1.Donor-to-recipient sex match status has no prognostic effect on long-term survival following liver transplantation:a retrospective observational study
Woo-Hyoung KANG ; I-Ji JEONG ; Shin HWANG ; Chul-Soo AHN ; Deok-Bog MOON ; Tae-Yong HA ; Gi-Won SONG ; Dong-Hwan JUNG ; Gil-Chun PARK ; Young-In YOON ; Sung-Gyu LEE
Clinical Transplantation and Research 2026;40(1):76-86
Background:
Studies on whether donor-to-recipient sex match status affects long-term survival after liver transplantation (LT) have yielded contradictory results. This study evaluated whether donor-to-recipient sex match status influenced long-term survival after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) or deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) at a high-volume center.
Methods:
The study included 6,664 patients who underwent primary LT between January 2000 and December 2022 at our institution. Patients were divided into four groups according to donor-to-recipient sex match status: male-to-male (n=3,427 [51.4%]), male-to-female (n=1,152 [17.3%]), female-to-male (n=1,385 [20.8%]), and female-to-female (n=700 [10.5%]).
Results:
Regarding clinical characteristics, the four groups differed significantly regarding background liver disease (P<0.001), model for end-stage liver disease score (P<0.001), serum protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II level (P=0.003), presence of concurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; P<0.001), and type of LT (P=0.003). Overall survival (OS) of all LT recipients did not differ significantly among the groups (P=0.377). Donor-to-recipient sex match status did not affect long-term OS in either LDLT (P=0.176) or DDLT (P=0.220) groups. In addition, sex match status did not significantly influence posttransplant OS among patients who underwent LDLT without HCC (P=0.464), LDLT with HCC (P=0.236), DDLT without HCC (P=0.338), or DDLT with HCC (P=0.818).
Conclusions
Donor-to-recipient sex match status does not significantly affect posttransplant patient survival or HCC prognosis after LDLT or DDLT.
2.Isolated Axillary Skin Recurrence as the First Sign of Breast CancerRelapse 20 Years After Initial Treatment: A Case Report
Hye Un MA ; Yong Min NA ; Hee Won RYU ; Sang Ho JO ; Young Jae RYU ; Sang Chun PARK ; Yong Bin KWON ; Jin Seong CHO ; Ji Shin LEE ; Min Ho PARK
Journal of Breast Disease 2025;13(1):9-12
Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer is known for its potential to recur many years after initial treatment. Although most recurrences occur within the first 5–10 years, late recurrence, especially beyond 15 years of age, is rare and isolated cutaneous recurrence is even less frequently reported. However, awareness of the possibility of extremely late and subtle local recurrences in patients with HR+ breast cancer has gradually increased over time. Clinicians should remain vigilant for atypical cutaneous changes near previous surgical sites, even decades after the initial treatment, and consider biopsy in the absence of classic signs of recurrence. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman who experienced an isolated cutaneous recurrence nearly 20 years after mastectomy for HR+ breast cancer, presenting with only faint erythema.
3.Serum Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Levels and Cooperativeness in Adolescents With Internet Gaming Disorder
Hyunho LEE ; Dong Huey CHEON ; Heejin LEE ; Arom PYEON ; Ji-Won CHUN ; Ji Hyun BACK ; Yae Eun PARK ; Hong CHOI ; Dai-Jin KIM ; Ji Eun LEE ; Jung-Seok CHOI
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(12):1416-1421
Objective:
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is a growing problem, particularly among adolescents. Although cocaine- and amphetamine- regulated transcript (CART) has been explored as a potential biomarker for addictive disorders, its relationship with IGD remains poorly understood. This study investigated the differences in serum CART levels between adolescents with IGD and healthy controls (HCs) in order to find potential biomarkers as a therapeutic target in IGD. Additionally, we investigated correlations of serum CART levels with personality traits within the IGD group.
Methods:
A total of 114 adolescents participated in this study (43 in the IGD group and 71 in the HC group). Blood samples (10 mL) were collected and serum CART concentrations were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participants also completed the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory.
Results:
Serum CART levels in the IGD group were significantly lower than those in the HC group (p<0.05). IGD participants had higher novelty-seeking and harm-avoidance traits, accompanied by reduced persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness. Notably, a significant correlation emerged between serum CART levels and cooperativeness within the IGD group. Lower cooperativeness trait scores could indicate reduced social interaction.
Conclusion
The present findings suggest serum CART levels might serve as a neurobiological marker for cooperativeness function in adolescents with IGD.
