Background: Menopausal status can increase the risk of cardiocerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Regular exercise is well-known to reduce this risk. This study explored the impact of exercise on CCVD and mortality in women with T2DM according to their menopausal status. Methods: A total of 32,477 premenopausal and 53,690 postmenopausal Korean women with T2DM aged 40 to 60 years from a national health examination cohort (2009 to 2018) were included. We evaluated risks for stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality based on exercise intensity. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to obtain the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval. Results: Exercise reduced stroke, MI, and mortality risks in women with T2DM, regardless of menopausal status. The highest effects of aHR compared to the sedentary group were 0.68 for stroke, 0.66 for MI, and 0.81 for mortality. Postmenopausal women experienced significant MI risk reductions at most exercise intensities, with the greatest reduction in the ≥1,500 metabolic equivalent of task score group unlike premenopausal women. However, stroke and mortality risk reductions in postmenopausal women were less pronounced compared to premenopausal women. Conclusion Exercise reduces CCVD risk in women with T2DM across menopausal status. Postmenopausal women with T2DM had more benefits from exercise on MI but fewer benefits on stroke and mortality than premenopausal women. In premenopausal women with T2DM, exercise was not associated with a lower MI risk.

Background/Aims: Recent advances in computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) systems have demonstrated expert-level accuracy in the optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps. High-confidence (HC) diagnoses have been defined as those made within 3 seconds without hesitation, and these systems have been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy. We aimed to evaluate the performance of endoscopists with varying levels of experience in diagnosing colorectal polyps with the assistance of a new CADx system applying the 3-second rule and without artificial intelligence assistance. Methods: In this multicenter ex vivo study, 35 endoscopists assessed 100 polyps (51 adenomas, 39 hyperplastic polyps, 10 sessile serrated lesions) using narrow-band imaging video clips on an online platform. Assessments consisted of individual endoscopist diagnosis and CADx-assisted diagnosis. HC assignments followed the 3-second rule in both phases. Performance metrics included HC accuracy, HC rate, and adherence to the Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable Endoscopic Innovations (PIVI) and Simple Optical Diagnosis Accuracy (SODA) thresholds. Results: HC diagnostic accuracy improved from 78.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.6% to 80.0%) to 89.8% (95% CI, 88.6% to 90.9%) with CADx assistance (p<0.001). The proportion of HC predictions increased from 64.2% to 75.4% (p<0.001). Novice endoscopists showed marked improvement with CADx (74.1% vs 88.8%; p<0.001). CADx-assisted diagnoses nearly met SODA and PIVI thresholds under the 3-second rule. Additional analysis demonstrated that CADx assistance significantly improved interobserver agreement and ground truth, particularly for novices (κ=0.37 to κ=0.65; p<0.001). Conclusions Integrating CADx with the 3-second rule significantly enhances the performance of endoscopists in the optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps, with the greatest benefit observed among novice endoscopists.

