Objective: This study aimed to evaluate reproductive outcomes according to the timing of testicular sperm retrieval. Methods: The study included 282 infertile couples divided into three groups: group A (freeze-thawed testicular sperm extraction [TESE] sperm, n=233), group B (fresh TESE sperm collected 1 day before ovum pickup, n=22), and group C (fresh TESE sperm collected on the same day as ovum pickup, n=27). The indications for TESE were surgically uncorrectable azoospermia or ejaculation failure, often accompanied by medical comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus and spinal cord injury. The outcome parameters assessed were fertilization rates, embryo quality, and clinical pregnancy rates. Results: The mean paternal age was 36.8±5.7 years, and the mean maternal age was 32.6±3.5 years. The mean duration of infertility was 2.9±1.8 years. The fertilization rates were 70.7%, 78.9%, and 73.0% for groups A, B, and C, respectively (p=0.047). The percentages of good-quality embryos were 68.2%, 65.3%, and 48.4%, respectively (p=0.007); specifically, the percentage of good-quality embryos was significantly lower in group C compared with the other two groups. Clinical pregnancy rates per transfer were similar at 51.1%, 50.0%, and 48.1% (p=0.958), with no differences observed in miscarriage rates. Conclusion Testicular sperm retrieval can be safely performed 1 day before ovum pickup, resulting in favorable fertility outcomes.

Endometrial stem cells (EnSCs) are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from endometrial tissue and serve as a valuable MSC source, as they are naturally replenished during menstruation. Exosomes, vesicles secreted by cells, contain various biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids and play crucial roles in intracellular communication, protein and nucleic acid metabolism, immune response regulation, and antigen presentation. This study investigated the protein profiles of EnSC-derived exosomes isolated from the endometrium of menstruating women and compared them with those of adipose-derived stem cell (ASC)-derived exosomes. After isolating EnSCs and ASCs, MSC characteristics were confirmed, and the purified exosomes were analyzed to determine their individual protein compositions.EnSCs, which can be obtained through non-invasive methods, exhibit multipotency similar to other MSCs and demonstrate rapid proliferation in vitro. Proteomic analysis of exosomal proteins revealed that 236 proteins were significantly more abundant in EnSC-derived exosomes than in ASC-derived exosomes, whereas 84 proteins were significantly more abundant in ASC-derived exosomes than in EnSC-derived exosomes. These findings indicate that EnSC-derived exosomes contain unique proteins compared to ASC-derived exosomes, as demonstrated through proteomic profiling. While further clinical studies are required, EnSCs hold promise as a potential therapeutic option in regenerative medicine, similar to current cell therapy products under development.

The creation of self-organizing liver organoids represents a significant, although modest, step toward addressing the ongoing organ shortage crisis in allogeneic liver transplantation. However, researchers have recognized that achieving a fully functional whole liver remains a distant goal, and the original ambition of organoid-based liver generation has been temporarily put on hold. Instead, liver organoids have revolutionized the field of hepatology, extending their influence into various domains of precision and molecular medicine. These 3D cultures, capable of replicating key features of human liver function and pathology, have opened new avenues for human-relevant disease modeling, CRISPR gene editing, and high-throughput drug screening that animal models cannot accomplish. Moreover, advancements in creating more complex systems have led to the development of multicellular assembloids, dynamic organoid-on-chip systems, and 3D bioprinting technologies. These innovations enable detailed modeling of liver microenvironments and complex tissue interactions. Progress in regenerative medicine and transplantation applications continues to evolve and strives to overcome the obstacles of biocompatibility and tumorigenecity. In this review, we examine the current state of liver organoid research by offering insights into where the field currently stands, and the pivotal developments that are shaping its future.

