacturing workers using vibration tools in South Korea. Methods: Using 66,212 occupational health examination records collected at Inha University Hospital between January 2024 and April 2025, a total of 3,365 workers with HbA1c and handgrip strength measurements were identified. After excluding duplicates (n = 1,536), female workers (n = 2), and records without Hb and estimated glomerular filtration rate, 1,823 male participants were included in the final analysis. Relative handgrip strength was calculated as the maximum value of bilateral grip strength divided by body mass index. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between relative handgrip strength and HbA1c, adjusting for age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, current hypertension, current dyslipidemia, current hypoglycemic-agents use, family diabetes history, leisure-time physical activity, and resistance exercise. Results: Relative handgrip strength was inversely associated with HbA1c levels (B: –0.060; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.081 to −0.039; p < 0.001). The association was strongest among normoglycemic participants (B: −0.185; 95% CI: −0.305 to −0.065; p = 0.003). Effect size was reduced but significantly associated among individuals with prediabetes (B: −0.115; 95% CI: −0.180 to −0.050; p < 0.001) and further attenuated to a borderline significance in individuals with diabetes (B: −0.023; 95% CI: −0.050 to 0.003; p = 0.082). These findings indicate that greater muscle strength relative to body size is related to better glycemic control. Conclusions Handgrip strength was associated with HbA1c levels in industrial workers. This study suggests that handgrip strength may provide complementary information on metabolic health in occupational settings.

Purpose: We aimed to compare the final adult height (FAH) of male patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) after treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). Specifically, we compared FAH with the target height (TH) and the predicted adult height (PAH) before and after GnRHa treatment to quantify height gain and identify predictive factors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 92 male patients with CPP and known FAH after GnRHa treatment at the Department of Pediatrics of Severance Children’s Hospital between January 2000 and June 2024. Results: The mean duration of GnRHa treatment was 2.7±1.3 years. A significant 1.1±0.9 years narrowing was observed in the difference between bone age (BA) and chronological age (CA) during treatment (P<0.001). TH was 172.4±3.4 cm. FAH was 173.6±6.4 cm. FAH was greater than TH by 1.2±5.9 cm (P=0.047). PAH before and after treatment was 179.9±8.1 and 181.2±7.4 cm, respectively. PAH was increased by 1.3±4.9 cm (P=0.012) after treatment. As the PAH standard deviation score (SDS) before GnRHa treatment increased, FAH tended to exceed TH. In contrast, higher testosterone levels before treatment are associated with FAH falling below TH. A longer duration of treatment and taller TH are associated with an FAH SDS greater than height SDS before treatment. Conversely, a greater weight SDS, BA–CA difference, and testis size before treatment are associated with FAH SDS being less than height SDS before GnRHa treatment. Conclusion GnRHa treatment improved FAH and inhibited bone maturation in male patients with CPP.

Purpose: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become a standard minimally invasive treatment for selected patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). This study presents the first nationwide survey of patients with EGC treated with ESD in 2023, conducted by the Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research. Materials and Methods: Data were retrospectively collected from participating referral centers across Korea using a standardized case report form covering patient characteristics, tumor features, procedural details, histopathological findings, and clinical outcomes.Descriptive and comparative analyses were conducted to summarize nationwide ESD practice patterns and outcomes. Results: Data from 5,460 ESD cases from 5,250 patients across 27 institutions were analyzed. The mean age was 67.4 years, with 74.1% males. Multiple synchronous lesions were identified in 3.7%. Most lesions were located in the lower third of the stomach (64.0%), and differentiated-type adenocarcinomas accounted for 87.8%. The en bloc and complete resection rates were 99.2% and 91.4%, respectively. Curative resection was achieved in 80.5%, whereas local non-curative resection (L-NCR) and surgical non-curative resection (S-NCR) were identified in 2.8% and 16.7%, respectively. Additional surgery was performed more frequently in patients with S-NCR than in those with L-NCR (59.3% vs. 24.7%). The bleeding and perforation rates were 3.6% and 0.9%, respectively, and were mostly managed conservatively or endoscopically. The median length of hospitalization was 4.0 days. Conclusions This first nationwide survey provides a comprehensive overview of the current practice of EGC treatment using ESD in Korea, demonstrating high technical success and safety, and establishing a baseline dataset for future longitudinal research.

Objective: Unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (UBE-TLIF) has emerged as an alternative to open TLIF. However, limited evidence is available regarding the application of 3-dimensional (3D)-printed titanium cages in UBE-TLIF. We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and fusion rates of UBE-TLIF and open TLIF using 3D-printed titanium cages. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent single-level TLIF with 3D-printed titanium cages between 2021 and 2023. The inclusion criterion was degenerative lumbar stenosis, while the exclusion criteria were trauma, infection, and multilevel surgery. Clinical and radiologic outcomes were compared between the UBE-TLIF and open TLIF groups. Results: Twenty-one patients underwent UBE-TLIF, and 21 underwent open TLIF. The visual analogue scale (VAS) for back (p=0.987) and leg pain (p=0.731) did not significantly differ between the groups at 1-year follow-up. However, VAS back pain at postoperative day 2 was significantly lower in the UBE-TLIF group than in the open TLIF group (p<0.001). Solid fusion was achieved in 21 patients (100%) in the open TLIF group and in 20 (95.2%) in the UBE-TLIF group (p=1.000). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, body mass index was the only factor that exhibited a significant relationship (odds ratio [OR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53–0.92; p=0.011) with interbody fusion. In contrast, the surgical method (UBE vs. open TLIF) was not a significant factor (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.10–2.21; p=0.337). Conclusion Using a 3D-printed titanium cage for UBE-TLIF may yield comparable fusion rates to those of open TLIF.

Purpose: Metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) efficacy and safety is established for older patients, but East Asian data are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of MBS by comparing older (≥55 years) and younger (<55 years) East Asian patients with obesity. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective review included 410 patients undergoing MBS from January to December 2019.Patients were stratified into the older group (OG, age ≥55 years; n = 39) and the younger group (YG, age <55 years; n = 371). We compared surgical safety, weight parameters, and comorbidity resolution rates. Results: The OG had lower mean body weight (97.9 ± 16.4 kg vs. 113.2 ± 23.1 kg, P < 0.001) but more comorbidities and lower average ABCD score for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission. Postoperative complication rate (12.8% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.400) and postoperative hospital stay (4.1 ± 1.8 days vs. 4.0 ± 8.9 days, P = 0.773) showed no significant differences.At 12 months, the percentage of total weight loss was significantly lower in the OG (23.7 ± 6.9% vs. 27.8 ± 8.4%, P = 0.014).Remission rates for T2DM (47.6% vs. 80.5%, P < 0.001), hypertension (34.6% vs. 57.5%, P = 0.073), and dyslipidemia (12.5% vs. 44.4%, P = 0.012) were also lower in the OG, yet still demonstrated clinically meaningful metabolic improvement. Conclusion MBS is a safe and effective treatment for older East Asians with obesity, offering substantial comorbidity resolution despite achieving a lower weight loss compared to the younger patients.