1.The Efficacy of Intranasal Insulin in the Treatment of Post-Viral Persistent Olfactory Dysfunction: A Systematic Review
Do Hyun KIM ; David W. JANG ; Se Hwan HWANG
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2026;19(2):120-128
Objectives:
. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of intranasal insulin in treating persistent and refractory olfactory dysfunction following viral infections.
Methods:
. A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, covering all articles indexed up to July 2025. Studies were included if they evaluated changes in olfactory scores in patients receiving intranasal insulin, either compared with a control group (placebo or no treatment) or between pre- and post-treatment measurements. Secondary outcomes included serum glucose and insulin levels and the proportion of patients achieving significant olfactory recovery.
Results:
. Eight studies including 457 participants were reviewed. Intranasal insulin was generally associated with improvement in olfactory scores. Delivery via absorbable materials may enhance both threshold and discrimination outcomes, whereas self-administration demonstrated minimal benefit. Several studies also reported higher rates of substantial olfactory recovery with absorbable material-based delivery. Combination therapy with intranasal insulin and budesonide was suggested to further improve threshold scores. Overall, treatment was well tolerated, with no major changes in serum glucose levels, although one study documented a mild hypoglycemic event.
Conclusion
. Current evidence suggests that intranasal insulin, particularly when delivered using absorbable materials, may offer therapeutic benefit for persistent post-viral olfactory dysfunction. Corticosteroid coadministration may also provide additional improvements. These findings remain preliminary and require confirmation in larger, well-controlled studies.
2.Usefulness of the ID-Migraine Screening Tool for Diagnosing Migraines in Patients With Headache and Facial Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Do Hyun KIM ; David W. JANG ; Se Hwan HWANG
Journal of Rhinology 2026;33(1):1-10
Background and Objectives:
A substantial proportion of patients presenting with sinus headaches are ultimately diagnosed with migraines. The ID-Migraine tool has been developed to aid in identifying migraine patients in primary care settings. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis of validation studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of the ID-Migraine tool.
Methods:
Data were extracted regarding true positives, false positives, true negatives, and false negatives, along with study characteristics. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool.
Results:
In total, 30 studies involving 9,942 participants were included in the final analysis. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio for the ID-Migraine tool was 13.84. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.846. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.865 and 0.702, respectively, while the negative predictive value was 0.791 and the positive predictive value was 0.799.
Conclusion
The ID-Migraine screening tool is highly accurate and user-friendly for identifying migraines among patients presenting with sinus headaches. By employing this tool, unnecessary diagnostic tests or treatments can be minimized, and patients can be promptly referred to appropriate specialists.
3.Medical accident compensation systems in obstetrics: a comparison among Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, with suggestions for Korea
Kyong-No LEE ; Sang Hyun KIM ; Se Jin LEE ; Wook JANG ; Sunghun NA ; So Yun KIM
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(3):148-156
Korea’s medical accident compensation system is a vital national initiative designed to create a stable environment for both mothers and healthcare professionals. This article examines how Korea's neighboring countries, Taiwan and Japan, operate their obstetric compensation systems to draw lessons and implications for Korea's approach.Current Concepts: Korea's medical malpractice compensation system is fully funded by the government, and the amount is determined by the Compensation Review Committee, which considers the type of accident and, in cases of cerebral palsy, the degree of impairment, with awards reaching up to 30 million won. Japan experienced severe declines in birth rates, a shortage of obstetricians, and the closure of maternity hospitals due to increasing medical litigation. In response, the government ,in 2009, introduced a no-fault obstetric compensation system that covers cerebral palsy cases regardless of negligence. Taiwan faced a surge in medical disputes, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology, with maternal lawsuits comprising 14% of all cases. In 2016, the government introduced the Childbirth Accident Emergency Relief Act, achieving a 93.9% compensation approval rate Discussion and Conclusion: Observing these challenges, young doctors are increasingly dissuaded from pursuing careers in obstetrics and gynecology doctor, thereby accelerating the decline of maternity care services. To maintain a stable medical environment, compensation amounts should be adjusted to reflect actual medical costs, and reimbursement rates for obstetric procedures should be re-evaluated. Drawing on the successful implementations in Japan and Taiwan, South Korea must establish a sustainable and protective obstetric care system at the national level.
4.Medical accident compensation systems in obstetrics: a comparison among Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, with suggestions for Korea
Kyong-No LEE ; Sang Hyun KIM ; Se Jin LEE ; Wook JANG ; Sunghun NA ; So Yun KIM
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(3):148-156
Korea’s medical accident compensation system is a vital national initiative designed to create a stable environment for both mothers and healthcare professionals. This article examines how Korea's neighboring countries, Taiwan and Japan, operate their obstetric compensation systems to draw lessons and implications for Korea's approach.Current Concepts: Korea's medical malpractice compensation system is fully funded by the government, and the amount is determined by the Compensation Review Committee, which considers the type of accident and, in cases of cerebral palsy, the degree of impairment, with awards reaching up to 30 million won. Japan experienced severe declines in birth rates, a shortage of obstetricians, and the closure of maternity hospitals due to increasing medical litigation. In response, the government ,in 2009, introduced a no-fault obstetric compensation system that covers cerebral palsy cases regardless of negligence. Taiwan faced a surge in medical disputes, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology, with maternal lawsuits comprising 14% of all cases. In 2016, the government introduced the Childbirth Accident Emergency Relief Act, achieving a 93.9% compensation approval rate Discussion and Conclusion: Observing these challenges, young doctors are increasingly dissuaded from pursuing careers in obstetrics and gynecology doctor, thereby accelerating the decline of maternity care services. To maintain a stable medical environment, compensation amounts should be adjusted to reflect actual medical costs, and reimbursement rates for obstetric procedures should be re-evaluated. Drawing on the successful implementations in Japan and Taiwan, South Korea must establish a sustainable and protective obstetric care system at the national level.
