Purpose: To propose improvements for promoting eyeball donation and managing donated corneas, this study analyzed the current system in Korea and reviewed relevant Korean laws, international standards, and foreign practices. Methods: To understand the current situation in Korea, annual reports published by the Korean Network for Organ Sharing and existing Korean laws were examined. For the international context, references were made to the National Organ Transplant Act, 21 CFR Part 1271 (Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Part 1271), Current Good Tissue Practice guidelines of the Food and Drug Administration, and the Medical Standards of the Eye Bank Association of America in the United States. Opinions on promoting eyeball donation, improving the monitoring system for donated corneas and revising laws related to cornea management were gathered. The perspectives of 31 experts affiliated with the Korea Cornea Society were collected through a survey. Results: Currently, there are no laws or regulations that can be appropriately applied to the cornea which has properties of both organs and tissue. Additionally, there is no law regulating imported corneas. Therefore, there is a need to legislate or revise the current law; all experts who conducted the survey agreed on this. Furthermore, the current system faces limitations in the efficient procurement, stable supply, and management of donor corneas, as well as in donation promotion. To address these issues, the establishment of independent legislation for managing donated corneas and a National Central Eye Bank was proposed. This central body would oversee continuous personnel training, education, and monitoring, along with ensuring stable procurement, processing, and supply of corneas within a structured management system. Sixty-eight percent of the surveyed experts agreed with this proposal. Conclusions To establish a safe and efficient Korean corneal supply and demand system, it is imperative to enact cornea-specific laws, including the establishment of a National Central Eye Bank.

Background/Aims: Cold snare polypectomy (CSP) is recommended for colorectal polyps <10 mm; however, the impact of snare size on clinical outcomes remains unclear. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of 10-mm and 15-mm snares for CSP of small colorectal polyps. Methods: In this prospective multicenter study, patients with 4–10 mm non-pedunculated polyps underwent CSP with either a 10-mm or 15-mm snare. Both snares had identical wire thickness and hexagonal loop design. The primary outcome was histological complete resection rate (CRR). Secondary outcomes included adverse events and technical parameters. Results: In total, 182 patients were enrolled (10-mm group: n = 92; 15-mm group: n = 90). Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, polyp size, morphology, location, and pathology, were comparable between groups. Histological CRRs were 90.2% in the 10-mm group and 91.1% in the 15-mm group (P= 0.483). No significant differences were observed in the presence of submucosal tissue within specimens (P= 0.523), iatrogenic ulcer size (P= 0.532), hematoma occurrence (P= 0.391), or intraprocedural bleeding requiring hemostasis (6.5% vs. 5.6%; P= 0.974). No cases of delayed bleeding or perforation were reported. Logistic regression analysis identified iatrogenic ulcer size > 8 mm as an independent predictor of complete resection (odds ratio, 3.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.15–13.21; P= 0.029); snare size was not significantly associated with CRR (P= 0.519). Conclusions CSP using either a 10-mm or a 15-mm snare for 4–10 mm non-pedunculated colorectal polyps showed no significant difference in complete resection or safety outcomes within this size range. (Clinical Research Information Service [CRIS], KCT0005031)

Background/Aims: We investigated the clinical practice patterns of Korean endoscopists for the endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps. Methods: From September to November 2021, an online survey was conducted regarding the preferred resection methods for colorectal polyps, and responses were compared with the international guidelines. Results: Among 246 respondents, those with <4 years, 4–9 years, and ≥10 years of experiencein colonoscopy practices accounted for 25.6%, 34.1%, and 40.2% of endoscopists, respectively. The most preferred resection methods for non-pedunculated lesions were cold forceps polypectomy for ≤3 mm lesions (81.7%), cold snare polypectomy for 4–5 mm (61.0%) and 6–9 mm (43.5%) lesions, hot endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for 10–19 mm lesions (72.0%), precut EMR for 20–25 mm lesions (22.0%), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for ≥26 mm lesions (29.3%). Hot EMR was favored for pedunculated lesions with a head size <20 mm and stalk size <10 mm (75.6%) and for those with a head size ≥20 mm or stalk size ≥10 mm (58.5%). For suspected superficial and deep submucosal lesions measuring 10–19 mm and ≥20 mm, ESD (26.0% and 38.6%) and surgery (36.6% and 46.3%) were preferred, respectively. The adherence rate to the guidelines ranged from 11.2% to 96.9%, depending on the size, shape, and histology of the lesions. Conclusions Adherence to the guidelines for endoscopic resection techniques varied depend-ing on the characteristics of colorectal polyps. Thus, an individualized approach is required to increase adherence to the guidelines.