4.Decreased Serum Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Level in Internet Gaming Disorder
Ara CHO ; Heejin LEE ; Dong Huey CHEON ; So Young YOO ; Arom PYEON ; Ji-Won CHUN ; Ji Hyun BACK ; Yae Eun PARK ; Dai-Jin KIM ; Ji Eun LEE ; Jung-Seok CHOI
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(7):755-761
Objective:
Vulnerability to internet gaming disorder (IGD) has increased as internet gaming continues to grow. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a hormone that plays a role in reward, anxiety, and stress. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of CART in the pathophysiology of IGD.
Methods:
The serum CART levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the associations of the serum CART level with psychological variables were analyzed in patients with IGD (n=31) and healthy controls (HC) (n=42).
Results:
The serum CART level was significantly lower in the IGD than HC group. The IGD group scored significantly higher than the HC group on the psychological domains of depression, anxiety, the reward response in the Behavioral Activation System and Behavioral Inhibition System. There were no significant correlations between serum CART level and other psychological variables in the IGD group.
Conclusion
Our results indicate that a decrease in the expression of the serum CART level is associated with the vulnerability of developing IGD. This study supports the possibility that CART is a biomarker in the pathophysiology of IGD.
5.Granular Cell Tumor of the Male Breast With Nipple Retraction and Pectoralis Major Invasion Treated With Mastectomy: A Case Report
Sang Chun PARK ; Yong Bin KWON ; Sang Yun AN ; Hye Un MA ; Seo Won JUNG ; Yong Min NA ; Young Jae RYU ; Hyo Jae LEE ; Hyo Soon LIM ; Ji Shin LEE ; Jin Seong CHO ; Min Ho PARK
Journal of Breast Disease 2024;12(1):19-22
Granular cell tumor is a rare disease, and it is even rarer in the male breast. Although it is typically a benign tumor, due to its features and image findings, it can be easily misdiagnosed and managed as a malignant tumor. Therefore, the extent of the surgery can inappropriately be expanded. To avoid misdiagnosis and overtreatment, surgeons must perform a careful evaluation. We describe a case of a granular cell tumor of the male breast treated with mastectomy.
6.Erratum: Assessment of Disease Severity and Quality of Life in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis from South Korea
Sang Wook SON ; Ji Hyun LEE ; Jiyoung AHN ; Sung Eun CHANG ; Eung Ho CHOI ; Tae Young HAN ; Yong Hyun JANG ; Hye One KIM ; Moon-Bum KIM ; You Chan KIM ; Hyun Chang KO ; Joo Yeon KO ; Sang Eun LEE ; Yang Won LEE ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Chan Ho NA ; Chang Ook PARK ; Chun Wook PARK ; Kui Young PARK ; Kun PARK ; Young Lip PARK ; Joo Young ROH ; Young-Joon SEO ; Min Kyung SHIN ; Sujin LEE ; Sang Hyun CHO
Annals of Dermatology 2023;35(1):86-87
7.The Clinical Outcomes of Marginal Donor Hearts: A Single Center Experience
Soo Yong LEE ; Seok Hyun KIM ; Min Ho JU ; Mi Hee LIM ; Chee-hoon LEE ; Hyung Gon JE ; Ji Hoon LIM ; Ga Yun KIM ; Ji Soo OH ; Jin Hee CHOI ; Min Ku CHON ; Sang Hyun LEE ; Ki Won HWANG ; Jeong Su KIM ; Yong Hyun PARK ; June Hong KIM ; Kook Jin CHUN
Korean Circulation Journal 2023;53(4):254-267
Background and Objectives:
Although the shortage of donor is a common problem worldwide, a significant portion of unutilized hearts are classified as marginal donor (MD) hearts. However, research on the correlation between the MD and the prognosis of heart transplantation (HTx) is lacking. This study was conducted to investigate the clinical impact of MD in HTx.
Methods:
Consecutive 73 HTxs during 2014 and 2021 in a tertiary hospital were analyzed.MD was defined as follows; a donor age >55 years, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, cold ischemic time >240 minutes, or significant cardiac structural problems. Preoperative characteristics and postoperative hemodynamic data, primary graft dysfunction (PGD), and the survival rate were analyzed. Risk stratification by Index for Mortality Prediction after Cardiac Transplantation (IMPACT) score was performed to examine the outcomes according to the recipient state. Each group was sub-divided into 2 risk groups according to the IMPACT score (low <10 vs. high ≥10).
