1.Additional Use of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Dissolving Microneedle Patches to Treat Psoriatic Plaques: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Hyun Jeong JU ; Ji Yoon KIM ; Do Hyeon JEONG ; Moon-Su LEE ; Gyong Moon KIM ; Jung Min BAE ; Ji Hae LEE
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(2):105-113
Background:
Despite advances in systemic targeted therapies, topical agents remain the primary treatment for localized psoriasis. However, their therapeutic effects are often delayed and unsatisfactory. The dissolving microneedle (DMN) patch, a novel transdermal drug delivery system, enhances the absorption of topical agents through micro-channels.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy of DMN patches in enhancing drug delivery and improving clinical outcomes in psoriatic plaques.
Methods:
A prospective, randomized, split-body study was conducted to verify the efficacy of additional use of DMN patches after topical agent application in psoriasis treatment. Patients with mild psoriasis were enrolled and 6 paired lesions per patient were randomized into 3 groups: ointment-only, ointment-with-no needle patch, and ointment-with-DMN patch. Lesions were treated with a topical agent (betamethasone and calcipotriol) once daily for 2 weeks. Modified psoriasis area and severity index (mPASI) scores were measured weekly. In vitro and ex vivo experiments were performed to confirm micro-channel formation, microneedle dissolution, and drug penetration enhancement.
Results:
A total of 132 paired lesions from 22 patients were analyzed. The ointment-with-DMN patch group showed significantly improved mPASI scores (80.4%±20.5%; 5.42→1.06) compared to the ointment-with-no needle patch (64.6%±33.0%; 4.94→1.68) (p<0.05) and ointment-only groups (55.5%±31.4%; 5.00→2.15) (p<0.001). In vitro studies demonstrated 2.1-fold enhanced drug delivery with DMN patches, while ex vivo histological analysis confirmed micro-channel formation. No adverse events, including infection or psoriasis exacerbation, were observed.
Conclusion
The DMN patch is an effective adjunctive tool that enhances transdermal drug delivery and improves therapeutic outcomes in psoriatic plaques, particularly those refractory to topical agents.
2.Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose (0.2 mg) Dutasteride for Male Androgenic Alopecia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group Phase III Clinical Trial
Subin LEE ; Jung Eun KIM ; Bark-Lynn LEW ; Chang Hun HUH ; Jandee KIM ; Ohsang KWON ; Moon Bum KIM ; Yang Won LEE ; Young LEE ; Jin PARK ; Sangseok KIM ; Do Young KIM ; Gwang Seong CHOI ; Hoon KANG
Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(4):183-190
Background:
Dutasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, is prescribed for male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in Korea and Japan. Despite its efficacy, its use is limited by its long half-life, potent dihydrotestosterone suppression, and adverse effects.
Objective:
To investigate the efficacy and safety of 0.2 mg dutasteride for male AGA.
Methods:
Patients with male AGA were randomized to receive 0.2 mg dutasteride, placebo, or 0.5 mg dutasteride (2:2:1) once daily for 24 weeks. Safety and efficacy endpoints were assessed.
Results:
Overall, 139 men were analyzed. At week 24, the change in hair count within the target area at the vertex from baseline was significantly higher in the 0.2 mg dutasteride group than in the placebo group (21.53 vs. 5.96, p=0.0072). Dutasteride (0.2 mg) treatment led to greater hair growth improvement, as assessed by investigators at week 24 (p=0.0096) and an independent panel at weeks 12 and 24 (p=0.0306, p=0.0001). For all efficacy endpoints, 0.2 mg dutasteride was as effective as 0.5 mg dutasteride. The incidence of adverse events was low and not statistically different between the 0.2 mg dutasteride and placebo groups. The limitation of this study is the limited number of participants.
Conclusion
Low-dose (0.2 mg) dutasteride for male AGA showed significant efficacy and favorable safety profile.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04825561
3.Genome Characterization of Streptococcus mitis KHUD 011 Isolated from the Oral Microbiome of a Healthy Korean Individual
Eun-Young JANG ; Doyun KU ; Seok Bin YANG ; Cheul KIM ; Jae-Hyung LEE ; Ji-Hoi MOON
Journal of Korean Dental Science 2025;18(1):20-29
Purpose:
This study aimed to perform a genome characterization of Streptococcus mitis KHUD 011, a strain isolated from the oral microbiome of a healthy Korean individual, and to compare its genomic features with other S. mitis strains.
