1.Molecular and Phenotypic Characterization of Fluid-Derived Patient-Derived Cell and Organoid Models in Advanced Gastric Cancer
Ye Jin MOON ; Woo Sun KWON ; Chan Hee PARK ; Jinsoo JANG ; Juin PARK ; Byeong Gyu YOON ; Han Byeol MUN ; Namju KIM ; Choong-kun LEE ; Hei Cheul JEUNG ; Su-Jin SHIN ; Tae Soo KIM ; Sun Young RHA
Journal of Gastric Cancer 2026;26(2):260-278
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.
2.Development and evaluation of the Trauma-nursing Education and Skill Support program to enhance trauma nursing competencies: a quasi-experimental study
Tae Yeong YANG ; Myung Jin JANG ; Ki Ung KIM ; Min SO ; Mi Na CHOI ; Eun Jung LEE ; Jin Su JO ; Ji Yun LEE ; Kwang Kyun LIM ; Kyoung Mi KIM ; Hae Jun BAEK ; Sun Ho WANG ; Jin Oh CHOI
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2026;56(1):67-80
Purpose:
This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the Trauma-nursing Education and Skill Support (TESS) program based on the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation model). The program was designed to enhance trauma nurses’ clinical competencies, including trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability, through the integration of theoretical education and simulation-based practice.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental study using a non-equivalent control group pretest–posttest design was conducted. Participants included 108 trauma nurses from regional trauma centers, military trauma centers, and emergency care facilities, who were assigned to an experimental group (n=52) or a control group (n=56). The TESS program consisted of a 2-day, 14-hour blended-learning course that included eight lecture sessions and four simulation-based practice stations. Data were collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 6 months using validated instruments measuring trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for data analysis.
Results:
The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability compared with baseline (all p<.001). These improvements were sustained at 6 months, although trauma-related knowledge scores showed a slight decline compared with immediate posttest levels. Between-group analyses confirmed significant group-by-time interaction effects for all outcomes: trauma-related knowledge (η2=0.12, p<.001), self-efficacy (η2=0.09, p=.002), and problem-solving ability (η2=0.08, p=.003).
Conclusion
The TESS program effectively enhanced trauma nurses’ trauma-related knowledge, self-efficacy, and problem-solving ability, with effects sustained for up to 6 months. Incorporating blended learning and simulation-based training into standardized trauma nursing education may strengthen clinical competencies and ultimately contribute to improved patient outcomes.
3.Experiences of nurses working as physician assistants under the expanded scope-of-practice policy following the 2024 resignation of medical residents in South Korea: a phenomenological study
Tae Yeong YANG ; Myung Jin JANG ; NaHyun LEE
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2026;56(2):220-232
Purpose:
This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of clinical support nurses under the expanded scope-of-practice policy implemented after the mass resignation of medical residents in Korea in 2024. In Korea, these nurses are often referred to as physician assistant (PA) nurses, although they differ from licensed physician assistants or nurse practitioners in the United States. The study sought to understand how the policy was perceived, implemented, and interpreted by nurses who played a key role in maintaining clinical services during a healthcare workforce crisis.
Methods:
A qualitative phenomenological design based on Colaizzi’s method was used. Fourteen clinical support nurses from a tertiary hospital in Seoul participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted between August and December 2025. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed through iterative reading, extraction of significant statements, formulation of meanings, and thematic integration. Trustworthiness was established using the criteria of credibility, dependability, transferability, and confirmability.
Results:
Four essential themes were identified: (1) multifaceted perceptions of the 98-item expanded scope-of-practice policy; (2) gaps in the current education system and demands for structured training; (3) ambivalent experiences during policy implementation; and (4) conditional acceptance of the policy’s sustainability and calls for improvement. Participants reported increased professional recognition and autonomy while also experiencing ambiguity in role boundaries, concerns about legal accountability, and emotional burden related to insufficient preparation and protection.
Conclusion
The expanded scope-of-practice policy both strengthens professional competence and creates role instability among clinical support nurses. Its sustainable implementation requires clear legal protection, standardized education and certification systems, appropriate compensation, and the active involvement of frontline nurses in policy development.
4.Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression across Multiple Assays in Ovarian Cancer: A Comparative Analysis
Eun Bi JANG ; Kyeong A SO ; Wook Youn KIM ; So Dug LIM ; Tae Jin KIM ; Heejin BANG ; Wan Seop KIM
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(2):622-631
Purpose:
Ovarian cancer presents significant treatment challenges due to its aggressive nature and poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The lack of standardized programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) assays and cut-off values complicates clinical decision-making. We evaluated the concordance among commonly used PD-L1 assays and assessed changes in the expression of PD-L1 following chemotherapy.