5.Medical accident compensation systems in obstetrics: a comparison among Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, with suggestions for Korea
Kyong-No LEE ; Sang Hyun KIM ; Se Jin LEE ; Wook JANG ; Sunghun NA ; So Yun KIM
Journal of the Korean Medical Association 2025;68(3):148-156
Korea’s medical accident compensation system is a vital national initiative designed to create a stable environment for both mothers and healthcare professionals. This article examines how Korea's neighboring countries, Taiwan and Japan, operate their obstetric compensation systems to draw lessons and implications for Korea's approach.Current Concepts: Korea's medical malpractice compensation system is fully funded by the government, and the amount is determined by the Compensation Review Committee, which considers the type of accident and, in cases of cerebral palsy, the degree of impairment, with awards reaching up to 30 million won. Japan experienced severe declines in birth rates, a shortage of obstetricians, and the closure of maternity hospitals due to increasing medical litigation. In response, the government ,in 2009, introduced a no-fault obstetric compensation system that covers cerebral palsy cases regardless of negligence. Taiwan faced a surge in medical disputes, particularly in obstetrics and gynecology, with maternal lawsuits comprising 14% of all cases. In 2016, the government introduced the Childbirth Accident Emergency Relief Act, achieving a 93.9% compensation approval rate Discussion and Conclusion: Observing these challenges, young doctors are increasingly dissuaded from pursuing careers in obstetrics and gynecology doctor, thereby accelerating the decline of maternity care services. To maintain a stable medical environment, compensation amounts should be adjusted to reflect actual medical costs, and reimbursement rates for obstetric procedures should be re-evaluated. Drawing on the successful implementations in Japan and Taiwan, South Korea must establish a sustainable and protective obstetric care system at the national level.
6.Long-term outcomes and associated prognostic risk factors of childhood-onset lupus nephritis
Eujin PARK ; Jiwon JUNG ; Jeesu MIN ; Hyeonju LEE ; Min Ji PARK ; Ji Yeon SONG ; Ji Hyun KIM ; Kyung Mi JANG ; Eun Mi YANG ; Yo Han AHN ; Min Hyun CHO ; Joo Hoon LEE ; Young Seo PARK ; Soon Chul KIM ; Se Jin PARK ; Jung Won LEE ; Kee Hyuck KIM ; Ki Soo PAI ; Hee Gyung KANG ; Seong Heon KIM
Kidney Research and Clinical Practice 2025;44(2):389-395
This study investigated the clinical characteristics and kidney outcomes of childhood-onset lupus nephritis (LN), and risk factors associated with prognosis. Methods: We enrolled 216 patients with histologically diagnosed LN during childhood. The Korean Society of Pediatric Nephrology organized a retrospective cohort study of childhood-onset LN in 13 major pediatric nephrology centers in South Korea. Results: The mean age at kidney biopsy was 13.2 ± 3.22 years. The main forms of presentation were nephrotic syndrome and/or hematuria in 152 patients (70.4%), and the most common histological finding was World Health Organization (WHO) class IV in 138 patients (63.9%), followed by WHO class III in 34 patients (15.7%). In the outcome analysis, the mean follow-up period of the patients was 7.8 ± 5.11 years. At last follow-up, 32 patients (14.8%) developed advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Male sex and failure to achieve remission at 12 months of treatment were significant risk factors for developing advanced CKD (hazard ratio of 2.57 and 2.29, respectively). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with childhood-onset LN. Male sex and failure to achieve remission in the first year of treatment were predictive of advanced CKD. Therefore, prompt awareness and close monitoring of these high-risk patients are needed, which may further improve the prognosis of children with LN.
7.Digital Psychiatry with Chatbot: Recent Advances and Limitations
Se Chang YOON ; Ji Hyun AN ; Jung-Seok CHOI ; June Ho CHANG ; Yoo Jin JANG ; Hong Jin JEON
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(4):542-550
Objective:
The escalating global mental health crisis necessitates innovative solutions to address traditional service limitations such as high costs and professional shortages. This review examines the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots in digital psychiatry, analyzing their clinical efficacy, ethical challenges, and future directions.
Methods:
This narrative review synthesizes evidence from recent randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and scholarly publications on AI chatbots for mental health. It also discusses the ethical and social implications, including data privacy, algorithmic bias, and cognitive effects, and provides a forward-looking roadmap for regulation and development.