Background/Aims: The absence of standardized clinical minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints for Helicobacter pylori infection has resulted in inconsistent resistance definitions, even within the same research group in Korea. Therefore, establishing epidemiological cutoff values (ECOFFs) is essential for standardization. Methods: The MIC distributions for antibiotics commonly used against H. pylori infection in South Korea were analyzed from 2015 to 2023. A total of 5,925 primary H. pylori isolates were collected from five data sources, and MIC values were determined using the serial 2-fold agar dilution method. The ECOFFinder program was used to establish ECOFFs for six antibiotics. Results: The tentative ECOFFs for amoxicillin and clarithromycin were 0.125 μg/mL. The ECOFFs for levofloxacin, metronidazole, and tetracycline were 0.5, 8.0, and 0.25 μg/mL, respec-tively. The ECOFF for rifabutin could not be determined due to insufficient data. On the basis of these ECOFFs, the resistance rate was 17.9% for amoxicillin, 31.9% for clarithromycin, 40.9% for levofloxacin, 24.7% for metronidazole, and 11.5% for tetracycline. Conclusions This comprehensive analysis defined regional antibiotic resistance patterns and established Korea-specific ECOFFs, providing a foundation for determining clinical breakpoints and optimizing H. pylori eradication strategies.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are an important treatment option for ulcerative colitis, providing rapid onset of action, oral administration, and efficacy even after biologic failure. The 3 approved agents—tofacitinib, filgotinib, and upadacitinib—differ in JAK isoform selectivity, leading to clinically meaningful differences in efficacy and safety. Evidence from network meta-analyses, clinical trials, and real-world studies consistently shows that upadacitinib provides the highest efficacy for induction and maintenance of remission, whereas filgotinib demonstrates the most favorable safety profile. The strong efficacy of upadacitinib and tofacitinib is particularly relevant in patients with severe disease, including acute severe ulcerative colitis, and upadacitinib maintains high efficacy regardless of prior advanced therapy exposure. JAK inhibitors also benefit extraintestinal manifestations. Although risks such as herpes zoster, serious infection, thromboembolism, and major cardiovascular events differ among agents, long-term data suggest generally acceptable safety when used appropriately. Intraclass JAK-to-JAK cycling is feasible, with about half of patients achieving steroid-free clinical remission in retrospective cohorts. Based on mechanistic, clinical, and real-world evidence, filgotinib may be a first-line option for patients with lower disease activity or when safety is a priority, whereas upadacitinib or tofacitinib may be preferred in higher disease activity. Strategically selecting agents may improve durability and outcomes.

Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) recording provides an objective electrophysiological assessment of facial nerve function after injury. In rodent models, vibrissal CMAPs serve as quantitative surrogates of facial nerve integrity; however, practical descriptions of CMAP recording setups using widely available systems remain limited. In this study, we detail a practical and reproducible method for recording vibrissal CMAPs following direct stimulation of the facial nerve trunk in rats, using a BIOPAC-based system. CMAPs were recorded before and after unilateral facial nerve crush injury, followed by transection and epineural repair. Direct nerve trunk stimulation reliably elicited stable CMAP waveforms and supramaximal stimulation produced consistent responses suitable for longitudinal assessment. Baseline CMAP amplitudes were comparable to previously reported values. After facial nerve injury, CMAPs on the injured side were absent at 1 week, reappeared at 2 weeks, and increased further by 4 weeks. Because absolute CMAP amplitudes varied across recording sessions despite intact contralateral nerves, functional recovery was evaluated using left/right amplitude ratios. Single-peak CMAP amplitude was used to minimize waveform variability and stimulus-related artifacts. This method provides a straightforward and accessible approach for the electrophysiological assessment of facial nerve injury and recovery in experimental rodent models.

Background/Aims: This study investigated the clinical efficacy of low-dose mepolizumab (100 mg) in controlling severe eosinophilic asthma, aiming to induce eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) remission and reduce systemic steroid usage. Additionally, we constructed a basic frame for our longitudinal EGPA cohort by collecting serial blood samples before, during, and after mepolizumab treatment in EGPA patients. Methods: We conducted a 2-year prospective observational cohort study in patients with uncontrolled severe eosinophilic asthma and refractory EGPA who used systemic steroids (≥ 7.5 mg/day of prednisolone) or other immunosuppressant drugs for at least 6 months. All patients were treated with 100 mg of mepolizumab every 4 weeks for 1 year to control severe eosinophilic asthma and then were followed for an additional 1 year to monitor their disease course. We analyzed total systemic steroid use and EGPA remission/relapse during the study period. Results: Three EGPA patients were included in this study and completed 16 study visits over a 2-year period. After 1 year of treatment with mepolizumab (100 mg monthly), all 3 patients were able to reduce their maintenance dose of systemic steroids, with 2 patients completely discontinuing use. These 2 patients achieved EGPA remission during mepolizumab treatment, and their remission status remained stable for 1 year after they stopped receiving the medication. Conclusions Low-dose mepolizumab treatment demonstrated clinical efficacy in reducing the maintenance dose of systemic steroids required for severe refractory EGPA. While not all patients achieved EGPA remission with low-dose mepolizumab, some did, and their remission persisted even after treatment discontinuation.

Purpose: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibits heterogeneous developmental trajectories; however, longitudinal studies using the Korean Childhood Autism Rating Scale (K-CARS) are scarce. This study examined diagnostic changes and related developmental characteristics through repeated K-CARS assessments. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children who underwent repeated K-CARS assessments between May 2021 and December 2024 at Gyeongsang National University Hospital. Based on diagnostic status at the initial (T1) and follow-up (T2) evaluations, participants were classified as having persistent ASD (ASD at T1 and T2), emerging ASD (non-ASD at T1 but ASD at T2), or desisting ASD (ASD at T1 but non-ASD at T2). Developmental profiles were evaluated using the social quotient (SQ), visual-motor integration (VMI), and language quotients. Results: Forty-three children (32 boys; median age, 2.9 years at T1 and 4.3 years at T2) were included. Twenty-two met ASD criteria at T1, and 15 (68%) retained the diagnosis at T2. Across the cohort, 15 (35%) had persistent ASD, 21 (49%) had emerging ASD, and seven (16%) had desisting ASD. The desisting group showed higher baseline VMI and better outcomes at follow-up. The emerging group initially had higher SQ and VMI than the persistent group, but these differences disappeared over time. Higher baseline VMI was associated with desisting status and higher baseline SQ with emerging ASD (odds ratios, 3.14 and 2.59 per standard deviation increase, respectively; P=0.06 and P=0.07). Conclusion Early ASD diagnoses were generally stable yet variable, supporting repeated assessment. Baseline VMI and SQ may relate to later diagnostic changes.

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: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the Trauma-nursing Education and Skill Support (TESS) program based on the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation model). The program was designed to enhance trauma nurses’ clinical competencies, including trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability, through the integration of theoretical education and simulation-based practice. Methods: A quasi-experimental study using a non-equivalent control group pretest–posttest design was conducted. Participants included 108 trauma nurses from regional trauma centers, military trauma centers, and emergency care facilities, who were assigned to an experimental group (n=52) or a control group (n=56). The TESS program consisted of a 2-day, 14-hour blended-learning course that included eight lecture sessions and four simulation-based practice stations. Data were collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 6 months using validated instruments measuring trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for data analysis. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability compared with baseline (all p<.001). These improvements were sustained at 6 months, although trauma-related knowledge scores showed a slight decline compared with immediate posttest levels. Between-group analyses confirmed significant group-by-time interaction effects for all outcomes: trauma-related knowledge (η2=0.12, p<.001), self-efficacy (η2=0.09, p=.002), and problem-solving ability (η2=0.08, p=.003). Conclusion The TESS program effectively enhanced trauma nurses’ trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability, with effects sustained for up to 6 months. Incorporating blended learning and simulation-based training into standardized trauma nursing education may strengthen clinical competencies and ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes.

Background/Aims: Patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) commonly experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. We aim to assess the feasibility and preliminary efficacy data for DA-9701, a prokinetic agent targeting 5-hy-droxytryptamine 1A, 5-hydroxytryptamine 4, and dopamine D 2 receptors, in patients with POTS. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center crossover trial, patients with POTS were given either 30 mg of DA-9701 or a placebo 3 times daily for eight weeks in a 1:1 ratio. After a 4-week washout, patients received the alternate treatment for another 8 weeks. The primary endpoint focused on assessing the change in GI symptoms (total Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korean version [NDI-K] symptom score) from baseline over the 8 week-treatment period. Endpoints were assessed in all enrolled and randomized patients (intention-to-treat), and in those who completed the trial (per-protocol analysis). Results: Between January 2022 and August 2023, 24 patients were randomized (n = 12 per group), with 3 discontinuing after randomization. DA-9701 did not significantly improve primary endpoints for total NDI-K symptom scores in either the intention-to-treat (least-squares means, –13.9 vs. –9.5, P = 0.326) or per-protocol analyses (–17.2 vs –12.0, P = 0.242).Notably, a trend toward improvement in specific GI symptoms, such as upper abdominal pain, was observed in both intention-to-treat (–0.6 vs 0.7; P = 0.066) and per-protocol analyses (–0.9 vs 0.6; P = 0.045). No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusion DA-9701 did not improve GI symptoms in this crossover trial; however, its potential effect on specific GI symptoms merits further investigation.