Materials and Methods:
Tissue samples from 29 patients with ovarian cancer were analyzed using five validated PD-L1 immunohistochemistry assays: Dako 22C3, Ventana SP263, Ventana SP142, Dako 28-8, and Ventana 22C3. PD-L1 positivity was assessed using a combined positive score (CPS), immune cell, or tumor proportion score at 1%, 5%, and 10% cut-offs. Concordance rates, including overall percent agreement and Cohen’s kappa coefficient, were analyzed. In addition, changes in the expression of PD-L1 pre- and postchemotherapy were evaluated.
Results:
Positivity rates ranged from 15.8% (SP142) to 29.8% (Dako 22C3 and SP263) at the 1% CPS cut-off. SP142 consistently exhibited the lowest concordance, whereas Dako 22C3 displayed high agreement with SP263, 28-8, and Ventana 22C3. Chemotherapy increased PD-L1 positivity, with 28% of patients converting from negative to positive.
Conclusion
The expression of PD-L1 in ovarian cancer varies across assays and scoring methods, emphasizing the need for standardized testing protocols. Increased PD-L1 expression post-chemotherapy underscores the importance of assessing its status at appropriate times to guide ICI therapy. Larger studies are required to validate these findings and refine clinical applications.
5.Detection Ability of Quality of Life Changes and Responsiveness of the KOQUSS-40 and the EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 in Patients Who Underwent Gastrectomy: A Prospective Comparative Study
Bang Wool EOM ; Keun Won RYU ; Ji Yeong AN ; Yun-Suhk SUH ; In CHO ; Sung Geun KIM ; Ji-Ho PARK ; Hoon HUR ; Hyung-Ho KIM ; Sang-Hoon AHN ; Sun-Hwi HWANG ; Hong Man YOON ; Ki Bum PARK ; Hyoung-Il KIM ; In-Gyu KWON ; Han-Kwang YANG ; Byoung-Jo SUH ; Sang-Ho JEONG ; Tae-Han KIM ; Oh Kyoung KWON ; Hye-Seong AHN ; Ji Yeon PARK ; Ki Young YOON ; Myoung Won SON ; Seong-Ho KONG ; Young-Gil SON ; Geum Jong SONG ; Jong Hyuk YUN ; Jung-Min BAE ; Do Joong PARK ; Sol LEE ; Jun-Young YANG ; Kyung Won SEO ; You-Jin JANG ; So Hyun KANG ; Joongyub LEE ; Hyuk-Joon LEE ;
Cancer Research and Treatment 2026;58(1):221-231
Purpose:
The aim of this study is to compare the detection ability of quality of life (QoL) changes and responsiveness of the KOrean QUality of life in Stomach cancer patients Study group (KOQUSS)-40 and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ).
Materials and Methods:
A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate QoL changes after various gastrectomies between January 2021 and April 2022. Participants were instructed to complete the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. QoL changes over time and QoL responsiveness were assessed for each questionnaire.
Results:
Data from 491 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer at 22 institutions were analyzed. The summary scores of the KOQUSS-40 and EORTC QLQ-STO22 showed significant differences between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.044 and p=0.038, respectively), but no difference was observed for the EORTC QLQ-C30. Dysphagia on the KOQUSS-40 was significantly different between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups (p=0.031); however, dysphagia on the EORTC QLQ-STO22 did not differ. The responsiveness of the KOQUSS-40 was similar to that of the EORTC QLQ in patients who experienced ≥ 10% body weight loss, but approximately 10% less in patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy than the EORTC QLQ.
Conclusion
KOQUSS-40 has several advantages over EORTC QLQ-C30/STO22 when comparing QoL between the total and proximal gastrectomy groups. The findings provide information for researchers investigating the QoL of patients who have undergone curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer.
6.Data-driven life-stage classification for companion dogs and cats using age-specific diagnosis patterns in South Korea
Jin-Young PARK ; Seogjin KANG ; Yoon Jung DO ; Eun-yeong BOK ; Jong Ryul PARK ; Tae Woo KIM ; Chang-Min LEE ; Woong-Bin RO ; Jang Yeop KIM ; Dong Yun LEE ; Heyong-Seok KIM ; Kyung-Duk MIN
Journal of Veterinary Science 2026;27(1):e5-
Objective:
To classify life stages for companion dogs and cats by identifying clusters in age-specific disease proportions derived from medical records, providing a data-driven foundation for health examination programs.