Materials and Methods:
The strain was identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and its genome was sequenced using the PacBio Sequel II platform. De novo assembly and annotation were performed, followed by comparative genomic analysis with three additional strains (S. mitis NCTC 12261, S022-V3-A4, and B6). Pan-genome and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to identify strain-specific genes and assess inter-strain genomic diversity.
Results:
The genome of S. mitis KHUD 011 consisted of 1,782 protein-coding genes, with a G+C content of 40.24%. Pan-genome analysis identified 1,263 core gene clusters (50.0%), 496 dispensable clusters (19.7%), and 763 strain-specific clusters (30.3%). KHUD 011 displayed 88 strain-specific genes, particularly associated with cell wall/membrane biogenesis, transcriptional regulation, and carbohydrate metabolism. Phylogenetic analysis placed KHUD 011 closely with NCTC 12261, forming a distinct cluster apart from other strains.
Conclusion
The genome characterization of S. mitis KHUD 011 underscores substantial inter-strain genomic diversity influenced by host interactions, ecological niches, and health status. The identified strain-specific genes, particularly those associated with cell wall/ membrane biogenesis, transcriptional regulation, and carbohydrate metabolism, suggest adaptations to the oral microbiome and its interaction with the host. These findings highlight the ecological versatility of S. mitis and the importance of exploring strains from diverse environments to better understand their role within the host and the broader microbiome.
4.Association of Age, Sex and Education With Access to the Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Yoona KO ; Beom Joon KIM ; Youngran KIM ; Jong-Moo PARK ; Kyusik KANG ; Jae Guk KIM ; Jae-Kwan CHA ; Tai Hwan PARK ; Kyungbok LEE ; Jun LEE ; Keun-Sik HONG ; Byung-Chul LEE ; Kyung-Ho YU ; Dong-Eog KIM ; Joon-Tae KIM ; Jay Chol CHOI ; Jee Hyun KWON ; Wook-Joo KIM ; Kyu Sun YUM ; Sung-Il SOHN ; Hyungjong PARK ; Sang-Hwa LEE ; Kwang-Yeol PARK ; Chi Kyung KIM ; Sung Hyuk HEO ; Moon-Ku HAN ; Anjail Z. SHARRIEF ; Sunil A. SHETH ; Hee-Joon BAE ;
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(13):e49-
Background:
Barriers to treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in South Korea remain incompletely characterized. We analyze a nationwide prospective cohort to determine patient-level features associated with delayed presentation and non-treatment of potential IVT-eligible patients.
Methods:
We identified consecutive patients with AIS from 01/2011 to 08/2023 from a multicenter and prospective acute stroke registry in Korea. Patients were defined as IVT candidates if they presented within 4.5 hours from the last known well, had no lab evidence of coagulopathy, and had National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥ 4. Multivariable generalized linear mixed regression models were used to investigate the associations between their characteristics and the IVT candidates or the use of IVT among the candidates.
Results:
Among 84,103 AIS patients, 41.0% were female, with a mean age of 69 ± 13 years and presentation NIHSS of 4 [interquartile range, 1–8]. Out of these patients, 13,757 (16.4%) were eligible for IVT, of whom 8,179 (59.5%) received IVT. Female sex (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.94) and lower years of education (adjusted RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.84–0.97 for 0–3 years, compared to ≥ 13 years) were associated with a decreased likelihood of presenting as eligible for IVT after AIS; meanwhile, young age (adjusted RR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01–1.24 for ≤ 44 years, compared to 75–84 years) was associated with an increased likelihood of being an IVT candidate. Among those who were eligible for IVT, only age was significantly associated with the use of IVT (adjusted RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03–1.16 for age 65–74 and adjusted RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76–0.90 for ≥ 85 years, respectively).
Conclusion
Most patients with AIS present outside IVT eligibility in South Korea, and only 60% of eligible patients were ultimately treated. We identified increased age, female sex and lower education as key features on which to focus interventions for improving IVT utilization.