Results:
A total of 32 (43.8%) patients received an organ from MDs. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was more frequent in the non-MD group (34.4% vs. 70.7, p=0.007) There was no significant difference in PGD, 30-day mortality and long-term survival between groups. In the subgroup analysis, early outcomes did not differ between low- and high-risk groups. However, the long-term survival was better in the low-risk group (p=0.01).
Conclusions
The outcomes of MD group were not significantly different from non-MD group. Particularly, in low-risk recipient, the MD group showed excellent early and longterm outcomes. These results suggest the usability of selected MD hearts without increasing adverse events.
8.The prognostic value of comprehensive geriatric assessment on the management of older patients with small cell lung cancer
You Jin CHUN ; Kwang Joon KIM ; Ji Yeon LEE ; Ji Won CHOI ; Tae Hee KIM ; Hye Ryun KIM ; Byoung Chul CHO ; Min Hee HONG ; Chang Oh KIM
The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine 2023;38(2):254-263
Background/Aims:
The prognostic value of a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) for the management of older small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients remains to be established.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort enrolled 21 SCLC patients over 65 years from March 2018 to 2019 at the Yonsei Cancer Center. The CGA included the following instruments: frailty, body mass index, sarcopenia (circumference of arm and calf, Timed Up and Go test, grip strength), comorbidity, polypharmacy, activities of daily living (ADL), Instrumental ADL, nutrition, depression, and cognitive function. The correlations of oncological and geriatric variables with overall survival (OS) were determined. The log-rank test with Cox model and Kaplan-Meier method were used for the analysis.
Results:
The median age was 75 years (range, 67 to 85). All patients had the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0–2. The median survival was 9.93 months (range, 1.53 to 36.30). Among CGA parameters, ADL and nutritional status had significant differences in OS in univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, only nutritional status was independently associated with survival (hazard ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.05 to 0.57). Median OS for low nutritional status was 5.63 months and the normal nutrition group was 15.5 months (p = 0.004).
Conclusions
Pre-treatment nutritional status measured by CGA appears to be a predictor of OS in older SCLC patients. However, for further generalization of the implication of CGA in SCLC, a larger scale study with prospective design is strongly needed.
9.Leiomyosarcoma of the Scrotum:A Case Report
Ji Yeong HWANG ; Keum Won KIM ; Rae Rim RYU ; Young Joong KIM ; Dong Hyun OH ; Hyeong Chun KIM
Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging 2023;27(1):56-61
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) within the scrotum is a rare malignant genitourinary tumor in adults. Due to its rarity, a consensus on a clear approach to diagnosis and treatment guidelines has not yet been reached. We present a case of a paratesticular LMS in a 64-yearold man with a painless swelling of the right scrotum. Scrotal ultrasound and pelvic MRI were performed and revealed an extratesticular mass with a heterogeneous appearance.The patient underwent a right radical orchiectomy, and the mass was confirmed to be LMS, originating from the right spermatic cord. Preoperative diagnosis of LMS is challenging since it has overlapping clinical and imaging features with other sarcomas. MRI is a valuable imaging modality for the definitive characterization of the tumor. To provide timely and appropriate treatment, the correlation of the patient’s clinical information and imaging findings is necessary.
10.The Present and Future of Artificial Intelligence-Based Medical Image in Diabetes Mellitus: Focus on Analytical Methods and Limitations of Clinical Use
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2023;38(31):e253-
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic technology using medical images can be used to increase examination accessibility and support clinical decision-making for screening and diagnosis. To determine a machine learning algorithm for diabetes complications, a literature review of studies using medical image-based AI technology was conducted using the National Library of Medicine PubMed, and the Excerpta Medica databases. Lists of studies using diabetes diagnostic images and AI as keywords were combined. In total, 227 appropriate studies were selected. Diabetic retinopathy studies using the AI model were the most frequent (85.0%, 193/227 cases), followed by diabetic foot (7.9%, 18/227 cases) and diabetic neuropathy (2.7%, 6/227 cases). The studies used open datasets (42.3%, 96/227 cases) or directly constructed data from fundoscopy or optical coherence tomography (57.7%, 131/227 cases). Major limitations in AI-based detection of diabetes complications using medical images were the lack of datasets (36.1%, 82/227 cases) and severity misclassification (26.4%, 60/227 cases). Although it remains difficult to use and fully trust AI-based imaging analysis technology clinically, it reduces clinicians’ time and labor, and the expectations from its decision-support roles are high. Various data collection and synthesis data technology developments according to the disease severity are required to solve data imbalance.

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