1.A randomized controlled trial comparing liquid skin adhesives and staplers for surgical wound management
Hyeon Woo BAE ; Seung Yoon YANG ; Ga Yoon KU ; Sohye LEE ; Eun-Joo JUNG ; Seulkee PARK ; Yoon Bin JUNG ; Jihong KIM ; Byung Soh MIN
Annals of Surgical Treatment and Research 2025;108(3):143-149
Purpose:
Despite the widespread use of liquid skin adhesives (LSA), concerns persist regarding the increase in wound care costs. This study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness of LSA for surgical wound management.
Methods:
In this prospective, open-label, single-center randomized controlled trial, adults aged 19 years and older who were scheduled for elective minimally invasive colorectal surgeries were included. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: an n-butyl cyanoacrylate skin adhesive was used in the experimental group (LSA group), while a surgical skin stapler was employed in the control group (stapler group). The primary outcome measure was the sum of the total time required for wound management.
Results:
A total of 58 patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, with 29 patients in each group. The findings revealed comparable wound complication rates in the 2 groups (8 out of 29 in the LSA group vs. 5 out of 29 in the stapler group, P = 0.530). Notably, the LSA group had a significantly shorter wound management time (median 235 seconds vs. 1,201 seconds, P < 0.001) and similar wound management cost (median US dollar [USD] 50.6 vs. USD 54.6, P = 0.529) compared to the stapler group. Subgroup analysis showed that the LSA group had a shorter management time for uncomplicated wounds and a lower cost for complicated wounds.
Conclusion
LSA not only provides a safe alternative but also offers a resource-efficient option for wound management compared to staplers.
2.Quercetin-3-Methyl Ether Induces Early Apoptosis to Overcome HRV1B Immune Evasion, Suppress Viral Replication, and Mitigate Inflammatory Pathogenesis
Jae-Hyoung SONG ; Seo-Hyeon MUN ; Sunil MISHRA ; Seong-Ryeol KIM ; Heejung YANG ; Sun Shim CHOI ; Min-Jung KIM ; Dong-Yeop KIM ; Sungchan CHO ; Youngwook HAM ; Hwa-Jung CHOI ; Won-Jin BAEK ; Yong Soo KWON ; Jae-Hoon CHANG ; Hyun-Jeong KO
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(2):388-398
Human rhinovirus (HRV) causes the common cold and exacerbates chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Despite its significant impact on public health, there are currently no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for HRV infection. Apoptosis is the process through which cells eliminate themselves through the systematic activation of intrinsic death pathways in response to various stimuli. It plays an important role in viral infections and serves as a key immune defense mechanism in the interactions between viruses and the host. In the present study, we investigated the antiviral effects of quercetin-3-methyl ether, a flavonoid isolated from Serratula coronata, on human rhinovirus 1B (HRV1B). Quercetin-3-methyl ether significantly inhibited HRV1B replication in HeLa cells in a concentration-dependent manner, thereby reducing cytopathic effects and viral RNA levels. Time-course and time-of-addition analyses confirmed that quercetin-3-methyl ether exhibited antiviral activity during the early stages of viral infection, potentially targeting the replication and translation phases. Gene expression analysis using microarrays revealed that pro-apoptotic genes were upregulated in quercetin-3-methyl ether-treated cells, suggesting that quercetin-3-methyl ether enhances early apoptosis to counteract HRV1B-induced immune evasion. In vivo administration of quercetin-3-methyl ether to HRV1B-infected mice significantly reduced viral RNA levels and inflammatory cytokine production in the lung tissues. Our findings demonstrated the potential of quercetin-3-methyl ether as a novel antiviral agent against HRV1B, thereby providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of HRV1B infections and related complications.
3.Stress Accelerates Depressive-Like Behavior through Increase of SPNS2 Expression in Tg2576 Mice
Seung Sik YOO ; Yuri KIM ; Dong Won LEE ; Hyeon Joo HAM ; Jung Ho PARK ; In Jun YEO ; Ju Young CHANG ; Jaesuk YUN ; Dong Ju SON ; Sang-Bae HAN ; Jin Tae HONG
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(3):417-428
To investigate the relationship between depression and AD, water avoidance stress (WAS) was induced for 10 days in both Tg2576 mice and wild-type (WT) mice. After WAS, memory function and depressive-like behavior were investigated in Tg2576 mice. Tg2576 WAS mice exhibited more depressive-like behaviors than WT WAS and Tg2576 control (CON) mice. Strikingly, Tg2576 CON mice showed more depressive-like behaviors than WT mice. Moreover, corticosterone and phospho-glucocorticoid receptor (p-GR) levels were also higher in Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison to Tg2576 CON mice. Spinster homologue 2 (SPNS2) is a member of non-ATP-dependent transporter. The role of SPNS2 was widely known as a sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) transporter, which export intracellular S1P from cells. Using GEO database to analyze SPNS2 gene expression changes in patients with AD and depression, we show that SPNS2 gene expression correlates with AD and depression. Interestingly, Tg2576 WAS mice displayed significantly increased levels of SPNS2 w1hen compared to Tg2576 CON counterparts. SPNS2 levels were also higher in Tg2576 CON mice in comparison with WT CON mice. Remarkably, we found a decrease in S1P brain levels and an increase in S1P serum levels of Tg2576 WAS mice in comparison with Tg2576 CON mice. Accordingly, WAS induced group further decreased S1P levels in the brains. However, the level in the serum further increased in comparison with non-induced group. Therefore, these results suggest that AD and depression could be associated, and that Tg2576 transgenic mice are more susceptible to stress-induced depression through the release of S1P by SPNS2 up-regulation.
