Background: This study focuses on the development of a hydrogel wound patch incorporating natural extracts, designed to function as a sun patch. By maintaining a moist environment and delivering bioactive compounds, the patch promotes wound healing while also providing cooling and ultraviolet (UV) protection. This dual-purpose approach enhances skin recovery and shields damaged areas from external stressors. The study aims to optimize the formulation and evaluate its efficacy for both therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Methods: Hydrogel solutions prepared using acrylamide, glycerol, and carboxymethyl cellulose were enriched with extracts from Saururus chinensis, Styrax japonicus, and Centella asiatica. The enriched solutions were processed into patches and tested for their adhesion, cooling effects, and UV protective abilities. Additionally, the wound healing efficacy was evaluated in a mouse model. Results: The hydrogel patches demonstrated comparable adhesion properties, effective skin cooling, and high UV protection rates similar to those of commercially available products. In the mouse model, the patches significantly improved wound closure and tissue regeneration in the experimental group as compared to the control group. Conclusion The study confirms that hydrogel sun patches enriched with natural extracts have the ability to effectively promote wound healing and offer substantial UV protection and cooling benefits, demonstrating their potential medical and cosmetic applications.

With a rapidly aging population and increasing use of antiresorptive agents, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) represents a growing clinical challenge worldwide. To address the need for tailored clinical guidance, a multidisciplinary task force was convened. Five Korean academic societies—the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research, the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Korean Association of Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Korean Society of Osteoporosis, and the Korean Endocrine Society—collaborated to develop this position statement. The consensus was formulated through comprehensive reviews of literature, combined with three rounds of formal surveys to consolidate expert opinion on controversial topics. This position paper provides evidence-based clinical guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of MRONJ tailored to the Korean healthcare environment. The diagnostic criteria affirm the standard definition but add a provision for diagnosis based on clinical or radiographic evidence of necrotic bone, even if the traditional 8-week timeframe has not been met. The committee advocates for retaining Stage 0 in the staging system to emphasize early detection and preventive intervention. Key recommendations include prescriptive, drug-specific guidelines for prophylactic drug holidays (e.g., a 2-month pause for oral bisphosphonates; timing surgery 3-4 months after the last denosumab injection) to minimize MRONJ risk from dental procedures. This statement also provides a clear framework for therapeutic drug holidays in established MRONJ, carefully balancing the need for jaw healing against systemic fracture risk. For treatment, this statement advocates for early and active surgical intervention across all MRONJ stages, supported by evidence of superior long-term outcomes compared to conservative management.This position statement offers a unique, evidence-based Korean clinical practice guideline for managing MRONJ. It is intended to standardize care, reduce clinical confusion, and ultimately improve patient outcomes by providing a clear framework for decision-making.

A 4-year-old thoroughbred mare was referred to the Jeju National University Equine Hospital as it exhibited stallion-like behavior and was unmanageable during training. A transrectal ultrasound revealed an enlarged left ovary. We decided on a standing laparoscopic ovariectomy through the left flank. Three portals were positioned to permit triangulation for optimal visualization with minimal incisions. The enlarged ovary was resected successfully. Histological examination confirmed the presence of a fibroma. The mare recovered without complications and returned to racing within 3 months post-surgery. The successful outcome seen in this mare indicates that laparoscopic surgery has multiple advantages, including faster recovery times and minimal scarring. This approach is recommended for mares presenting with ovarian fibromas, particularly those intended for a future career in athletics.

With a rapidly aging population and increasing use of antiresorptive agents, medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) represents a growing clinical challenge worldwide. To address the need for tailored clinical guidance, a multidisciplinary task force was convened. Five Korean academic societies—the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research, the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Korean Society of Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, the Korean Osteoporosis Society, and the Korean Endocrine Society—collaborated to develop this position statement. The consensus was formulated through comprehensive reviews of literature, combined with three rounds of formal surveys to consolidate expert opinion on controversial topics. This position paper provides evidence-based clinical guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of MRONJ tailored to the Korean healthcare environment. The diagnostic criteria affirm the standard definition but add a provision for diagnosis based on clinical or radiographic evidence of necrotic bone, even if the traditional 8-week timeframe has not been met. The committee advocates for retaining stage 0 in the staging system to emphasize early detection and preventive intervention. Key recommendations include prescriptive, drug-specific guidelines for prophylactic drug holidays (e.g., a 2-month pause for oral bisphosphonates; timing surgery 3 to 4 months after the last denosumab injection) to minimize MRONJ risk from dental procedures. This statement also provides a clear framework for therapeutic drug holidays in established MRONJ, carefully balancing the need for jaw healing against systemic fracture risk. For treatment, this statement advocates for early and active surgical intervention across all MRONJ stages, supported by evidence of superior long-term outcomes compared to conservative management. This position statement offers a unique, evidence-based Korean clinical practice guideline for managing MRONJ. It is intended to standardize care, reduce clinical confusion, and ultimately improve patient outcomes by providing a clear framework for decision-making.

Objective: We aimed to describe the [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT findings in Korean men with advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Materials and Methods: The results of paired FDG and PSMA PET/CT examinations performed in 42 consecutive men with prostate cancer for treatment planning after failure of anti-androgen therapy and chemotherapy were studied. Tumor lesions with FDG or PSMA uptake intensity higher than that of the liver on visual review were considered positive and noted per patient and tumor site (prostate bed, lymph node, bone, and visceral organ). The presence of unequivocally discordant FDG and PSMA uptake patterns in tumor lesions was assessed. Patients were grouped according to the total tumor volume as seen on each PET/CT scan, and the clinical findings between the patient groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: On patient-based analysis, the image findings were PSMA+/FDG- in 2 patients, PSMA-/FDG+ in one, and PSMA+/FDG+ in 39 patients. On site-based analysis, the discordance (PSMA+/FDG- or PSMA-/FDG+) rate was 9.5% (4/42) for prostate/bed, 11.9% (5/42) for lymph nodes, 9.5% (4/42) for bones, and 11.9% (5/42) for visceral organs. FDG uptake was higher than PSMA uptake in at least one tumor site in 54.8% (23/42) of patients. Patients with greater total tumor volume on FDG PET/CT than that on PSMA PET/CT (“FDG-dominant pattern”) accounted for 28.6% (12/42), and they had significantly shorter time from diagnosis (median 25 months vs. 62 months, P = 0.049), and higher aspartate aminotransferase (median 28.5 vs. 22.5, P = 0.027) and lactate dehydrogenase (median 341.5 vs. 224.5, P = 0.010) levels. Conclusion Most patients with advanced mCRPC had tumors with positive findings on both FDG and PSMA PET/CT. However, the uptake patterns varied; 54.8% of the patients had tumor(s) with FDG uptake greater than PSMA uptake, and FDGdominant pattern was noted in 28.6% of the patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of repeated injections of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes on the erectile dysfunction (ED) of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rat model and to identify potential target genes of these injections. Materials and Methods: MSC-derived exosomes were isolated using an aqueous two-phase system. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Normal, BCNI, exosome once, and exosome-repeat groups. After four weeks, we measured the intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio to evaluate erectile function and examined cavernous nerve tissues for histological and molecular analyses. RNA sequencing in penile tissues was used to determine differentially expressed genes and was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for in vitro studies to analyze biological roles. Results: The ICP/MAP ratios in the exosome-once and exosome-repeat groups were significantly increased compared to those in the BCNI group. Interestingly, the ICP/MAP ratio showed a greater increase in the exosome-repeat group, which also showed significantly increased smooth muscle/collagen ratio, α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate level compared to the BCNI and exosome-once groups. Three genes were significantly differentially expressed in the exosome group, among which Ras homolog family member B promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Conclusions Repeated injections of MSC-derived exosomes can be effective in the treatment of rat models with ED induced by cavernous nerve injury.

Purpose: The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of the non-invasive radiofrequency hyperthermia (RFHT) device on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) rat model and investigate the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) normal control group, (2) CP/CPPS group, and (3) RFHT group. CP/CPPS rat models were induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone for 4 weeks and RFHT was administered for 5 weeks after model establishment. During RFHT administration, core body temperatures were continuously monitored with a rectal probe. After administering RFHT, we assessed pain index for all groups and collected prostate tissues for Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. We also collected adjacent organs to the prostate including urinary bladder, testes, and rectum for safety assessment via H&E staining along with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay. Results: After administering RFHT, pain in rats was significantly alleviated compared to the CP/CPPS group. RFHT reduced high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression and improved inflammation by downregulating subsequent proinflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In prostate-adjacent organs, no significant histological alteration or inflammatory infiltration was detected. The area of cell death also did not increase significantly after RFHT. Conclusions In conclusion, RFHT demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB pathway in CP/CPPS rat models. This suggests that RFHT could serve as a safe and promising therapeutic strategy for CP/CPPS.

Objective: We aimed to describe the [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT findings in Korean men with advanced metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Materials and Methods: The results of paired FDG and PSMA PET/CT examinations performed in 42 consecutive men with prostate cancer for treatment planning after failure of anti-androgen therapy and chemotherapy were studied. Tumor lesions with FDG or PSMA uptake intensity higher than that of the liver on visual review were considered positive and noted per patient and tumor site (prostate bed, lymph node, bone, and visceral organ). The presence of unequivocally discordant FDG and PSMA uptake patterns in tumor lesions was assessed. Patients were grouped according to the total tumor volume as seen on each PET/CT scan, and the clinical findings between the patient groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: On patient-based analysis, the image findings were PSMA+/FDG- in 2 patients, PSMA-/FDG+ in one, and PSMA+/FDG+ in 39 patients. On site-based analysis, the discordance (PSMA+/FDG- or PSMA-/FDG+) rate was 9.5% (4/42) for prostate/bed, 11.9% (5/42) for lymph nodes, 9.5% (4/42) for bones, and 11.9% (5/42) for visceral organs. FDG uptake was higher than PSMA uptake in at least one tumor site in 54.8% (23/42) of patients. Patients with greater total tumor volume on FDG PET/CT than that on PSMA PET/CT (“FDG-dominant pattern”) accounted for 28.6% (12/42), and they had significantly shorter time from diagnosis (median 25 months vs. 62 months, P = 0.049), and higher aspartate aminotransferase (median 28.5 vs. 22.5, P = 0.027) and lactate dehydrogenase (median 341.5 vs. 224.5, P = 0.010) levels. Conclusion Most patients with advanced mCRPC had tumors with positive findings on both FDG and PSMA PET/CT. However, the uptake patterns varied; 54.8% of the patients had tumor(s) with FDG uptake greater than PSMA uptake, and FDGdominant pattern was noted in 28.6% of the patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of repeated injections of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes on the erectile dysfunction (ED) of bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rat model and to identify potential target genes of these injections. Materials and Methods: MSC-derived exosomes were isolated using an aqueous two-phase system. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Normal, BCNI, exosome once, and exosome-repeat groups. After four weeks, we measured the intracavernosal pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio to evaluate erectile function and examined cavernous nerve tissues for histological and molecular analyses. RNA sequencing in penile tissues was used to determine differentially expressed genes and was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used for in vitro studies to analyze biological roles. Results: The ICP/MAP ratios in the exosome-once and exosome-repeat groups were significantly increased compared to those in the BCNI group. Interestingly, the ICP/MAP ratio showed a greater increase in the exosome-repeat group, which also showed significantly increased smooth muscle/collagen ratio, α-smooth muscle actin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression, and cyclic guanosine monophosphate level compared to the BCNI and exosome-once groups. Three genes were significantly differentially expressed in the exosome group, among which Ras homolog family member B promoted cell proliferation and angiogenesis of HUVECs. Conclusions Repeated injections of MSC-derived exosomes can be effective in the treatment of rat models with ED induced by cavernous nerve injury.

Purpose: The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of the non-invasive radiofrequency hyperthermia (RFHT) device on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) rat model and investigate the underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods: In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly distributed into three groups: (1) normal control group, (2) CP/CPPS group, and (3) RFHT group. CP/CPPS rat models were induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone for 4 weeks and RFHT was administered for 5 weeks after model establishment. During RFHT administration, core body temperatures were continuously monitored with a rectal probe. After administering RFHT, we assessed pain index for all groups and collected prostate tissues for Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. We also collected adjacent organs to the prostate including urinary bladder, testes, and rectum for safety assessment via H&E staining along with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay. Results: After administering RFHT, pain in rats was significantly alleviated compared to the CP/CPPS group. RFHT reduced high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) expression and improved inflammation by downregulating subsequent proinflammatory cytokines through inhibition of the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In prostate-adjacent organs, no significant histological alteration or inflammatory infiltration was detected. The area of cell death also did not increase significantly after RFHT. Conclusions In conclusion, RFHT demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB pathway in CP/CPPS rat models. This suggests that RFHT could serve as a safe and promising therapeutic strategy for CP/CPPS.