Methods:
We collected 505,667 medical records from 82 veterinary facilities in South Korea between 2020 and 2023. Diagnoses were standardized using GPT-4o and S-BioBERT. Following preprocessing, data from 27 facilities yielded 222,706 canine and 39,910 feline records for the final analysis. Principal component analysis and K-means clustering (K = 4) were applied to age-specific disease proportions to identify life stages.The 10 most highest-proportion diagnoses diseases were determined for each cluster.
Results:
Canine life stages were classified as ≤ 1 year, 2–5 years, 6–10 years, and 11–15+ years.Feline life stages were 1–2 years, 3–8 years, 9–12 years, and 13–15+ years. In dogs, developmental diseases were common in the youngest age group, while chronic diseases were more prevalent in older groups. In cats, oral and urinary diseases were high-ranking, conjunctivitis was most common in the early stage, and chronic diseases increased with age.
Conclusions
and Relevance: Age-specific diagnosis patterns support four practical life stages for dogs and cats in South Korea. These boundaries can inform evidence-based preventive examination schedules, animal health policy, and pet insurance product design.
7.An adjustment of fraction of inspired oxygen using the oxygen reserve index during one-lung ventilation in pediatric patients: a prospective, randomized controlled trial
Jung-Bin PARK ; Pyoyoon KANG ; Sang-Hwan JI ; Young-Eun JANG ; Eun-Hee KIM ; Jin-Tae KIM ; Hee-Soo KIM ; Ji-Hyun LEE
Korean Journal of Anesthesiology 2026;79(2):224-232
Background:
One-lung ventilation (OLV) during thoracic surgery frequently requires approximately 100% oxygen, imposing the risk of hyperoxemia. This study aimed to assess whether oxygen reserve index (ORI)-guided fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) adjustment can reduce the incidence of hyperoxemia in children undergoing lung resection.
Methods:
This prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolled children aged < 7 years scheduled for thoracoscopic lung resection. The participants were randomly assigned to either a conventional group (FiO2 adjusted based on arterial blood gas analysis [ABGA]) or an ORI group (FiO2 titrated to maintain an ORI target of 0.15). ABGA was performed 10 and 30 min after the start of OLV (T1 and T2). The primary outcome was the incidence of hyperoxemia 30 min after OLV (T2).
Results:
Data from 64 children (31 conventional, 33 ORI groups) were analyzed. The incidence rate of hyperoxemia at T2 was similar between the conventional and ORI groups (54.8% vs. 60.6%, P = 0.801). However, partial pressure of arterial oxygen at T1 was significantly lower in the ORI group than in the conventional group (214.6 ± 65.5 mmHg vs. 268.8 ± 92.7 mmHg, P = 0.014). The ORI group demonstrated a lower time-weighted average FiO2 during OLV (0.79 ± 0.12 vs. 0.87 ± 0.09, P = 0.004). The ORI group required more rescue interventions than the conventional group and experienced fewer episodes of hypoxia.
Conclusions
ORI-guided FiO2 adjustment does not significantly reduce the incidence of hyperoxemia in children undergoing OLV but reduces time-weighted FiO2 and hypoxic events.
8.Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prehospital Stage of Acute Stroke : III. Initial Decision for Primary Treatment in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Jae Sang OH ; Jong Min LEE ; Hong Suk AHN ; Jung-Jae KIM ; Kyoung Min JANG ; Gi-Yong YUN ; Jang Hun KIM ; Dongwook SEO ; Hyeong Jin LEE ; Yuna JO ; Jinwoo JEONG ; Kyoung-Chul CHA ; Yong Soo CHO ; Su Jin KIM ; Jongkyu PARK ; Won-Sang CHO ; Hoon KIM ; Young Woo KIM ; Seung Hun SHEEN ; Sang Weon LEE ; Jae Whan LEE ; Tae Gon KIM ; Sung-kon HA ; Sukh Que PARK ; Dae-Won KIM ; Soon Chan KWON
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2026;69(1):35-50
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a stroke subtype with high mortality and poor functional outcomes. Prompt occlusion of a ruptured aneurysm at an early stage is crucial to prevent rebleeding, which can result in even higher mortality and more severe disabilities. The most critical initial decision in SAH management is the choice of treatment method with surgical clipping or endovascular coiling. We aimed to develop an evidence-based clinical guideline to select the optimal initial treatment in patients with SAH. We developed this guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed) to answer two population, intervention, comparison, outcome questions comparing clipping and coiling. The risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagrams and meta-analyses were generated for functional outcome and mortality. We included six randomized control trials (RCTs) and 58 observational studies. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that coiling improved functional outcomes compared to clipping (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.97). No significant mortality difference was observed in RCTs (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.91–2.09), but non-RCTs favored clipping for reduced mortality (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69–0.86). However, it is difficult to generalize these findings to all clinical situations, as patients with SAH have a highly variable clinical course. Final treatment decision should be tailored to the individual patient’s status, including aneurysm location, morphology, and the expertise available at the treatment center. Such decisions are best made by specialists such as a board-certified physician and should be explained to the patient and their caregivers, along with the rationale for selecting the most appropriate treatment at the given hospital. Korea has many certified endovascular neurosurgeons, cerebrovascular surgeons, and certified cerebrovascular centers. Proper selection of the most suitable treatment method by certified physicians and centers would greatly benefit patient outcomes and healthcare professionals.
9.Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prehospital Stage in Acute Stroke : I. Use of Emergency Medical Services Assessment Tools
Jae Sang OH ; Dongwook SEO ; Jinwoo JEONG ; Kyoung-Chul CHA ; Yong Soo CHO ; Su Jin KIM ; Jongkyu PARK ; Won-Sang CHO ; Se Won OH ; Jang Hun KIM ; Hyeong Jin LEE ; Hong Suk AHN ; Yuna JO ; Jung-Jae KIM ; Kyoung Min JANG ; Gi-Yong YUN ; Jong Min LEE ; Hoon KIM ; Young Woo KIM ; Tae Gon KIM ; Sung-kon HA ; Sukh Que PARK ; Soon Chan KWON
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2026;69(1):7-22
Accurate and early identification of stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO) in emergency settings is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring the efficient allocation of medical resources. This clinical practice guideline systematically reviews domestic and international literature and conducts meta-analyses to evaluate the utility and diagnostic accuracy of stroke assessment tools used in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS). We developed a guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of diagnostic EMS assessment tools for diagnosing stroke and LVO. Overall, 70 non-randomized control studies were selected for this study. A meta-analysis was conducted with a subgroup analysis to distinguish between patients with stroke and those with LVO. EMS tools demonstrated high sensitivity but low specificity for diagnosing stroke. In the prehospital setting, using validated EMS stroke assessment tools is recommended for the early identification of stroke and LVO. Upon hospital arrival, stroke specialists should conduct further evaluation and triage to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate management. Delays in diagnosing LVO are frequently unacceptable. While experts advocate for the use of EMS assessment tools to facilitate early identification of LVO, these tools alone lack adequate sensitivity. Therefore, further diagnostic evaluations and consultation with stroke specialists upon hospital arrival are recommended.
10.Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prehospital Stage of Acute Stroke in Korea II : Transport Decisions for Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Jae Sang OH ; Yuna JO ; Jong Min LEE ; Hong Suk AHN ; Jung-Jae KIM ; Kyoung Min JANG ; Gi-Yong YUN ; Jang Hun KIM ; Dongwook SEO ; Hyeong Jin LEE ; Jinwoo JEONG ; Kyoung-Chul CHA ; Yong Soo CHO ; Su Jin KIM ; Jongkyu PARK ; Won-Sang CHO ; Hoon KIM ; Young Woo KIM ; Seung Hun SHEEN ; Sang Weon LEE ; Jae Whan LEE ; Tae Gon KIM ; Sung-kon HA ; Sukh Que PARK ; Soon Chan KWON
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society 2026;69(1):23-34
The mothership (MS) model, where patients are directly transferred to a thrombectomy-capable center, and the drip-and-ship (DS) model, where thrombolysis is initiated at the nearest primary stroke center before transfer for thrombectomy, are the primary transport modes for patients with stroke. We aimed to establish guidelines for selecting the appropriate transfer strategy based on emergent large vessel occlusion (LVO). We developed this guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed) to answer three Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome questions comparing MS and DS models. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagrams and meta-analyses were generated for functional outcomes, mortality, and successful recanalization. Twenty-six non-randomized controlled studies showed that the MS model improved good functional outcomes by approximately 14% compared with the DS model (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.30). Fifteen studies reported that mortality in the MS and DS models showed no significant differences (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.84–1.11). Twenty-four studies revealed no significant difference in successful recanalization between the MS and DS models (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.68–1.10). The MS model should be considered first to improve the functional outcome of patients with LVO. However, if thrombectomy cannot be performed immediately after thrombolysis, or if a thrombectomy-enabled hospital is not nearby, the DS model should be considered by stroke specialists depending on transportation time and regional factors. We suggest a mixed approach with the DS model based on specific circumstances or regions to ensure the optimum treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Appropriate transport for patients with LVO improves the prognosis of AIS.

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