5.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment Outcome Evaluation: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Oak-Sung CHOO ; Jung Mee PARK ; Euyhyun PARK ; Jiwon CHANG ; Min Young LEE ; Ho Yun LEE ; In Seok MOON ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; Hyun Joon SHIM ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Hyun SEO
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(7):e93-
Background:
Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context.
Methods:
A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels.
Results:
Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities.
Conclusion
This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.
6.Needs Assessment for Public Health Competency in Infection Prevention and Control: Importance and Performance Analysis (IPA) of Infectious Disease Response Practitioners
Youngjon KIM ; Jin GWACK ; Yunhyung KWON ; Moon Joo CHEONG ; Ju-Hyung LEE
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(1):e23-
Background:
The Field Epidemiology Training Program Frontline, initiated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in 2019, aims to enhance the competencies of infectious disease practitioners across 17 regions in South Korea. With the September 2024 amendment to the Infectious Disease Prevention Act mandating infectious disease prevention and crisis response training for government employees who are associated with infectious diseases responses, there is an urgent need to assess and optimize the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of such competency-based education programs amidst constraints of budget and manpower.
Methods:
This study examined the educational needs and priorities of public health competencies among infectious disease practitioners. The competency framework for Infectious Disease Response Practitioners (IDRP) in South Korea was used to evaluate the validity, importance, and performance level of competencies for infectious disease response personnel. For the training needs analysis, differences in performance by group were analyzed, and an importance performance analysis (IPA) was conducted using the Borich Needs Assessment based on the IPA matrix to derive training priorities.
Results:
The analysis revealed a significant gap between perceived importance and selfreported performance levels in most competencies, especially epidemiologic methods.Competencies related to safety and ethics, fieldwork, and crisis management have high importance and performance ratings, indicating a need for ongoing training. Of the 27 competencies, the IPA identified specific training needs and priorities, suggesting eight competencies for focused intervention to strengthen the capacity of IDRPs.
Conclusion
The IDRP competency framework in South Korea plays a pivotal role in establishing a standardized, competency-based approach to training IDRP. The identified gaps and training priorities highlight the need for continued curriculum development and the integration of real-world, field-based scenarios into training programs.
7.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Treatment: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Junhui JEONG ; Ho Yun LEE ; Oak-Sung CHOO ; Hantai KIM ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Jae-Hyun SEO ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; In Seok MOON ; Hyun Joon SHIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e75-
Background:
Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various mechanisms of action. Although treatment methods vary according to these mechanisms, standardized guidelines would benefit both patients and clinicians. We conducted a Delphi study, a method that collects expert opinions through multiple rounds of questionnaires, to reach a consensus on tinnitus treatment with professional experts.
Methods:
A two-round modified Delphi survey was conducted to develop a clinical consensus on tinnitus treatment. The experts scored each statement on a scale of 1 (highest disagreement) to 9 (highest agreement) for their level of agreement on tinnitus treatment.Consensus was defined when 75% or more of the participants scored 7–9, and 15% or less scored 1–3. To ensure reliability of the responses, the content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were evaluated.
Results:
Approximately 19 of 31 statements reached a consensus. All 3 statements reached a consensus regarding the candidates for treatment. Regarding treatment, 3 of 8 statements on medication, 2 of 2 statements on tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and 5 of 7 statements on auditory rehabilitation reached a positive consensus. Although all 6 statements regarding miscellaneous treatment reached a consensus, most were negatively agreed. For treatment with neuromodulation, none of the 5 statements reached a consensus.
Conclusion
The experts reached a high level of consensus on treatment candidates, tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and auditory rehabilitation in this modified Delphi study. The results of this study can provide beneficial and practical information for clinicians regarding the treatment of tinnitus.