Background/Aims: We investigated the clinical practice patterns of Korean endoscopists for the endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps. Methods: From September to November 2021, an online survey was conducted regarding the preferred resection methods for colorectal polyps, and responses were compared with the international guidelines. Results: Among 246 respondents, those with <4 years, 4–9 years, and ≥10 years of experiencein colonoscopy practices accounted for 25.6%, 34.1%, and 40.2% of endoscopists, respectively. The most preferred resection methods for non-pedunculated lesions were cold forceps polypectomy for ≤3 mm lesions (81.7%), cold snare polypectomy for 4–5 mm (61.0%) and 6–9 mm (43.5%) lesions, hot endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for 10–19 mm lesions (72.0%), precut EMR for 20–25 mm lesions (22.0%), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for ≥26 mm lesions (29.3%). Hot EMR was favored for pedunculated lesions with a head size <20 mm and stalk size <10 mm (75.6%) and for those with a head size ≥20 mm or stalk size ≥10 mm (58.5%). For suspected superficial and deep submucosal lesions measuring 10–19 mm and ≥20 mm, ESD (26.0% and 38.6%) and surgery (36.6% and 46.3%) were preferred, respectively. The adherence rate to the guidelines ranged from 11.2% to 96.9%, depending on the size, shape, and histology of the lesions. Conclusions Adherence to the guidelines for endoscopic resection techniques varied depend-ing on the characteristics of colorectal polyps. Thus, an individualized approach is required to increase adherence to the guidelines.

Background/Aims: We investigated the clinical practice patterns of Korean endoscopists for the endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps. Methods: From September to November 2021, an online survey was conducted regarding the preferred resection methods for colorectal polyps, and responses were compared with the international guidelines. Results: Among 246 respondents, those with <4 years, 4–9 years, and ≥10 years of experiencein colonoscopy practices accounted for 25.6%, 34.1%, and 40.2% of endoscopists, respectively. The most preferred resection methods for non-pedunculated lesions were cold forceps polypectomy for ≤3 mm lesions (81.7%), cold snare polypectomy for 4–5 mm (61.0%) and 6–9 mm (43.5%) lesions, hot endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for 10–19 mm lesions (72.0%), precut EMR for 20–25 mm lesions (22.0%), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for ≥26 mm lesions (29.3%). Hot EMR was favored for pedunculated lesions with a head size <20 mm and stalk size <10 mm (75.6%) and for those with a head size ≥20 mm or stalk size ≥10 mm (58.5%). For suspected superficial and deep submucosal lesions measuring 10–19 mm and ≥20 mm, ESD (26.0% and 38.6%) and surgery (36.6% and 46.3%) were preferred, respectively. The adherence rate to the guidelines ranged from 11.2% to 96.9%, depending on the size, shape, and histology of the lesions. Conclusions Adherence to the guidelines for endoscopic resection techniques varied depend-ing on the characteristics of colorectal polyps. Thus, an individualized approach is required to increase adherence to the guidelines.

Background/Aims: We investigated the clinical practice patterns of Korean endoscopists for the endoscopic resection of colorectal polyps. Methods: From September to November 2021, an online survey was conducted regarding the preferred resection methods for colorectal polyps, and responses were compared with the international guidelines. Results: Among 246 respondents, those with <4 years, 4–9 years, and ≥10 years of experiencein colonoscopy practices accounted for 25.6%, 34.1%, and 40.2% of endoscopists, respectively. The most preferred resection methods for non-pedunculated lesions were cold forceps polypectomy for ≤3 mm lesions (81.7%), cold snare polypectomy for 4–5 mm (61.0%) and 6–9 mm (43.5%) lesions, hot endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for 10–19 mm lesions (72.0%), precut EMR for 20–25 mm lesions (22.0%), and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for ≥26 mm lesions (29.3%). Hot EMR was favored for pedunculated lesions with a head size <20 mm and stalk size <10 mm (75.6%) and for those with a head size ≥20 mm or stalk size ≥10 mm (58.5%). For suspected superficial and deep submucosal lesions measuring 10–19 mm and ≥20 mm, ESD (26.0% and 38.6%) and surgery (36.6% and 46.3%) were preferred, respectively. The adherence rate to the guidelines ranged from 11.2% to 96.9%, depending on the size, shape, and histology of the lesions. Conclusions Adherence to the guidelines for endoscopic resection techniques varied depend-ing on the characteristics of colorectal polyps. Thus, an individualized approach is required to increase adherence to the guidelines.

