Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of impacted teeth (ITs) in orthodontic patients at university dental hospitals in Korea. Methods: This study included 14,774 patients who visited the Department of Orthodontics at 10 university dental hospitals in Korea between 2020 and 2022 and underwent orthodontic diagnosis. The prevalence and characteristics of ITs were investigated using orthodontic diagnostic records, radiographs, and diagnostic casts. Results: The prevalence of ITs, excluding third molar impaction, in Korean orthodontic patients was 13.6% (n = 2,014).The prevalence of ITs in pediatric orthodontic patients was 24.5% (n = 1,614).Of these patients, 68.2% had one IT, 27.5% had two ITs, 24.3% had bilateral IT, and 75.7% had unilateral IT. The most frequent IT was the maxillary canine (50.1%), followed by the mandibular second molar (11.7%), and maxillary second premolar (9.6%). An abnormal eruption path (46.5%) was the most frequent etiology. Orthodontic traction after surgical exposure (70.6%) was the most frequent treatment option. Among the patients with ITs, 29.8% had other dental anomalies, such as tooth agenesis (8.7%), microdontia (8.0%), and supernumerary teeth (5.1%). Furthermore, 50.8% had complications such as cystic lesions (18.3%), transposition (17.7%), and root resorption (14.8%).Among the patients with maxillary canine impaction, 62.2% had labial maxillary canine impaction and 21.1% had palatal maxillary canine impaction. Conclusions The prevalence of ITs in Korean orthodontic patients at university dental hospitals was high, particularly in pediatric orthodontic patients.

Purpose: This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Materials and Methods: RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis. Results: CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. Conclusions CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.

Background: This study aimed to determine whether a shorter high-dose rifampicin regimen is non-inferior to the standard 6-month tuberculosis regimen. Methods: This multicenter, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial enrolled participants with respiratory specimen positivity by Xpert MTB/RIF assay or Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture without rifampicin-resistance. Participants were randomized at 1:1 to the investigational or control group. The investigational group received high-dose rifampicin (30 mg/kg/day), isoniazid, and pyrazinamide until culture conversion, followed by high-dose rifampicin and isoniazid for 12 weeks. The control group received the standard 6-month regimen. The primary outcome was the rate of unfavorable outcomes at 18 months post-randomization. The non-inferiority margin was set at <6% difference in unfavorable outcomes rates. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04485156) Results: Between 4 November 2020 and 3 January 2022, 76 participants were enrolled. Of these, 58 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Unfavorable outcomes occurred in 10 (31.3%) of 32 in the control group and 10 (38.5%) of 26 in the investigational group. The difference was 7.2% (95% confidence interval, ∞ to 31.9%), failing to prove non-inferiority. Serious adverse events and grade 3 or higher adverse events did not differ between the groups. Conclusion The shorter high-dose rifampicin regimen failed to demonstrate non-inferiority but had an acceptable safety profile.

Background: This study aimed to identify key priorities for the development of guidelines for information and communication technology (ICT)-based patient education tailored to the needs of patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs) in the Republic of Korea, based on expert consensus. Methods: A two-round modified Delphi study was conducted with 20 rheumatology, patient education, and digital health literacy experts. A total of 35 items covering 7 domains and 18 subdomains were evaluated. Each item was evaluated for its level of importance, and the responses were rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Consensus levels were defined as “high” (interquartile range [IQR] ≤ 1, agreement ≥ 80%, content validity ratio [CVR] ≥ 0.7), "Moderate" (IQR ≥ 1, agreement 50–79%, CVR 0.5–0.7), and "Low" (IQR > 1, agreement < 50%, CVR < 0.5). Results: Strong consensus was reached for key priorities for developing guidelines in areas such as health literacy, digital health literacy, medical terminology, user interface, and user experience design for mobile apps. Chatbot use and video (e.g., YouTube) also achieved high consensus, whereas AI-powered platforms such as ChatGPT showed moderate-to-high agreement. Telemedicine was excluded because of insufficient consensus. Conclusion The key priorities identified in this study provide a foundation for the development of ICT-based patient education guidelines for RDs in the Republic of Korea.Future efforts should focus on integrating digital tools into clinical practice to enhance patient engagement and improve clinical outcomes.

Background: This study aimed to identify key priorities for the development of guidelines for information and communication technology (ICT)-based patient education tailored to the needs of patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs) in the Republic of Korea, based on expert consensus. Methods: A two-round modified Delphi study was conducted with 20 rheumatology, patient education, and digital health literacy experts. A total of 35 items covering 7 domains and 18 subdomains were evaluated. Each item was evaluated for its level of importance, and the responses were rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Consensus levels were defined as “high” (interquartile range [IQR] ≤ 1, agreement ≥ 80%, content validity ratio [CVR] ≥ 0.7), "Moderate" (IQR ≥ 1, agreement 50–79%, CVR 0.5–0.7), and "Low" (IQR > 1, agreement < 50%, CVR < 0.5). Results: Strong consensus was reached for key priorities for developing guidelines in areas such as health literacy, digital health literacy, medical terminology, user interface, and user experience design for mobile apps. Chatbot use and video (e.g., YouTube) also achieved high consensus, whereas AI-powered platforms such as ChatGPT showed moderate-to-high agreement. Telemedicine was excluded because of insufficient consensus. Conclusion The key priorities identified in this study provide a foundation for the development of ICT-based patient education guidelines for RDs in the Republic of Korea.Future efforts should focus on integrating digital tools into clinical practice to enhance patient engagement and improve clinical outcomes.

Purpose: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a multifactorial condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Some patients perceive dental treatment as the cause of their TMD, which may impact symptom perception and treatment response.This study aims to compare the psychosocial and clinical characteristics of patients who attribute their TMD onset to prior dental treatment (DT group) with those who do not (NT group). Methods: A total of 250 patients diagnosed with TMD at Pusan National University Dental Hospital between January and October 2024 were included. Patients were classified into the DT group (n=92) if they attributed their symptoms to previous dental procedures, while the remaining NT group (n=158) consisted of patients with other primary complaints. Patients were additionally categorized into Generation X (1965-1980), Generation Y (1981-1999), and Generation Z (2000-2012). Clinical assessments were conducted following the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD), and psychosocial factors were evaluated using the Oral Behaviors Checklist (OBC), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15). Results: The DT group had a significantly higher mean age (54.16±16.87 years) compared to the NT group (39.71±19.12 years, p<0.001). Psychological distress scores (PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PHQ-15) were significantly higher in the DT group, particularly among Generation X patients (p<0.05). Muscle-related pain was more prevalent in the DT group (75%) than in the NT group. Interestingly, OBC scores were higher in the NT group (p<0.05). Conclusions Patients who attributed their TMD onset to dental treatment reported higher psychological distress and a greater prevalence of muscle-related pain, underscoring the need for a biopsychosocial approach to TMD management. Clinicians should consider the impact of patient perception on TMD symptoms and integrate psychological assessment and counseling to enhance treatment efficacy and patient adherence.

Purpose: Considering the high disease burden and unique features of Asian patients with breast cancer (BC), it is essential to have a comprehensive view of genetic characteristics in this population. An institutional targeted sequencing platform was developed through the Korea Research-Driven Hospitals project and was incorporated into clinical practice. This study explores the use of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and its outcomes in patients with advanced/metastatic BC in the real world. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the results of NGS tests administered to BC patients using a customized sequencing platform—FiRST Cancer Panel (FCP)—over 7 years. We systematically described clinical translation of FCP for precise diagnostics, personalized therapeutic strategies, and unraveling disease pathogenesis. Results: NGS tests were conducted on 548 samples from 522 patients with BC. Ninety-seven point six percentage of tested samples harbored at least one pathogenic alteration. The common alterations included mutations in TP53 (56.2%), PIK3CA (31.2%), GATA3 (13.8%), BRCA2 (10.2%), and amplifications of CCND1 (10.8%), FGF19 (10.0%), and ERBB2 (9.5%). NGS analysis of ERBB2 amplification correlated well with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RNA panel analyses found potentially actionable and prognostic fusion genes. FCP effectively screened for potentially germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutation. Ten point three percent of BC patients received matched therapy guided by NGS, resulting in a significant overall survival advantage (p=0.022), especially for metastatic BCs. Conclusion Clinical NGS provided multifaceted benefits, deepening our understanding of the disease, improving diagnostic precision, and paving the way for targeted therapies. The concrete advantages of FCP highlight the importance of multi-gene testing for BC, especially for metastatic conditions.

Purpose: It is well known that the majority of the extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT lymphomas) are associated with microbiota, e.g., gastric MALT lymphoma with Helicobacter pylori. In general, they are very sensitive to low-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents. The microbiota profile is not clearly elucidated in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma, a rare type of MALT lymphoma in the lung. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. Materials and Methods: DNAs were extracted from 12 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues obtained from BALT lymphoma patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2016. 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Amplicons were sequenced using a Nanopore platform. Next-generation sequencing analysis was performed to assess microbial profiles. For comparison, FFPE specimens from nine non-cancerous lung tissues were also analyzed. Results: Specific bacterial families including Burkholderiaceae, Bacillaceae, and Microbacteriaceae were associated with BALT lymphoma by a linear discriminant analysis effect size approach. Although the number of specimens was limited, BALT lymphomas exhibited significantly higher microbial abundance and diversity with distinct microbial composition patterns and correlation networks than non-cancerous lung tissues. Conclusion This study provides the first insight into intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation NGS method. A distinct microbial composition suggests the presence of a unique tumor microenvironment of BALT lymphoma.

Purpose: Considering the high disease burden and unique features of Asian patients with breast cancer (BC), it is essential to have a comprehensive view of genetic characteristics in this population. An institutional targeted sequencing platform was developed through the Korea Research-Driven Hospitals project and was incorporated into clinical practice. This study explores the use of targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and its outcomes in patients with advanced/metastatic BC in the real world. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the results of NGS tests administered to BC patients using a customized sequencing platform—FiRST Cancer Panel (FCP)—over 7 years. We systematically described clinical translation of FCP for precise diagnostics, personalized therapeutic strategies, and unraveling disease pathogenesis. Results: NGS tests were conducted on 548 samples from 522 patients with BC. Ninety-seven point six percentage of tested samples harbored at least one pathogenic alteration. The common alterations included mutations in TP53 (56.2%), PIK3CA (31.2%), GATA3 (13.8%), BRCA2 (10.2%), and amplifications of CCND1 (10.8%), FGF19 (10.0%), and ERBB2 (9.5%). NGS analysis of ERBB2 amplification correlated well with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RNA panel analyses found potentially actionable and prognostic fusion genes. FCP effectively screened for potentially germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutation. Ten point three percent of BC patients received matched therapy guided by NGS, resulting in a significant overall survival advantage (p=0.022), especially for metastatic BCs. Conclusion Clinical NGS provided multifaceted benefits, deepening our understanding of the disease, improving diagnostic precision, and paving the way for targeted therapies. The concrete advantages of FCP highlight the importance of multi-gene testing for BC, especially for metastatic conditions.

Purpose: It is well known that the majority of the extranodal marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissues (MALT lymphomas) are associated with microbiota, e.g., gastric MALT lymphoma with Helicobacter pylori. In general, they are very sensitive to low-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic agents. The microbiota profile is not clearly elucidated in bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) lymphoma, a rare type of MALT lymphoma in the lung. Thus, this study aimed to clarify the intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation next-generation sequencing (NGS) method. Materials and Methods: DNAs were extracted from 12 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissues obtained from BALT lymphoma patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2016. 16S rRNA gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Amplicons were sequenced using a Nanopore platform. Next-generation sequencing analysis was performed to assess microbial profiles. For comparison, FFPE specimens from nine non-cancerous lung tissues were also analyzed. Results: Specific bacterial families including Burkholderiaceae, Bacillaceae, and Microbacteriaceae were associated with BALT lymphoma by a linear discriminant analysis effect size approach. Although the number of specimens was limited, BALT lymphomas exhibited significantly higher microbial abundance and diversity with distinct microbial composition patterns and correlation networks than non-cancerous lung tissues. Conclusion This study provides the first insight into intratumor microbiome in BALT lymphoma using the third-generation NGS method. A distinct microbial composition suggests the presence of a unique tumor microenvironment of BALT lymphoma.