4.Microplastics Accumulation Induces Kynurenine-Derived Neurotoxicity in Cerebral Organoids and Mouse Brain
Sung Bum PARK ; Jeong Hyeon JO ; Seong Soon KIM ; Won Hoon JUNG ; Myung-Ae BAE ; Byumseok KOH ; Ki Young KIM
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(3):447-457
Microplastics (MP) are pervasive environmental pollutants with potential adverse effects on human health, particularly concerning neurotoxicity. This study investigates the accumulation and neurotoxic effects of MP in cerebral organoids and mouse brains. Utilizing in vitro cerebral organoids and in vivo mouse models, we examined the penetration of MP, revealing that smaller MP (50 nm) infiltrated deeper into the organoids compared to larger ones (100 nm). Exposure to 50 nm MP resulted in a significant reduction in organoid viability. Furthermore, total RNA sequencing indicated substantial alterations in neurotoxicity-related gene expression.In vivo, MP-treated mice exhibited notable DNA fragmentation in the hippocampus and cortex, alongside elevated levels of inflammatory markers and neurotoxic metabolites, such as kynurenine (KYN) and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK). Our findings suggest that MP may promote neurotoxicity through the kynurenine pathway, leading to heightened levels of neurotoxic compounds like quinolinic acid. This research highlights the potential for MP to induce neuroinflammatory responses and disrupt normal brain function, underscoring the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of MP exposure on neurological health.
5.Is Colonoscopy Alone Adequate for Surveillance in Stage I Colorectal Cancer?
Seijong KIM ; Jung Kyong SHIN ; Yoonah PARK ; Jung Wook HUH ; Hee Cheol KIM ; Seong Hyeon YUN ; Woo Yong LEE ; Yong Beom CHO
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):507-518
Purpose:
While colonoscopy is the standard surveillance tool for stage I colorectal cancer according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, its effectiveness in detecting recurrence is debated. This study evaluates recurrence risk factors and patterns in stage I colorectal cancer to inform comprehensive surveillance strategies.
Materials and Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 2,248 stage I colorectal cancer patients who underwent radical surgery at Samsung Medical Center (2007-2018) was conducted. Exclusions were based on familial history, prior recurrences, preoperative treatments, and inadequate data. Surveillance included colonoscopy, laboratory tests, and computed tomography (CT) scans.
Results:
Stage I colorectal cancer patients showed favorable 5-year disease-free survival (98.3% colon, 94.6% rectum). Among a total of 1,467 colon cancer patients, 26 (1.76%) experienced recurrence. Of the 781 rectal cancer patients, 47 (6.02%) experienced recurrence. Elevated preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels and perineural invasion were significant recurrence risk factors in colon cancer, while tumor budding was significant in rectal cancer. Distant metastasis was the main recurrence pattern in colon cancer (92.3%), while rectal cancer showed predominantly local recurrence (50%). Colonoscopy alone detected recurrences in a small fraction of cases (3.7% in colon, 14.9% in rectum).
Conclusion
Although recurrence in stage I colorectal cancer is rare, relying solely on colonoscopy for surveillance may miss distant metastases or locoregional recurrence outside the colorectum. For high-risk patients, we recommend considering regular CT scans alongside colonoscopy. This targeted approach may enable earlier recurrence detection and improve outcomes in this subset while avoiding unnecessary scans for the low-risk majority.
6.Assessing the Efficacy of Bortezomib and Dexamethasone for Induction and Maintenance Therapy in Relapsed/Refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma: A Phase II CISL1701/BIC Study
Yoon Seok CHOI ; Joonho SHIM ; Ka-Won KANG ; Sang Eun YOON ; Jun Sik HONG ; Sung Nam LIM ; Ho-Young YHIM ; Jung Hye KWON ; Gyeong-Won LEE ; Deok-Hwan YANG ; Sung Yong OH ; Ho-Jin SHIN ; Hyeon-Seok EOM ; Dok Hyun YOON ; Hong Ghi LEE ; Seong Hyun JEONG ; Won Seog KIM ; Seok Jin KIM
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):267-279
Purpose:
This multicenter, open-label, phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of bortezomib combined with dexamethasone for the treatment of relapsed/refractory cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in previously treated patients across 14 institutions in South Korea.