Results:
Chatbots grounded in evidence-based principles like cognitive-behavioral therapy demonstrate clinical effectiveness in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, with some studies reporting a strong “therapeutic alliance” comparable to that with human therapists. AI models also show promise in diagnostic and predictive roles by analyzing selfreport questionnaires and physiological data. However, critical risks include inappropriate responses in crisis situations, potential for AI psychosis, and the erosion of cognitive abilities due to over-reliance.
Conclusion
The future of digital psychiatry lies in a blended care model that combines the accessibility of AI with the indispensable empathy and professional judgment of human clinicians. A collaborative roadmap is essential, mandating safety protocols, strengthened data governance, expert involvement, and ethical design to ensure AI acts as a transformative and responsible tool.
8.Observation of neutrophil extracellular traps in the development of diabetic nephropathy using diabetic murine models
You Hyun JEON ; Se-Hyun OH ; Soo-Jung JUNG ; Eun-Joo OH ; Jeong-Hoon LIM ; Hee-Yeon JUNG ; Ji-Young CHOI ; Sun-Hee PARK ; Chan-Duck KIM ; Yong-Lim KIM ; Chang-Won HONG ; Jang-Hee CHO
Laboratory Animal Research 2024;40(4):424-434
Background:
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a progressive complication among patients with diabetes and the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are known to play a role in kidney disease, thus this study aimed to determine their role in the development of diabetic kidney disease using diabetic murine models.
Results:
Protein and histological analyses revealed that db/db mice and streptozotocin DN models expressed no significant NET-related proteins, myeloperoxidase, citrullinated histone H3 (citH3), neutrophil elastase, and lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G6D (Ly6G). However, the inflamed individuals in the DN model showed that citH3 and Ly6G were highly deposited in the renal system based on immunohistochemistry images. In vitro, NET treatment did not induce apoptosis in glomerular endothelial and renal tubular epithelial cells. NET inhibition by DNase administration demonstrated no significant changes in cell apoptosis.
Conclusions
NET-related proteins were only expressed in the DN model with tubulointerstitial inflammation. Our study revealed that NETs are only induced in mice with hyperglycemia-induced inflammation.
9.Major clinical research advances in gynecologic cancer in 2023:a tumultuous year for endometrial cancer
Seung-Hyuk SHIM ; Jung-Yun LEE ; Yoo-Young LEE ; Jeong-Yeol PARK ; Yong Jae LEE ; Se Ik KIM ; Gwan Hee HAN ; Eun Jung YANG ; Joseph J NOH ; Ga Won YIM ; Joo-Hyuk SON ; Nam Kyeong KIM ; Tae-Hyun KIM ; Tae-Wook KONG ; Youn Jin CHOI ; Angela CHO ; Hyunji LIM ; Eun Bi JANG ; Hyun Woong CHO ; Dong Hoon SUH
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2024;35(2):e66-
In the 2023 series, we summarized the major clinical research advances in gynecologic oncology based on communications at the conference of Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology Review Course. The review consisted of 1) Endometrial cancer: immune checkpoint inhibitor, antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), selective inhibitor of nuclear export, CDK4/6 inhibitors WEE1 inhibitor, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. 2) Cervical cancer: surgery in low-risk early-stage cervical cancer, therapy for locally advanced stage and advanced, metastatic, or recurrent setting; and 3) Ovarian cancer: immunotherapy, triplet therapies using immune checkpoint inhibitors along with antiangiogenic agents and PARP inhibitors, and ADCs. In 2023, the field of endometrial cancer treatment witnessed a landmark year, marked by several practice-changing outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors and the reliable efficacy of PARP inhibitors and ADCs.
10.Observation of neutrophil extracellular traps in the development of diabetic nephropathy using diabetic murine models
You Hyun JEON ; Se-Hyun OH ; Soo-Jung JUNG ; Eun-Joo OH ; Jeong-Hoon LIM ; Hee-Yeon JUNG ; Ji-Young CHOI ; Sun-Hee PARK ; Chan-Duck KIM ; Yong-Lim KIM ; Chang-Won HONG ; Jang-Hee CHO
Laboratory Animal Research 2024;40(4):424-434
Background:
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a progressive complication among patients with diabetes and the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are known to play a role in kidney disease, thus this study aimed to determine their role in the development of diabetic kidney disease using diabetic murine models.
Results:
Protein and histological analyses revealed that db/db mice and streptozotocin DN models expressed no significant NET-related proteins, myeloperoxidase, citrullinated histone H3 (citH3), neutrophil elastase, and lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G6D (Ly6G). However, the inflamed individuals in the DN model showed that citH3 and Ly6G were highly deposited in the renal system based on immunohistochemistry images. In vitro, NET treatment did not induce apoptosis in glomerular endothelial and renal tubular epithelial cells. NET inhibition by DNase administration demonstrated no significant changes in cell apoptosis.
Conclusions
NET-related proteins were only expressed in the DN model with tubulointerstitial inflammation. Our study revealed that NETs are only induced in mice with hyperglycemia-induced inflammation.

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