Purpose: This study aimed to project cancer incidence and mortality for 2026 to estimate Korea’s current cancer burden. Materials and Methods: Cancer incidence data from 1999 to 2023 were obtained from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database, while cancer mortality data from 1993 to 2024 were acquired from the Ministry of Data and Statistics. Cancer incidence and mortality were projected by fitting a linear regression model to observed age-specific cancer rates against their respective years and then by the projected age-specific rates by the anticipated age-specific population for 2026. A joinpoint regression model was applied to identify significant changes in trends, using only the most recent trend data for predictions. Results: A total of 308,876 new cancer cases and 86,317 cancer deaths are expected in Korea in 2026. The most commonly diagnosed cancer is projected to be thyroid cancer, followed by the colorectal, lung, breast, prostate and stomach cancers. These six cancers are expected to account for 63.5% of all newly diagnosed cancers. Lung cancer is expected to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, followed by liver, colorectal, pancreatic, gallbladder, and stomach cancers, together comprising 65.9% of all cancer deaths. Conclusion Korea’s cancer burden continues to shift toward malignancies prevalent in older populations. The sustained increase in prostate cancer among men and the rising mortality impact of pancreatic cancer reflect structural changes in the national cancer profile amid rapid population aging.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the detection ability of quality of life (QoL) changes and responsiveness of the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS)-40 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ). Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate QoL changes after various gastrectomies between January 2021 and April 2022. Participants were instructed to complete the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. QoL changes over time and QoL responsiveness were assessed for each questionnaire. Results: Data from 491 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 22 institutions were analyzed. The summary scores of the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-STO22 showed significant differences between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.044 and p=0.038, respectively), but no difference was observed for the EORTC QLQ-C30. Dysphagia on the KOQUSS-40 was significantly different between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.031); however, dysphagia on the EORTC QLQ-STO22 did not differ. The responsiveness of the KOQUSS-40 was similar to that of the EORTC QLQ in patients who experienced ≥ 10% body weight loss, but approximately 10% less in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy than the EORTC QLQ. Conclusion KOQUSS-40 has several advantages over EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 when comparing QoL between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups. The findings provide information for researchers investigating the QoL of patients who have undergone curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a key intervention for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, adherence remains suboptimal, particularly in patients with low physical activity (PA) despite preserved physical capacity (PC). This study aimed to identify factors associated with low PA, with a focus on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Methods: In this prospective study, COPD patients were categorized according to daily moderate-to-vigorous PA measured using Fitbit devices: ≥30 minutes/day (‘Do do’) and <30 minutes/day (‘Don’t do’). Baseline characteristics, pulmonary function, and exercise capacity assessed by 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) were evaluated. PROs included the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with low PA. Results: Among 96 patients, 44 were classified as ‘Do do’ and 52 as ‘Don’t do.’ The ‘Don’t do’ group showed significantly lower 6MWD (424 m vs. 488 m, p=0.005) and lower forced expiratory volume in 1 second (46.73% vs. 54.48%, p=0.005). They also reported higher dyspnea scores (mMRC 1.77 vs. 1.30, p=0.019). Greater breathlessness measured by CAT was independently associated with low PA (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.62), even after adjustment for 6MWD and pulmonary function. This association persisted in patients with preserved PC. Conclusion Low PA in COPD is influenced not only by objective physical limitations but also by subjective symptom burden, particularly dyspnea. Integrating PROs into PR assessment may facilitate identification of barriers and improve adherence to rehabilitation programs.

Based on the pharmacokinetics theory, this study investigated the pharmacokinetic characteristics of albiflorin, paeoniflorin, wogonoside, and wogonin in normal and febrile rats and summarized absorption and elimination rules of Dayuanyin in them to provide reference for further development and clinical application of Dayuanyin. Blood samples were taken from the fundus venous plexus of normal and model rats after intragastric administration of Dayuanyin at different time points. The concentration of each substance in blood was determined by ultra performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS/MS) technique at different time points. DAS 2.0, a piece of pharmacokinetics software, was used to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of each component. The results show that the 4 components had good linear relationship in their respective ranges, and the results of methodological investigation met the requirements. The pharmacokinetic parameters of C_(max), T_(max), t_(1/2), AUC_(0-t), AUC_(0-∞), and MRT_(0-t) were calculated by the DAS 2.0 non-compartmental model. Compared with those in the normal group, C_(max) and AUC_(0-t) of the 4 components in the model group were significantly increased. There were significant differences in the pharmacokinetic characteristics between the normal and model groups, suggesting that the absorption and elimination of Dayuanyin may be affected by the changes of internal environment of the body in different physiological states.
Animals ; Rats ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Fever/metabolism* ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Glucosides/pharmacokinetics* ; Monoterpenes

