Purpose: To analyze anterior, posterior, and total corneal refractive profiles and thickness using anterior segment (AS) sweptsource optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) patients. Methods: This retrospective study compared 23 eyes from 14 patients with SJS/TEN with 23 eyes from 14 age- and sexmatched controls. AS SS-OCT measured corneal refractive profiles and pachymetry. Parameters included anterior, posterior, and total corneal power values, posterior to anterior curvature ratio, maximal corneal power, and thickness profiles. The SJS/TEN group was subdivided based on corneal opacity presence (subgroup A) or absence (subgroup B). Results: The SJS/TEN group showed significantly higher corneal astigmatism and maximal corneal power values for both anterior and posterior curvatures. Steep total corneal power and total corneal astigmatism were higher in the SJS/TEN group. The thinnest corneal thickness was lower, and its distance from the corneal vertex was greater in the SJS/TEN group. Subgroup analysis revealed that these differences were primarily attributed to the presence of corneal opacity. Additionally, automated keratometry of the anterior corneal surface showed significantly higher values, including steep, flat, and average keratometry and corneal astigmatism, in the SJS/TEN group. Conclusions AS SS-OCT shows significant alterations in both anterior and posterior corneal curvatures in patients with SJS/TEN. These findings emphasize the importance of considering posterior corneal curvature changes in pre-cataract surgery assessments and contact lens prescriptions for patients with SJS/TEN.

Purpose: Pattern electroretinogram (PERG) is used to evaluate the function of retinal ganglion cells. However, the amplitude of PERG is quite small, making the examination challenging to perform. Waveform noise may be minimized by applying various filters. We aimed to investigate the effect of 50-Hz filters on PERG test results. Methods: This is the retrospective observational study. PERG tests were performed using the RETI-scan system according to the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision guidelines. Three types of 50-Hz filters (soft, middle, and hard) were applied. The differences in parameters (N35 peak time, P50 peak time, N95 peak time, P50 amplitude, N95 amplitude, and N95 to P50 ratio) were analyzed. Based on the provided normal range, the changes from normal to abnormal range or vice versa were investigated. Results: A total of 24 waveforms were analyzed. After filtering, the P50 and N95 amplitudes showed a significant reduction of 8% to 15% (P50 amplitude: 5.1 ± 2.7 μV without filter, 4.6 ± 2.3 μV with 50-Hz soft filter, 4.3 ± 2.1 μV with 50-Hz middle filter, 4.3 ± 2.1 μV with 50-Hz hard filter; N95 amplitude: 7.2 ± 4.2 μV without filter, 6.6 ± 3.8 μV with 50-Hz soft filter, 6.3 ± 3.6 μV with 50-Hz middle filter, 6.1 ± 3.6 μV with 50-Hz hard filter). This pattern was more prominent in normal subjects. All latencies except the N35 peak time exhibited no differences between the tests. The N95 to P50 ratio decreased after 50-Hz middle and hard filtering. Considering the normative data, switching between normal and abnormal results was rare. Conclusions Although peak time was not significantly affected, amplitude was significantly reduced after using 50-Hz filters. Thus, 50-Hz filters can smoothen the waveform. Nevertheless, caution must be exercised while taking readings.

Background and Objectives: The Valsalva test, although commonly utilized to assess the Eustachian tube function, is limited by drawbacks such as inconsistent pressure increases in the nasal cavity. Thus we introduced the “Popper test,” a tympanic membrane inflation test using the automatic middle ear inflation device known as middle ear inflation device (MEID), to explore its viability as an alternative to the Valsalva test.Subjects and Method We sampled 80 ears from patients between June 1, 2023, and August 1, 2023. Each patient underwent both the Valsalva and Popper tests using the MEID. Participants were divided into three categories: the “unable” group (patients who could not follow the Valsalva maneuver) and the “successful” and “unsuccessful” groups (patients whose attempts at the Valsalva or Popper tests either successed or failed). Success or failure was determined using an otoscope to assess the bulging of the tympanic membrane. Results: Of the 68 ears with normal middle ear pressure, 30.9% (21 ears) showed an inability to perform the Valsalva test, 45.6% (31 ears) successfully inflated the tympanic membrane via the Valsalva test, and 23.5% (16 ears) failed. Conversely, the Popper test resulted in an 88.2% (60 ears) success rate for inflating the tympanic membrane, with only 11.8% (8 ears) failing. Conclusion Variability observed in the Valsalva test outcomes may be attributed to individual differences and the instructor’s technique. MEID, as utilized in the Popper test, offers a promising alternative to the Valsalva test, potentially enhancing the reliability by minimizing individual variation. However, the diagnostic performance may be dependent on the properties of the MEID.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence and associated psychosocial factors of behavioral addictions among school adolescents living in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions in Korea. Methods: A self-reported survey was conducted from December 4, 2023, to January 31, 2024, including 855 middle and high school students residing in the Gwangju-Jeonnam regions. Aside from the information on demographic characteristics, data on depression, anxiety, Internet gaming addiction, gambling problems, and resilience was obtained. Results: The prevalence of Internet gaming addiction among adolescents was 5.4%, while the prevalence of gambling problems was 3.3%. The male adolescents had a significantly higher risk of behavioral addiction compared with the female adolescents. The logistic regression analysis revealed that male and depression were significant risk factors for Internet gaming addiction. For gambling problems, male was identified as a significant risk factor. Conclusion The findings of this study suggested that the prevalence of behavioral addiction among school adolescents has been relatively higher than that of previous studies, emphasizing the need for community-based prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the sex difference and psychological factors associated with adolescent behavioral addictions.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the methanolic extract of Artemisia iwayomogi Kitamura led to the isolation of 12 known compounds (1‒12). Notably, this study marks the first report of 3-epimeridinol (1) being isolated and structurally characterized from a natural source. Additionally, compounds 3, 4, and 7 were isolated from the Asteraceae family for the first time. The structural elucidation of the isolated compound was achieved through analysis of 1D, 2D NMR, and MS data. Upon evaluation of their inhibitory effects against lipopolysaccharideinduced nitric oxide production, compound 12 demonstrated significant inhibitory activity with greater potency than the reference compound quercetin. These results established A. iwayomogi as a promising source of antiinflammatory agents.