Materials and Methods:
Between September 2017 and July 2020, 29 patients with histologically confirmed CTCL received treatment, consisting of eight 4-week cycles of induction therapy followed by maintenance therapy, contingent upon response, for up to one year. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an objective global response.
Results:
Thirteen of the 29 patients (44.8%) achieved an objective global response, including two complete responses. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.8 months, with responders showing a median PFS of 14.0 months. Treatment-emergent adverse events were generally mild, with a low incidence of peripheral neuropathy and hematologic toxicities. Despite the trend toward shorter PFS in patients with higher mutation burdens, genomic profiling before and after treatment showed no significant emergence of new mutations indicative of disease progression.
Conclusion
This study supports the use of bortezomib and dexamethasone as a viable and safe treatment option for previously treated CTCL, demonstrating substantial efficacy and manageability in adverse effects. Further research with a larger cohort is suggested to validate these findings and explore the prognostic value of mutation profiles.
7.Small Cell Transformation in Pancreatic Metastasis from EGFR-Mutated Lung Adenocarcinoma Following TKI
Wootaek SEO, ; Hyeon-Gi KIM ; Hee-Eon LIM ; Kwangrok JUNG ; Jong-Chan LEE ; Jin-Hyeok HWANG ; Jaihwan KIM
Korean Journal of Pancreas and Biliary Tract 2025;30(2):76-80
Lazertinib is an oral, third-generation, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This case report presents a rare instance of small cell carcinoma transformation in pancreatic metastasis in a patient with EGFR-mutated NSCLC undergoing treatment with lazertinib. Small cell carcinoma transformation indicates a mechanism of treatment resistance, and tissue biopsy is essential to confirm this. When isolated progression of a lesion is suspected during TKI therapy in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, histological evaluation is necessary to confirm the transformation for the treatment strategy.
8.Small Cell Transformation in Pancreatic Metastasis from EGFR-Mutated Lung Adenocarcinoma Following TKI
Wootaek SEO, ; Hyeon-Gi KIM ; Hee-Eon LIM ; Kwangrok JUNG ; Jong-Chan LEE ; Jin-Hyeok HWANG ; Jaihwan KIM
Korean Journal of Pancreas and Biliary Tract 2025;30(2):76-80
Lazertinib is an oral, third-generation, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This case report presents a rare instance of small cell carcinoma transformation in pancreatic metastasis in a patient with EGFR-mutated NSCLC undergoing treatment with lazertinib. Small cell carcinoma transformation indicates a mechanism of treatment resistance, and tissue biopsy is essential to confirm this. When isolated progression of a lesion is suspected during TKI therapy in EGFR-mutated NSCLC, histological evaluation is necessary to confirm the transformation for the treatment strategy.
9.Development of a Standardized Suicide Prevention Program for Gatekeeper Intervention in Korea (Suicide CARE Version 2.0) to Prevent Adolescent Suicide: Version for Teachers
Hyeon-Ah LEE ; Yeon Jung LEE ; Kyong Ah KIM ; Myungjae BAIK ; Jong-Woo PAIK ; Jinmi SEOL ; Sang Min LEE ; Eun-Jin LEE ; Haewoo LEE ; Meerae LIM ; Jin Yong JUN ; Seon Wan KI ; Hong Jin JEON ; Sun Jung KWON ; Hwa-Young LEE
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):117-117
10.A New Agenda for Optimizing Roles and Infrastructure in a Mental Health Service Model for South Korea
Eunsoo KIM ; Hyeon-Ah LEE ; Yu-Ri LEE ; In Suk LEE ; Kyoung-Sae NA ; Seung-Hee AHN ; Chul-Hyun CHO ; Hwoyeon SEO ; Soo Bong JUNG ; Sung Joon CHO ; Hwa-Young LEE
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):26-39
Objective:
As the demand for community mental health services continues to grow, the need for well-equipped and organized services has become apparent. This study aimed to optimize the roles and infrastructure of mental health services, by establishing, among other initiatives, standardized operating models.
Methods:
The study was conducted in multiple phases from May 12, 2021, to December 29, 2021. Stakeholders within South Korea and metropolitan mental health welfare centers were targeted, but addiction management support centers, including officials, patients, and their families, were integrated as well. A literature review and survey, focus group interviews, a Delphi survey, and expert consultation contributed to comprehensive revisions and improvements of the mental health service model.
Results:
The proposed model for community mental health welfare centers emphasizes the expansion of personnel and infrastructure, with a focus on severe mental illnesses and suicide prevention. The model for metropolitan mental health welfare centers delineates essential tasks in areas such as project planning and establishment, community research, and education about severe mental illnesses. The establishment of a 24-hour emergency intervention center was a crucial feature. In the integrated addiction support center model, the need to promote addiction management is defined as an essential task and the establishment of national governance for addiction policies is recommended.
Conclusion
This study proposed standard operating models for three types of mental health service centers. To meet the increasing need for community care, robust mental health service delivery systems are of primary importance.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail