Background: The heterogeneity of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and fragmented analysis methods hinder the precise identification of novel biomarkers. We addressed this challenge using two independent cohorts to integrate genomics and metabolomics, aiming to identify cause-specific biomarkers for CKD in the Korean population. Methods: A longitudinal genome-wide association study using the Cox proportional hazards model was conducted using the Ansan and Ansung cohort. To validate these genomic biomarkers and integrate them with plasma metabolomics biomarkers, we utilized a hospital-based biopsy cohort to identify cause-specific CKD biomarkers. Within the biopsy cohort, we analyzed four disease subsets, including type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD), hypertensive nephropathy (HN), immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), and membranous nephropathy (MN), and compared them with healthy individuals. Significant single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) and metabolites for each CKD subset were identified through logistic regression and correlation-based network analyses. Subsequently, we analyzed the risk of disease progression associated with the identified pairs. Results: A total of 448 variants associated with CKD occurrence were identified, with significant differences in several genetic variants and metabolites observed among patients with DKD, HN, IgAN, and MN compared to healthy individuals. Among 36 SNP-metabolite pairs, those involing FOXB1 and ZFP42 were associated with DKD, whereas pairs involving MMRN1 and SYNJ2 were linked to MN. Notably, the rs1025170 variant in FOXB1 and tyrosine pair was correlated with DKD progression. Conclusion Integrating genomics and metabolomics across independent cohorts enables the discovery of cause-specific biomarkers for the occurrence and progression of CKD in the Korean population.

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), including large language models such as GPT-4 and image-generation tools like DALL-E, is rapidly transforming the landscape of medical education. These technologies present promising opportunities for advancing personalized learning, clinical simulation, assessment, curriculum development, and academic writing. Medical schools have begun incorporating GenAI tools to support students’ self-directed study, design virtual patient encounters, automate formative feedback, and streamline content creation. Preliminary evidence suggests improvements in engagement, efficiency, and scalability. However, GenAI integration also introduces substantial challenges. Key concerns include hallucinated or inaccurate content, bias and inequity in artificial intelligence (AI)-generated materials, ethical issues related to plagiarism and authorship, risks to academic integrity, and the potential erosion of empathy and humanistic values in training. Furthermore, most institutions currently lack formal policies, structured training, and clear guidelines for responsible GenAI use. To realize the full potential of GenAI in medical education, educators must adopt a balanced approach that prioritizes accuracy, equity, transparency, and human oversight. Faculty development, AI literacy among learners, ethical frameworks, and investment in infrastructure are essential for sustainable adoption. As the role of AI in medicine expands, medical education must evolve in parallel to prepare future physicians who are not only skilled users of advanced technologies but also compassionate, reflective practitioners.

Multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological malignancy, is characterized by malignant plasma cell proliferation in the bone marrow. Recent treatment advances have significantly improved patient outcomes associated with MM.In this study, we aimed to develop comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treat‑ ment of MM. We identified 12 key clinical questions essential for MM management, guiding the extensive literature review and meta-analysis of the study. Our guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations by integrating patient preferences with survey data. These recommendations include current and emerging diagnostic tools, thera‑ peutic agents, and treatment strategies. By prioritizing a patient-centered approach and rigorous data analysis, these guidelines were developed to enhance MM management, both in Korea and globally.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in thyroid ultrasound is bringing important changes to endocrine imaging, helping improve diagnostic accuracy and make the assessment of thyroid nodules more consistent. This review examines the current applications, technological approaches, clinical performance, adversities, and future directions of AI-based systems in thyroid ultrasound. Recent studies suggest that AI technologies hold significant potential in thyroid ultrasound, particularly in automated nodule detection, classification, and risk stratification. Deep learning models, particularly convolutional neural networks, achieve diagnostic accuracies exceeding 90% in distinguishing benign from malignant nodules, often matching or surpassing human radiologist performance. Current applications include Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System-based classification systems, lymph node metastasis prediction, and real-time diagnostic assistance. However, challenges including reproducibility concerns, clinical workflow integration, and regulatory considerations remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. While AI shows remarkable promise in thyroid ultrasound applications, challenges including validation requirements, standardization needs, and clinical integration barriers must be addressed for widespread adoption. Future developments should focus on multimodal integration, explainable AI systems, and prospective clinical trials to fully utilize the potential of AI in transforming thyroid diagnostics.

This study aimed to establish a foundation for future collaborations aimed at preparing for and responding to infectious diseases by examining the vaccine injury compensation programs (VICPs) of East Asian countries. We reviewed the current status of VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan by searching national government websites and reviewing relevant literature. Additionally, we conducted email inquiries targeting experts from Japan and Taiwan.Through the comprehensive analysis of VICPs in these 3 countries covered various aspects,we identified several similarities and differences in the VICPs across these countries. Whilethe governments of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan play a central role in supporting investigations into vaccine injuries and managing compensation procedures based on legalstatutes, they differ in terms of financial resources for compensation, the range of vaccinescovered, and the criteria for assessing causality. In the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan,compensation is typically paid in a lump sum, although the specific benefits available vary bycountry. This study on VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan provides valuable insights for the further development and management of domestic systems.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of baked egg and milk diets on the prognosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in young children. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled children under 36 months of age who were diagnosed with egg or milk allergy between January 2020 and July 2023. The consumption group underwent oral food challenges with baked egg or milk, and was instructed to include baked eggs and milk in their diet for at least 6 months. The control group, matched for age and specific IgE (sIgE) levels, restricted these foods. We compared the age at which tolerance was achieved, and analyzed changes in total IgE and sIgE levels against egg white (EW), ovomucoid (OM), and cow’s milk (CM) in both groups. Results: Data were collected from 24 children in both the consumption and control groups. The consumption group demonstrated a significantly earlier acquisition of tolerance to egg and milk allergies compared to the control group (median: 24 vs. 31 months, P= 0.045). In the consumption group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels showed no significant changes (P= 0.073 and P= 0.118, respectively), while EW- and OM-sIgE levels significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). In the control group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels significantly increased from baseline (P = 0.038 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas there were no significant changes in EW- and OM-sIgE levels (P = 0.054 and P = 0.190, respectively). Between the consumption and control groups, no significant differences were observed in the changes in total IgE or specific IgE to EW, OM, and CM before and after the observation period (P = 0.404, P = 0.238, P = 0.531, and P = 0.167, respectively). Conclusion These findings suggest that diets of baked eggs and milk may accelerate the development of tolerance in children with egg or milk allergies.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of baked egg and milk diets on the prognosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in young children. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled children under 36 months of age who were diagnosed with egg or milk allergy between January 2020 and July 2023. The consumption group underwent oral food challenges with baked egg or milk, and was instructed to include baked eggs and milk in their diet for at least 6 months. The control group, matched for age and specific IgE (sIgE) levels, restricted these foods. We compared the age at which tolerance was achieved, and analyzed changes in total IgE and sIgE levels against egg white (EW), ovomucoid (OM), and cow’s milk (CM) in both groups. Results: Data were collected from 24 children in both the consumption and control groups. The consumption group demonstrated a significantly earlier acquisition of tolerance to egg and milk allergies compared to the control group (median: 24 vs. 31 months, P= 0.045). In the consumption group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels showed no significant changes (P= 0.073 and P= 0.118, respectively), while EW- and OM-sIgE levels significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). In the control group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels significantly increased from baseline (P = 0.038 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas there were no significant changes in EW- and OM-sIgE levels (P = 0.054 and P = 0.190, respectively). Between the consumption and control groups, no significant differences were observed in the changes in total IgE or specific IgE to EW, OM, and CM before and after the observation period (P = 0.404, P = 0.238, P = 0.531, and P = 0.167, respectively). Conclusion These findings suggest that diets of baked eggs and milk may accelerate the development of tolerance in children with egg or milk allergies.

This study aimed to establish a foundation for future collaborations aimed at preparing for and responding to infectious diseases by examining the vaccine injury compensation programs (VICPs) of East Asian countries. We reviewed the current status of VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan by searching national government websites and reviewing relevant literature. Additionally, we conducted email inquiries targeting experts from Japan and Taiwan.Through the comprehensive analysis of VICPs in these 3 countries covered various aspects,we identified several similarities and differences in the VICPs across these countries. Whilethe governments of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan play a central role in supporting investigations into vaccine injuries and managing compensation procedures based on legalstatutes, they differ in terms of financial resources for compensation, the range of vaccinescovered, and the criteria for assessing causality. In the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan,compensation is typically paid in a lump sum, although the specific benefits available vary bycountry. This study on VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan provides valuable insights for the further development and management of domestic systems.

This study aimed to establish a foundation for future collaborations aimed at preparing for and responding to infectious diseases by examining the vaccine injury compensation programs (VICPs) of East Asian countries. We reviewed the current status of VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan by searching national government websites and reviewing relevant literature. Additionally, we conducted email inquiries targeting experts from Japan and Taiwan.Through the comprehensive analysis of VICPs in these 3 countries covered various aspects,we identified several similarities and differences in the VICPs across these countries. Whilethe governments of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan play a central role in supporting investigations into vaccine injuries and managing compensation procedures based on legalstatutes, they differ in terms of financial resources for compensation, the range of vaccinescovered, and the criteria for assessing causality. In the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan,compensation is typically paid in a lump sum, although the specific benefits available vary bycountry. This study on VICPs in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Taiwan provides valuable insights for the further development and management of domestic systems.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of baked egg and milk diets on the prognosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergy in young children. Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled children under 36 months of age who were diagnosed with egg or milk allergy between January 2020 and July 2023. The consumption group underwent oral food challenges with baked egg or milk, and was instructed to include baked eggs and milk in their diet for at least 6 months. The control group, matched for age and specific IgE (sIgE) levels, restricted these foods. We compared the age at which tolerance was achieved, and analyzed changes in total IgE and sIgE levels against egg white (EW), ovomucoid (OM), and cow’s milk (CM) in both groups. Results: Data were collected from 24 children in both the consumption and control groups. The consumption group demonstrated a significantly earlier acquisition of tolerance to egg and milk allergies compared to the control group (median: 24 vs. 31 months, P= 0.045). In the consumption group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels showed no significant changes (P= 0.073 and P= 0.118, respectively), while EW- and OM-sIgE levels significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). In the control group, total IgE and CM-sIgE levels significantly increased from baseline (P = 0.038 and P < 0.001, respectively), whereas there were no significant changes in EW- and OM-sIgE levels (P = 0.054 and P = 0.190, respectively). Between the consumption and control groups, no significant differences were observed in the changes in total IgE or specific IgE to EW, OM, and CM before and after the observation period (P = 0.404, P = 0.238, P = 0.531, and P = 0.167, respectively). Conclusion These findings suggest that diets of baked eggs and milk may accelerate the development of tolerance in children with egg or milk allergies.