Background: s/Aims: In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which exhibits high mortality and recurrence rates globally, the traits of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that significantly influence recurrence and metastasis are not well understood. CSCs are self-renewing cell types identified in most liquid and solid cancers, contributing to tumor initiation, growth, resistance, recurrence, and metastasis following chemo-radiotherapy or trans-arterial chemoembolization therapy. Methods: CSCs are classified based on the expression of cell surface markers such as CD133, which varies depending on the tumor type. Proteomic analysis of liver cancer cell lines with cancer stem cell potential and HCC cancer cell lines lacking stem cell propensity was conducted to compare and analyze specific expression patterns. Results: Proteomic profiling and enrichment analysis revealed higher expression of the calcium-binding protein S100 family in CD133+ Huh7 cells than in CD133- or wild-type cells. Furthermore, elevated expression of S100 family members was confirmed in an actual CD133+ liver cancer cell line via protein-protein network analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Conclusion The S100 family members are not only new markers of cancer stem cells but will also assist in identifying new treatment strategies for CSC metastasis and tumor advancement.

Background: s/Aims: In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which exhibits high mortality and recurrence rates globally, the traits of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that significantly influence recurrence and metastasis are not well understood. CSCs are self-renewing cell types identified in most liquid and solid cancers, contributing to tumor initiation, growth, resistance, recurrence, and metastasis following chemo-radiotherapy or trans-arterial chemoembolization therapy. Methods: CSCs are classified based on the expression of cell surface markers such as CD133, which varies depending on the tumor type. Proteomic analysis of liver cancer cell lines with cancer stem cell potential and HCC cancer cell lines lacking stem cell propensity was conducted to compare and analyze specific expression patterns. Results: Proteomic profiling and enrichment analysis revealed higher expression of the calcium-binding protein S100 family in CD133+ Huh7 cells than in CD133- or wild-type cells. Furthermore, elevated expression of S100 family members was confirmed in an actual CD133+ liver cancer cell line via protein-protein network analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Conclusion The S100 family members are not only new markers of cancer stem cells but will also assist in identifying new treatment strategies for CSC metastasis and tumor advancement.

Background: s/Aims: In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which exhibits high mortality and recurrence rates globally, the traits of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that significantly influence recurrence and metastasis are not well understood. CSCs are self-renewing cell types identified in most liquid and solid cancers, contributing to tumor initiation, growth, resistance, recurrence, and metastasis following chemo-radiotherapy or trans-arterial chemoembolization therapy. Methods: CSCs are classified based on the expression of cell surface markers such as CD133, which varies depending on the tumor type. Proteomic analysis of liver cancer cell lines with cancer stem cell potential and HCC cancer cell lines lacking stem cell propensity was conducted to compare and analyze specific expression patterns. Results: Proteomic profiling and enrichment analysis revealed higher expression of the calcium-binding protein S100 family in CD133+ Huh7 cells than in CD133- or wild-type cells. Furthermore, elevated expression of S100 family members was confirmed in an actual CD133+ liver cancer cell line via protein-protein network analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Conclusion The S100 family members are not only new markers of cancer stem cells but will also assist in identifying new treatment strategies for CSC metastasis and tumor advancement.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the current status of diabetes management among residents in 11 administrative regions (Si and Gun) of Chungcheongbuk-do, using data from the 2023 Community Health Survey, and to analyze variations according to the types of local governments. Methods: A total of 12,033 residents of Chungcheongbuk-do, aged 19 and older, were selected as study participants through the 2023 Korean Community Health Survey by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes management indicators, including blood glucose awareness, treatment adherence, and complication prevention, were analyzed using SAS Enterprise Guide version 8.3, focusing on regional differences and patterns according to local government classifications. Results: Less than half of the residents of Chungcheongbuk-do were aware of their blood glucose levels, with considerable variation observed across regions. The overall proportion of individuals receiving appropriate diabetes management in Chungcheongbuk-do was 9.6%, but the rates differed significantly between regions. For instance, Yeongdong had the highest rate of diabetes self-management education (57.5%), while Chungju had the lowest (4.3%). The frequency of regular diabetic complication screenings, such as eye and kidney exams, remained suboptimal in most regions, with many falling below 50%. Even among regions with similar local government characteristics, substantial disparities in diabetes management were identified. Conclusions There is a pressing need for Chungcheongbuk-do and its local governments to enhance blood glucose awareness among residents and integrate comprehensive diabetes education into local health care strategies. Tailored health initiatives must be developed at the local level to improve diabetes management outcomes and reduce regional disparities, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the current status of diabetes management among residents in 11 administrative regions (Si and Gun) of Chungcheongbuk-do, using data from the 2023 Community Health Survey, and to analyze variations according to the types of local governments. Methods: A total of 12,033 residents of Chungcheongbuk-do, aged 19 and older, were selected as study participants through the 2023 Korean Community Health Survey by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes management indicators, including blood glucose awareness, treatment adherence, and complication prevention, were analyzed using SAS Enterprise Guide version 8.3, focusing on regional differences and patterns according to local government classifications. Results: Less than half of the residents of Chungcheongbuk-do were aware of their blood glucose levels, with considerable variation observed across regions. The overall proportion of individuals receiving appropriate diabetes management in Chungcheongbuk-do was 9.6%, but the rates differed significantly between regions. For instance, Yeongdong had the highest rate of diabetes self-management education (57.5%), while Chungju had the lowest (4.3%). The frequency of regular diabetic complication screenings, such as eye and kidney exams, remained suboptimal in most regions, with many falling below 50%. Even among regions with similar local government characteristics, substantial disparities in diabetes management were identified. Conclusions There is a pressing need for Chungcheongbuk-do and its local governments to enhance blood glucose awareness among residents and integrate comprehensive diabetes education into local health care strategies. Tailored health initiatives must be developed at the local level to improve diabetes management outcomes and reduce regional disparities, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the current status of diabetes management among residents in 11 administrative regions (Si and Gun) of Chungcheongbuk-do, using data from the 2023 Community Health Survey, and to analyze variations according to the types of local governments. Methods: A total of 12,033 residents of Chungcheongbuk-do, aged 19 and older, were selected as study participants through the 2023 Korean Community Health Survey by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes management indicators, including blood glucose awareness, treatment adherence, and complication prevention, were analyzed using SAS Enterprise Guide version 8.3, focusing on regional differences and patterns according to local government classifications. Results: Less than half of the residents of Chungcheongbuk-do were aware of their blood glucose levels, with considerable variation observed across regions. The overall proportion of individuals receiving appropriate diabetes management in Chungcheongbuk-do was 9.6%, but the rates differed significantly between regions. For instance, Yeongdong had the highest rate of diabetes self-management education (57.5%), while Chungju had the lowest (4.3%). The frequency of regular diabetic complication screenings, such as eye and kidney exams, remained suboptimal in most regions, with many falling below 50%. Even among regions with similar local government characteristics, substantial disparities in diabetes management were identified. Conclusions There is a pressing need for Chungcheongbuk-do and its local governments to enhance blood glucose awareness among residents and integrate comprehensive diabetes education into local health care strategies. Tailored health initiatives must be developed at the local level to improve diabetes management outcomes and reduce regional disparities, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Objective: This study evaluated the accuracy of the pre-hospital shock index multiplied by the AVPU scale (PSIAVPU) as a predictor of massive transfusion (MT) and traumatic coagulopathy. Methods: This research was a retrospective single-center study that included patients consecutively presenting to a trauma center between 2017 and 2020. The predictive value of the PSIAVPU for MT, in-hospital mortality, and traumatic coagulopathy was measured using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve. The AUC of the PSIAVPU was compared with the Reverse Shock Index multiplied by the Glasgow Coma Scale (rSIG) measured at the trauma center presentation. Results: One thousand seven hundred and ninety-two patients were included, of which 163 patients (9.09%) received MT and 195 patients (10.88%) died during their hospital stay. Traumatic coagulopathy was observed in 245 patients. The AUC values for the PSIAVPU in terms of predicting MT, hospital mortality, and traumatic coagulopathy were 0.755, 0.752, and 0.736, respectively. Conclusion In patients with trauma, the predictive power of the PSIAVPU was higher than that of the prehospital shock index and was comparable to that of the rSIG. The PSIAVPU is a useful indicator that can be used easily and quickly for trauma patients at the prehospital stage.

Purpose: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the prognostic value of AFP levels in patients who achieved complete response (CR) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for HCC. Materials and Methods: Between 2005 and 2018, 890 patients with HCC who achieved a CR to TACE were recruited. An AFP responder was defined as a patient who showed elevated levels of AFP (>10 ng/mL) during TACE, but showed normalization or a >50% reduction in AFP levels after achieving a CR. Results: Among the recruited patients, 569 (63.9%) with naïve HCC and 321 (36.1%) with recurrent HCC after complete resection were treated. Before TACE, 305 (34.3%) patients had multiple tumors, 219 (24.6%) had a maximal tumor size >3 cm, and 22 (2.5%) had portal vein tumor thrombosis. The median AFP level after achieving a CR was 6.36 ng/mL. After a CR, 473 (53.1%) patients experienced recurrence, and 417 (46.9%) died [median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 16.3 and 62.8 months, respectively]. High AFP levels at CR (>20 ng/mL) were independently associated with a shorter PFS [hazard ratio (HR)=1.403] and OS (HR=1.284), together with tumor multiplicity at TACE (HR=1.518 and 1.666, respectively). AFP non-responders at CR (76.2%, n=359 of 471) showed a shorter PFS (median 10.5 months vs. 15.5 months, HR=1.375) and OS (median 41.4 months vs. 61.8 months, HR=1.424) than AFP responders (all p=0.001). Conclusion High AFP levels and AFP non-responders were independently associated with poor outcomes after TACE. AFP holds clinical implications for detailed risk stratification upon achieving a CR after TACE.

Over the past several decades, entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) have remained the first-line antiviral agents in several international guidelines. These two antiviral agents have shown similar short to intermediateterm efficacy, including virologic, biochemical, serologic, and histologic responses. However, huge controversies regarding the antiviral efficacy of ETV and TDF in preventing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still exist. In this review, we summarized recent studies that compared the treatment efficacy of ETV and TDF in terms of HCC development.

Over the past several decades, entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) have remained the first-line antiviral agents in several international guidelines. These two antiviral agents have shown similar short to intermediateterm efficacy, including virologic, biochemical, serologic, and histologic responses. However, huge controversies regarding the antiviral efficacy of ETV and TDF in preventing the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still exist. In this review, we summarized recent studies that compared the treatment efficacy of ETV and TDF in terms of HCC development.