Background: This study examined the factors influencing non-academic sedentary behavior among Korean adolescents, focusing on weekday–weekend differences. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the 2023 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N=52,880). Sedentary behavior was measured separately on weekdays and weekends. Independent variables included sex, age, and body mass index (BMI; physical characteristics); stress, anxiety, and smartphone overdependence (psychological characteristics); and living with family (social characteristics). Data were analyzed using complex sample general linear models. Results: Average sedentary time was 206.35 minutes on weekdays and 321.96 minutes on weekends. Sex, age, BMI, anxiety, and smartphone overdependence significantly predicted sedentary behavior on both weekdays and weekends (P<0.05). Stress was significant only on weekends (P=0.012); living with family showed no significant association. Conclusions Psychological and behavioral factors substantially influence adolescents’ sedentary behavior. In particular, smartphone overdependence and anxiety should be considered, and interventions need to address emotional and contextual factors, including weekday–weekend differences.

Purpose: This postmarketing surveillance (PMS) study aimed to evaluate real-world data on the effectiveness and safety of abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) in patients with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). Materials and Methods: This prospective, multicenter observational study was conducted at 27 centers in South Korea between June 2018 and April 2021. Among 117 enrolled patients, 108 were included in the final analysis. Median follow-up period was 40.4 weeks (interquartile range, 22.8–49.2 weeks). Patients aged ≥18 years with mHSPC treated with AAP were included. Effectiveness endpoints included radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS), time to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) progression (TTPP), and PSA response (≥50%, ≥90% reduction). Adverse events (AEs) were assessed and graded based on severity. Results: A total of 108 patients were included in the analysis. Radiographic and PSA progression were observed in 13 (12.0%) and 26 patients (24.1 %), respectively. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the median rPFS and TTPP were not reached. The PSA response rates were 85.2% (≥50% reduction) and 75.9% (≥90% reduction) during the study period. AEs were reported in 31 patients (28.7%), with grade 3 or 4 AEs reported in 6 patients (5.6%). The most frequently observed AE was elevated aspartate aminotransferase level (5.6%). Conclusion This PMS study found that AAP is effective and well-tolerated in the real-world management of mHSPC.

Background: This study aimed to determine the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between anxiety and smartphone overdependence among Korean adolescents. Methods: This national cross-sectional secondary study used data from the 16th (2020) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The sample comprised 54,948 adolescents in middle and high schools. The mediating effects were analyzed using the procedure of Baron and Kenny and the Sobel test. Results: Anxiety impacted both loneliness and smartphone overdependence (P<0.001). Additionally, loneliness was identified as a factor influencing smartphone overdependence (P<0.001). Loneliness demonstrated a statistically significant mediating effect in the relationship between anxiety and smartphone overdependence (P<0.001). Conclusions It was concluded that smartphone overdependence increases with the heightened maladaptive emotions of adolescents, such as anxiety and loneliness. These findings confirmed the mediating role of loneliness in the relationship between anxiety and smartphone overdependence.

Purpose: Forefoot ulcers have been implicated as a causative factor in diabetic foot amputation. The treatment of a bunionette deformity with an ulcer is not well established. This study examined the outcomes of a S.E.R.I. (simple, effective, rapid, and inexpensive) operation for bunionette deformity with ulcers in diabetic neuropathy. Materials and Methods: Between January 2014 and June 2022, 20 patients (20 feet) treated for the bunionette deformity with a S.E.R.I.operation were reviewed retrospectively. All patients had diabetic neuropathy. Eleven patients were female, and the mean age at the time of surgery was 62 years. The mean follow-up time was 16 months. Radiologically, the 4th, 5th intermetatarsal angle (4, 5 IMA), lateral deviation angle (LDA), and the length of the 5th metatarsal bone were analyzed preoperatively and after a 1-year follow-up, and the clinical healing time of the ulcer was also reviewed. Results: The 4, 5 IMA and LDA were reduced from the mean preoperative values of 11.4° and 7.9° to 4.8° and 3.8°, respectively (p<0.05).The mean 5th metatarsal length was reduced from 64.3 mm to 61.2 mm (p<0.05). All ulcers were healed at 3 months with no recurrence at the final follow-up. Four patients showed delayed union, and nine patients had developed hard corn around the previous lesion. Conclusion The S.E.R.I. operation can be an acceptable treatment modality for bunionette deformity with an ulcer who has diabetic neuropathy by offloading the bunionette so that ulcer healing can occur.