Background: Postoperative liver regeneration is essential for maintaining hepatic function. This study evaluated the rate, determinants, and volumetric patterns of early liver regeneration after hemihepatectomy. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 50 patients who underwent right or left hemihepatectomy between April 2019 and March 2025. Liver and spleen volumes (SV) were assessed preoperatively, at postoperative day (POD) 1 week, and at POD 3 months. Early liver regeneration rate (LRR) was defined as the percentage increase in remnant liver volume at POD 1 week relative to the preoperative future liver remnant (FLR), and patients were categorized into low (<50%) and high (≥50%) LRR groups. Clinical, biochemical, and volumetric variables were compared, and predictors of regeneration were identified using multivariable analyses. Regeneration patterns were also examined according to whether the FLR/standard liver volume (SLV) ratio was <50% or ≥50%. Results: FLR/SLV was the strongest independent predictor of rapid early liver regeneration (p<0.001). Remnants with FLR/SLV <50% exhibited rapid and sustained regeneration, whereas those with FLR/SLV ≥50% showed slower regrowth that plateaued after reaching approximately 90% of SLV. SV increased at POD 1 week in all patients; however, only the FLR/SLV ≥50% group showed a reduction by POD 3 months, whereas the <50% group maintained elevated volumes. Conclusions FLR/SLV reliably predicts early postoperative liver regeneration. Smaller remnants regenerate more rapidly, whereas persistent splenic enlargement suggests a sustained portal hemodynamic burden. Combined evaluation of FLR/SLV and SV may enhance perioperative risk assessment and surgical planning.

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed to enhance liver regeneration, but its effects remain inconsistent across experimental models. This study evaluated whether autologous PRP promotes hepatic regeneration after major hepatectomy in rabbits and assessed the feasibility of this experimental approach. Methods: Twenty-one male New Zealand white rabbits underwent major hepatectomy and received saline (control) or PRP via portal vein or subcutaneous injection. Survival, pre- and postoperative laboratory results, regenerated liver weight, biochemical markers, and histologic features were compared. Results: Overall survival was 42%. Portal vein injection resulted in significantly higher mortality than subcutaneous injection (66% vs. 33%; p=0.050). Regenerated liver weight (approximately 60–70 g) and the graft-to-body weight ratio did not differ between groups. One PRP-treated rabbit demonstrated pronounced hepatic plate thickening, but overall regenerative markers showed no significant benefit. PRP preparations displayed variable leukocyte content. Conclusions PRP did not provide a measurable regenerative advantage in this rabbit major hepatectomy model. The high mortality and heterogeneous PRP composition emphasize the need for safer experimental designs and standardized PRP preparations to accurately assess its regenerative capacity.

Objectives: This study explored the experiences of medical students enrolled in an elective course titled "Healthcare Innovation and Women's Ventures II" at Ewha Womans University College of Medicine. The research questions were as follows: First, what motivated medical students to participate in the experiential entrepreneurship course? Second, what experiences did the students have during the course? Third, what changes did the students undergo as a result of the course? Methods: Focus group interviews were conducted with six medical students who participated in the experiential entrepreneurship course from February 13 to 23, 2024. Results: The analysis identified three domains, seven categories, and 17 subcategories. In terms of motivations for enrolling in the experiential entrepreneurship course, two categories were identified: "existing interest" and "new exploration." With respect to the experiences gained from the course, three categories emerged: "cognitive experiences," "emotional experiences," and "behavioral experiences." Finally, two categories were identified concerning the changes participants experienced through the course: "changes related to entrepreneurship" and "changes related to career paths." Conclusion Students were motivated to enroll in this course by both their existing interests and their desire to explore new areas. Following the course, they underwent cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes. Their perceptions of entrepreneurship and career paths were significantly altered.This study is important because it explores the impact of entrepreneurship education in medical schools from the students' perspective.

Background: CycloZ, a combination of cyclo-His-Pro and zinc, has anti-diabetic activity. However, its exact mode of action remains to be elucidated. Methods: KK-Ay mice, a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model, were administered CycloZ either as a preventive intervention, or as a therapy. Glycemic control was evaluated using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Liver and visceral adipose tissues (VATs) were used for histological evaluation, gene expression analysis, and protein expression analysis. Results: CycloZ administration improved glycemic control in KK-Ay mice in both prophylactic and therapeutic studies. Lysine acetylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha, liver kinase B1, and nuclear factor-κB p65 was decreased in the liver and VATs in CycloZ-treated mice. In addition, CycloZ treatment improved mitochondrial function, lipid oxidation, and inflammation in the liver and VATs of mice. CycloZ treatment also increased the level of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which affected the activity of deacetylases, such as sirtuin 1 (Sirt1). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the beneficial effects of CycloZ on diabetes and obesity occur through increased NAD+ synthesis, which modulates Sirt1 deacetylase activity in the liver and VATs. Given that the mode of action of an NAD+ booster or Sirt1 deacetylase activator is different from that of traditional T2DM drugs, CycloZ would be considered a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of T2DM.