Based on the ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS) technology, combined with related literature, databases, and reference material information, this study qualitatively analyzed the components of Dayuanyin in the tissue of rats after gavage and employed molecular docking technology to predict the rationality of the mechanism behind the antipyretic effect of the in vivo components in Dayuanyin. A total of 21, 26, 20, 21, 14, and 31 prototype components and 3, 16, 3, 7, 5, and 24 metabolites were identified from the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, and hypothalamus of the rats, respectively, and the binding ability of key components and targets was further verified by molecular docking. The results showed that all components had good binding ability with targets. The established UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS could effectively and quickly identify the Dayuanyin components distributed in tissue and preliminarily identify their metabolites. Many components were identified in the hypothalamus, which suggested that the components delivered to the brain should be focused on in the study on Dayuanyin in the treatment of febrile diseases. The molecular docking technology was used to predict the rationality of the mechanism behind its antipyretic effect, which lays the foundation for the clarification of the material basis and action mechanism of Dayuanyin, the development of new preparations, and the prediction of quality markers.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Rats ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Male ; Antipyretics/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tissue Distribution ; Mass Spectrometry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Hypothalamus/metabolism*

Objective : To establish an interleukin-1β (Il-1β) induced inflammatory model of rat articular chondro- cytes (ACs) , and to investigate the relationship between the expression of lysine acetyltransferase 7 (KAT7) under inflammatory stimulation and the senescence of ACs. Methods: Primary ACs were obtained by digestion of rat knee cartilage with collagenase type Ⅱ and identified. The inflammatory model of ACs was induced by IL-1β . KAT7 was over-expressed or knocked down in ACs by adeno-associated virus infection or small interfering RNA transfection , respectively. A negative control group was set up. Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration ability. Senes- cent cells were stained with senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) . Western blot ( WB) was used to detect the protein expression levels of KAT7 , collagen type II (Col Ⅱ ) , matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) , tumor protein p53 (p53) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (p21) . The cells of negative control group and KAT7 over-expression group were performed for RNA sequencing , and WB was used to verify the related signaling pathways obtained by Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Results: Compared with the control group , the SA-β-Gal staining was enhanced , the protein expression of Col Ⅱ decreased , the pro- tein expression of MMP13 and p53 increased , the cell migration ability decreased , and the expression of KAT7 also increased in the ACs of rats after IL-1β stimulation. Compared with the negative control group , the SA-β-Gal stai- ning was enhanced , the protein expression of Col Ⅱ decreased , the protein expression of MMP13 , p53 and p21 in- creased , and the cell migration ability decreased in the KAT7 over-expression group. Compared with the negative control group , the SA-β-Gal staining was weakened , the protein expression of Col Ⅱ increased , the protein expres- sion of MMP13 , p53 and p21 decreased , and the cell migration ability was enhanced in the KAT7 knockdown inflammatory model of ACs. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway was activated. Compared with the negative control group , the relative protein ex⁃pression levels of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p⁃AKT)/AKT and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamy⁃cin (p⁃mTOR)/mTOR in KAT7 over⁃expression group increased. The relative protein expression levels of p ⁃AKT/AKT and p ⁃mTOR/mTOR in KAT7 knockdown cells decreased. Conclusion Rat ACs with high expression of KAT7 exhibit senescence and osteoarthritis phenotype , and the mechanism may be related to the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by KAT7.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Background: The accuracy of Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) mappings is reportedly low, and the LOINC codes used for research purposes in Korea have not been validated for accuracy or usability. Our study aimed to evaluate the discrepancies and similarities in interoperability using existing LOINC mappings in actual patient care settings. Methods: We collected data on local test codes and their corresponding LOINC mappings from seven university hospitals. Our analysis focused on laboratory tests that are frequently requested, excluding clinical microbiology and molecular tests. Codes from nationwide proficiency tests served as intermediary benchmarks for comparison. A research team, comprising clinical pathologists and terminology experts, utilized the LOINC manual to reach a consensus on determining the most suitable LOINC codes. Results: A total of 235 LOINC codes were designated as optimal codes for 162 frequent tests.Among these, 51 test items, including 34 urine tests, required multiple optimal LOINC codes, primarily due to unnoted properties such as whether the test was quantitative or qualitative, or differences in measurement units. We analyzed 962 LOINC codes linked to 162 tests across seven institutions, discovering that 792 (82.3%) of these codes were consistent. Inconsistencies were most common in the analyte component (38 inconsistencies, 33.3%), followed by the method (33 inconsistencies, 28.9%), and properties (13 inconsistencies, 11.4%). Conclusion This study reveals a significant inconsistency rate of over 15% in LOINC mappings utilized for research purposes in university hospitals, underlining the necessity for expert verification to enhance interoperability in real patient care.