Purpose: Patient-derived cells (PDCs) and patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are complementary preclinical models widely used in translational cancer research. However, their molecular and functional differences have not been systematically characterized. This study established and analyzed paired PDC and PDO models derived from the same gastric cancer ascites to delineate platform-dependent molecular and functional profiles. Materials and Methods: Malignant ascites or pleural fluid obtained from 6 patients with advanced gastric cancer were used to establish paired PDC and PDO models. All pairs underwent comprehensive multi-omics profiling, integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data. Phenotypic characterization included morphological, histological, proliferative, and cell cycle analyses. Drug sensitivity assays were performed using 4 chemotherapeutic agents commonly used to treat gastric cancer. Results: The 6 paired PDC and PDO models exhibited distinct morphological characteristics.Whole-genome analyses demonstrated high concordance among primary tumors, PDCs, and PDOs, confirming tumor representation across platforms. Multi-omics profiling identified platform-dependent molecular signatures; PDOs were enriched for extracellular matrix remodeling and stemness, whereas PDCs displayed proliferation- and immune-related signatures. Clinically relevant biomarkers, including HER2 and MET alterations, were concordant with primary tumors. Notably, drug responses differed between platforms and patients, indicating platform-dependent and patient-specific chemosensitivity. Conclusions Paired PDC and PDO models derived from the same patients preserved core patient-specific tumor characteristics while exhibiting distinct molecular and functional profiles. These findings underscore the culture platform as a critical determinant of experimental outcomes and therapeutic responses. Therefore, careful selection of an appropriate preclinical model is essential to accurately address biological questions and optimize precision oncology strategies.

Background and Objectives: Differentiating inverted papilloma (IP) from squamous cell carcinoma arising in IP (IP+SCC) is challenging when computed tomography (CT) demonstrates no bone destruction. This study aimed to identify CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that distinguish IP from IP+SCC in cases without bone destruction on CT. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 30 patients with histologically confirmed sinonasal IP (n=15) or IP+SCC (n=15) who underwent preoperative CT and MRI between 2010 and 2023. Imaging variables assessed included tumor origin, tumor volume, CT enhancement pattern, signal intensity on T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and the presence or loss of the convoluted cerebriform pattern (CCP). Group differences were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in tumor origin between the IP and IP+SCC groups. Tumor volume and CT enhancement patterns also did not differ significantly between the groups. On MRI, IP+SCC more frequently demonstrated intermediate signal intensity on both T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images compared with IP (p=0.025 and p=0.029, respectively). Median ADC values were significantly lower in the IP+SCC group than in the IP group (0.99×10-3 vs. 1.20×10-3 mm2/s; p=0.026). Loss of the CCP was more common in the IP+SCC group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion In sinonasal IP without bone destruction on CT, MRI appears to be more informative than CT for distinguishing IP+SCC from IP. Intermediate signal intensity on T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, along with lower ADC values, supports malignant transformation, whereas tumor size, CT enhancement, and CCP alone are less reliable discriminators.

The most common aging-related neurodegenerative disorder is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), of which the main symptom is memory disturbance. Though the mechanism of AD pathogenesis is not fully defined, abnormal aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ ) plaques and tau have been considered as key factors and main histological hallmarks of the disease. Astrocyte is responsible for the control of cells and the environment around brain and spinal cord cells. Astrocytes have been implicated with AD. However, the exact function of astrocytes in AD has not been established. In this study, we investigated the regulation of astrocytes in the AD model using primary cultures. We have demonstrated that oligomerized Aβ is toxic to neurons and can induce cell death in primary cultures. In the primary cultures containing neurons and astrocytes, amyloid beta uptake was observed in both neurons and astrocytes. To verify if the uptake of amyloid beta in astrocytes is dependent on neurons, we separated and cultured primary astrocytes with no neurons. Amyloid uptake was still observed in this pure astrocyte culture, suggesting that the uptake of amyloid beta is a neuron-independent function of astrocytes. Astrocyte activation was observed in both pure and mixed cultures. Taken together, our data suggest that astrocyte is activated by oligomerized Aβ and uptakes it, which is independent of neurons.

Background: The rapidly increasing socioeconomic strain caused by dementia represents a significant public health concern. Regional dementia centers (RDCs) have been established nationwide, and they aim to provide timely screening and diagnosis of dementia. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and progression of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia (AD), who underwent treatment in RDCs or conventional communitybased hospital systems. Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study included patients who were diagnosed with AD between January 2019 and March 2022. This study compared two groups of patients: the hospital group, consisting of patients who presented directly to the hospital, and the RDC group, those who were referred to the hospital from the RDCs in Pohang city. The clinical courses of the patients were monitored for a year after AD diagnosis. Results: A total of 1,209 participants were assigned to the hospital (n = 579) or RDC group (n = 630). The RDC group had a mean age of 80.1 years ± 6.6 years, which was significantly higher than that of the hospital group (P < 0.001). The RDC group had a higher proportion of females (38.3% vs. 31.9%; P = 0.022), higher risk for alcohol consumption (12.4% vs. 3.3%; P < 0.001), and greater number of patients who discontinued treatment 1 year after diagnosis (48.3% vs. 39.0%; P = 0.001). In the linear regression model, the RDC group was independently associated with the clinical dementia rating sum of boxes increment (β = 22.360, R 2 = 0.048, and P < 0.001). Conclusion Patients in the RDC group were older, had more advanced stages of conditions, and exhibited a more rapid rate of cognitive decline than patients diagnosed through the conventional hospital system. Our results suggested that RDC contributed to the screening of AD in a local region, and further nationwide study with the RDC database of various areas of Korea is needed.