8.Posterior Lumbar Element Enforcement by Decompression Alone with Interspinous Fixation without Interbody Fusion for the Surgical Management of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis
Hyun-Woong PARK ; Moon-Soo HAN ; Ji-Ho JUNG ; Jong-Hwan HONG ; Shin-Seok LEE ; Jung-Kil LEE
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2025;68(2):150-158
Objective:
: In degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis, interbody fusion surgery (IFS) has long been recommended as the gold standard of surgical management. However, IFS is less recommended for high-risk patients such as the elderly because it involves extensive surgery, with a long operation time and high volumes of blood loss, which lead to marked perioperative morbidity. We report an alternative primary and salvage treatment technique for high-risk lumbar spondylolisthesis through posterior lumbar element reinforcement using interspinous fixation and decompression alone without interbody fusion.
Methods:
: Plain radiographs, computed tomography scans, and magnetic resonance imaging, taken at different intervals, were used to measure local disc height (DH), vertebral body slippage (BS), and segmental motion angle (SMA). A Visual analogue scale and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were applied pre-operation and at the last follow-up.
Results:
: The local SMA decreased significantly by 3.46°±3.07°, from 10.61°±3.42° preoperatively to 7.15±3.70 at the last follow-up (p<0.001). The DH decreased from 8.61±2.88 mm preoperatively to 8.41±2.48 mm at the last follow-up (p=0.074). The BS decreased from 3.49±4.29 mm preoperatively to 3.41±4.91 mm at the last follow-up (p=0.092). None of the patients reported worsening pain or an increased ODI after surgery, and there were no surgery-related complications.
Conclusion
: Posterior lumbar element reinforcement by decompression alone with SPIRE™ fixation is an alternative primary and salvage treatment option for select patients with spondylolisthesis.
9.A Validation Study on the Translated Korean Version of Attitudes towards Men in Nursing Questionnaire for Nurses
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration 2025;31(2):190-199
Purpose:
To validate the Korean version of the Attitudes towards Men in Nursing Questionnaire (K-AMnQ) using a sample of Korean nurses.
Methods:
To measure the perceptions of male nurses, this study translated and adapted the AMnQ developed in India to the Korean context and collected data from 319 nurses. Item analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted on the collected data to verify convergent validity and discriminant validity, and the Korean version of the male nurse recognition scale was finalized with three factors and nine questions.
Results:
The analysis showed that the scale had both validity and reliability.
Conclusion
This tool can be used to improve attitudes and interventions among male nurses.
10.Genome Characterization of Streptococcus mitis KHUD 011 Isolated from the Oral Microbiome of a Healthy Korean Individual
Eun-Young JANG ; Doyun KU ; Seok Bin YANG ; Cheul KIM ; Jae-Hyung LEE ; Ji-Hoi MOON
Journal of Korean Dental Science 2025;18(1):20-29
Purpose:
This study aimed to perform a genome characterization of Streptococcus mitis KHUD 011, a strain isolated from the oral microbiome of a healthy Korean individual, and to compare its genomic features with other S. mitis strains.
Materials and Methods:
The strain was identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and its genome was sequenced using the PacBio Sequel II platform. De novo assembly and annotation were performed, followed by comparative genomic analysis with three additional strains (S. mitis NCTC 12261, S022-V3-A4, and B6). Pan-genome and phylogenetic analyses were conducted to identify strain-specific genes and assess inter-strain genomic diversity.
Results:
The genome of S. mitis KHUD 011 consisted of 1,782 protein-coding genes, with a G+C content of 40.24%. Pan-genome analysis identified 1,263 core gene clusters (50.0%), 496 dispensable clusters (19.7%), and 763 strain-specific clusters (30.3%). KHUD 011 displayed 88 strain-specific genes, particularly associated with cell wall/membrane biogenesis, transcriptional regulation, and carbohydrate metabolism. Phylogenetic analysis placed KHUD 011 closely with NCTC 12261, forming a distinct cluster apart from other strains.
Conclusion
The genome characterization of S. mitis KHUD 011 underscores substantial inter-strain genomic diversity influenced by host interactions, ecological niches, and health status. The identified strain-specific genes, particularly those associated with cell wall/ membrane biogenesis, transcriptional regulation, and carbohydrate metabolism, suggest adaptations to the oral microbiome and its interaction with the host. These findings highlight the ecological versatility of S. mitis and the importance of exploring strains from diverse environments to better understand their role within the host and the broader microbiome.

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