The roots of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge have long been used in herbal medicine for their diversebiological activities. Notably, its potential anti-diabetic properties have been extensively studied, highlighting promising therapeutic prospects. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive investigation focusing on flavonoid components from the roots of A. membranaceus and their PTP1B inhibitory activity. As a result, we isolated a total of 24 flavonoids, among which formonentin (1), pratensein (3), and vesticarpan (19) emerged as the most potent inhibitors against PTP1B with IC50 value of 10.9 ± 1.09 μM, 10.0 ± 1.71 μM, and 10.3 ± 1.31 μM, respectively.Additionally, through the enzyme kinetic analysis, the inhibition mode of compound 19 was determined as a competitive inhibitor, with Ki value of 7.6 ± 1.17 μM. Furthermore, the molecular docking simulation elucidated the binding mechanism of compound 19 with PTP1B, mainly through van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds.This study highlights the PTP1B inhibitory potential of the flavonoid constituents derived from the roots of A. membranaceus. Moreover, discovering vesticarpan (19) as a novel PTP1B inhibitor provides a significant foundation for further investigations to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for diabetes treatment.

Purpose: This study aimed to characterize the clinical patterns and severity of brain injury in neonates who survived extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy for acute respiratory failure during the neonatal period, to evaluate their short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes, and to identify the factors associated with these outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of neonates who survived ECMO between 2018 and 2024. Based on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, the patients were classified into two groups: no/mild and moderate/severe brain injury. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 12–40 months of age using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development II/III and/or the Korean Developmental Screening Test. Results: Among the 19 neonates included in the study, 18 (94.7%) showed varying degrees of brain injury on MRI (mild: 12, moderate: 1, severe: 5). Neonates with moderate/severe brain injury had significantly longer durations of ECMO support and extended durations of mechanical ventilation and were more likely to receive continuous renal replacement therapy than those with no or mild injury. Developmental delay was identified in 36.8% of survivors and was significantly associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, longer neonatal intensive care unit stays, and a higher incidence of seizures. Conclusion Brain injury is frequently observed on MRI in neonates treated with ECMO. However, its direct association with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes is not definitive. Since MRI findings alone cannot predict developmental outcomes, clinical and environmental factors should be integrated into prognostic assessments.

Cancer immunotherapy is widely used to treat various cancers to augment the weakened host immune response against tumors. Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that play dual roles in inducing innate and adaptive immunity. Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that exhibits anti-tumor activity against certain types of cancers. However, little is known about the anti-tumor effects of T. gondii or tumor/parasite antigen-pulsed DCs (DC vaccines, DCV) in breast cancer. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were administered E0771 mouse breast cancer cells (Cancer-injected) subcutaneously, T. gondii Me49 cysts orally (TG-injected), or DCs pulsed with breast cancer cell lysate antigen and T. gondii lysate antigens (DCV-injected) intraperitoneally. Tumor size and immunological characteristics were subsequently evaluated. We also evaluated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 levels in E0771 mouse breast cancer cells co-cultured with T. gondii or DCs by RT-PCR. The tumor volumes of mice injected with breast cancer cells and antigen-pulsed DCs (Cancer/DCV-injected mice) were similar to those of Cancer-injected mice; however, they were significantly reduced in T. gondii-infected tumor-bearing (TG/Cancer-injected) mice. Moreover, tumor volumes were significantly reduced by adding antigen-pulsed DCs (TG/Cancer/DCV-injected mice) compared to TG/Cancer-injected mice. The levels of IFN-γ, serum IgG2a levels, and CD8+ T cell populations were significantly higher in DCV- and TG-injected mice than in control mice, while no significant differences between Cancer- and Cancer/DCV-injected mice were observed. The levels of IFN-γ, the IgG2a levels, and the percentage of CD8+ T cells were significantly increased in TG/Cancer- and TG/Cancer/DCV-injected mice than in Cancer-injected mice. IFN-γ levels and serum IgG2a levels were further increased in TG/Cancer/DCV-injected mice than in TG/Cancer-injected mice. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased in mouse breast cancer cells co-cultured with live T. gondii, T. gondii lysate antigen, or antigen-pulsed DCs (DCV) but not in inactivated DCs. These results indicate that T. gondii induces anti-tumor effects in breast cancer-bearing mice through the induction of strong Th1 immune responses, but not in antigen-pulsed DCs alone. The addition of antigen-pulsed DCs further augments the anti-tumor effects of T. gondii.

This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.