Since its introduction, laparoscopic surgery has been often preferred over open surgery in obstetrics and gynecology due to its advantages, such as less bleeding, lower incidence of adhesions, reduced postoperative pain, short hospital stay, and quick return to daily life. However, in the case of complex surgeries, laparoscopy presented some limitations. Nonetheless, since the 1980s, medical robots have been introduced to overcome the technical limitations of laparoscopy and start a new age for minimally invasive surgery. In this review, we explore the indications and advantages and disadvantages of robotic surgery in the field of gynecology, and try to assess the recent trend of robotic surgery.

Purpose: We aimed to investigate manifestations and patterns of care for patients with brain metastasis (BM) from breast cancer (BC) and compared their overall survival (OS) from 2005 through 2014 in Korea. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 600 BC patients with BM diagnosed between 2005 and 2014. The median follow-up duration was 12.5 months. We categorized the patients into three groups according to the year when BM was initially diagnosed (group I [2005-2008], 98 patients; group II [2009-2011], 200 patients; and group III [2012-2014], 302 patients). Results: Over time, the median age at BM diagnosis increased by 2.2 years (group I, 49.0 years; group II, 48.3 years; and group III, 51.2 years; p=0.008). The percentage of patients with extracranial metastasis was 73.5%, 83.5%, and 86.4% for group I, II, and III, respectively (p=0.011). The time interval between BC and BM was prolonged in patients with stage III primary BC (median, 2.4 to 3 years; p=0.029). As an initial brain-directed treatment, whole-brain radiotherapy alone decreased from 80.0% in 2005 to 41.1% in 2014. Meanwhile, stereotactic radiosurgery or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy alone increased from 13.3% to 34.7% during the same period (p=0.005). The median OS for group I, II, and III was 15.6, 17.9, and 15.0 months, respectively, with no statistical significance. Conclusion The manifestations of BM from BC and the pattern of care have changed from 2005 to 2014 in Korea. However, the OS has remained relatively unchanged over the 10 years.

Purpose: We used the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID)-III to analyze the incidence and risk factors of developmental delay in very-low-birth-weight infants without severe brain lesions. We further examined the correlation between the cumulative dexamethasone dose and developmental assessment results. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of preterm infants (birth weight <1,500 g) admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between January 2014 to December 2020. The BSID-III scores obtained between the corrected ages of 12 and 24 months and after 24 months were analyzed. Developmental delay was defined as a composite score of <85 for the cognition, language, and motor domains. Univariate and multivariate analyses of developmental delay risk factors and developmental changes from the first to second BSID-III were performed. Correlations between the accumulated dexamethasone dose used for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and the first and second test scores were analyzed. Results: Seventy-one and thirty-six infants completed the first and second tests, respectively. In both tests, developmental delay was most commonly observed in the language domain (26.8%, 47.2%). In multivariate analysis, mild BPD was identified as a developmental delay risk factor (P<0.05), whereas prenatal steroid use reduced the developmental delay risk (P<0.05). All domain scores were lower in the second test than in the first test. The cognition and language domain scores in the second test decreased with increasing cumulative dexamethasone doses. Conclusion Very-low-birth-weight infants typically experience language delay, which can persist as they age.

Purpose: Since premature infants are sensitive to the changes in blood glucose levels and body temperature, maintaining these parameters is important to avoid the risk of infections. The authors implemented the Golden Hour protocol (GHP) that aims to close the final incubator within one hour of birth by implementing early treatment steps for premature infants after birth, such as maintaining body temperature, securing airway, and rapidly administering glucose fluid and prophylactic antibiotics by securing breathing and rapid blood vessels. This study investigated the effect of GHP application on the short- and long-term clinical outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records between 2017 and 2018 before GHP application and between 2019 and 2020 after GHP application in preterm infants aged 24 weeks or older and those aged less than 33 weeks who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Results: Overall, 117 GHP patients and 81 patients without GHP were compared and analyzed. Peripheral vascularization time and prophylactic antibiotic administration time were shortened in the GHP-treated group (P=0.007 and P=0.008). In the short-term results, the GHP-treated group showed reduced hypothermia upon arrival at the neonatal intensive care unit (P=0.002), and the blood glucose level at 1 hour of hospitalization was higher (P=0.012). Furthermore, the incidence of neonatal necrotizing enteritis decreased (P=0.043). As a long-term result, the incidence of BPD was reduced (P=0.004). Conclusion We confirmed that applying GHP improved short- and long-term clinical outcomes in premature infants aged <33 weeks age of gestation, and we expect to improve the treatment quality by actively using it for postnatal treatment.

Background: The problem with current dental hygienist education is that it operates as an education system based on the national examination rather than on a practical basis; thus, graduates have difficulties in practice after obtaining their license. This study aimed to propose a job-oriented curriculum by analyzing the links between the task analysis of Korean dental hygienists and dental hygiene learning goals. Methods: This study performed a relationship analysis based on a second job analysis study of dental hygienists conducted by the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute and the learning goals of the Korean Dental Hygiene Faculty Association. Results: Based on the links between the task and learning goals of the dental hygienist, they were classified into six types: 1) tasks listed in the license exam and learning goal, 2) tasks not listed in the license exam but listed in learning goals, 3) tasks not listed in learning goals, 4) learning goals not related to tasks, 5) learning goals listed in a few tasks, and 6) tasks related to several learning goals. The results showed that most of them correspond to the 5th classification, followed by the 3rd and 4th categories, which are mostly basic science learning goals. Tasks without learning goals are not included in the curriculum; thus, the curriculum needs to be supplemented. The overlapping learning goals of several subjects for one job skill must be reduced in job-oriented education. Conclusion We suggest that the dental hygiene curriculum be developed based on task analysis and reflected in the national dental hygienist exam. The clinical practice performance of dental hygienists will take further leap forward through task-oriented education.