The creation of self-organizing liver organoids represents a significant, although modest, step toward addressing the ongoing organ shortage crisis in allogeneic liver transplantation. However, researchers have recognized that achieving a fully functional whole liver remains a distant goal, and the original ambition of organoid-based liver generation has been temporarily put on hold. Instead, liver organoids have revolutionized the field of hepatology, extending their influence into various domains of precision and molecular medicine. These 3D cultures, capable of replicating key features of human liver function and pathology, have opened new avenues for human-relevant disease modeling, CRISPR gene editing, and high-throughput drug screening that animal models cannot accomplish. Moreover, advancements in creating more complex systems have led to the development of multicellular assembloids, dynamic organoid-on-chip systems, and 3D bioprinting technologies. These innovations enable detailed modeling of liver microenvironments and complex tissue interactions. Progress in regenerative medicine and transplantation applications continues to evolve and strives to overcome the obstacles of biocompatibility and tumorigenecity. In this review, we examine the current state of liver organoid research by offering insights into where the field currently stands, and the pivotal developments that are shaping its future.

The creation of self-organizing liver organoids represents a significant, although modest, step toward addressing the ongoing organ shortage crisis in allogeneic liver transplantation. However, researchers have recognized that achieving a fully functional whole liver remains a distant goal, and the original ambition of organoid-based liver generation has been temporarily put on hold. Instead, liver organoids have revolutionized the field of hepatology, extending their influence into various domains of precision and molecular medicine. These 3D cultures, capable of replicating key features of human liver function and pathology, have opened new avenues for human-relevant disease modeling, CRISPR gene editing, and high-throughput drug screening that animal models cannot accomplish. Moreover, advancements in creating more complex systems have led to the development of multicellular assembloids, dynamic organoid-on-chip systems, and 3D bioprinting technologies. These innovations enable detailed modeling of liver microenvironments and complex tissue interactions. Progress in regenerative medicine and transplantation applications continues to evolve and strives to overcome the obstacles of biocompatibility and tumorigenecity. In this review, we examine the current state of liver organoid research by offering insights into where the field currently stands, and the pivotal developments that are shaping its future.

Rehabilitation medicine in Korea has improved significantly; however, the rehabilitation medical delivery system still lacks well-established continuity and comprehensiveness. Since 2000, Japan has implemented a convalescent rehabilitation ward system, with continuous improvements in policies and criteria based on clinical needs. This study compared the rehabilitation systems of Korea and Japan, focusing on institutional standards and the scope of target patients in order to explore directions for enhancing the Korean system.Current Concepts: Japan applies a multi-tiered reporting system for rehabilitation wards, categorizing wards and adjusting reimbursements based on performance indicators such as functional improvement rates, discharge-tohome rates, and rehabilitation effectiveness indices. Additionally, Japan’s policies encompass a broad range of target diseases and flexible admission criteria, improving accessibility. In Korea, the scope of target diseases is relatively narrow, limiting opportunities for patients to receive appropriate rehabilitation treatment.Discussion and Conclusion: Korea could benefit from adopting a multitiered system and performance-based reimbursement structure, as seen in Japan’s model. Expanding the range of eligible conditions and reviewing certification requirements can enhance the accessibility and quality of rehabilitation services. These changes are expected to foster an environment in which patients can receive timely and comprehensive rehabilitation care, thereby facilitating physical recovery and reintegration into society.

Following the government’s unilateral announcement to increase medical school quotas, serious concerns are rising over the development of medical education and future healthcare in South Korea. Medical experts are disappointed by the lack of transparent decision-making. Unlike major developed countries that establish specialized bodies with expert involvement to set physician workforce policies, the Korean government plans to create a “human resource supply and demand estimation adjustment system” without sufficient consultation with medical professionals. This study analyzes Japan’s policy process regarding medical school quotas to derive implications for establishing governance for physician workforce supply and demand in Korea.Current Concepts: In Japan, the Physician Supply and Demand Subcommittee, mostly comprising medical experts, conducts in-depth discussions on adjusting physician supply and addressing regional disparities. Their discussions are transparent and publicly disclosed, influencing policy decisions such as gradual adjustments to quotas and measures to improve physician distribution.Discussion and Conclusion: Japan’s approach demonstrates the importance of involving medical experts in policymaking and ensuring transparency. The Japanese government collaborates with medical professionals to accurately project physician supply and demand, and adjusts medical school quotas gradually. In contrast, Korea’s abrupt plan to increase quotas without thorough expert consultation may lead to unintended consequences. It is imperative for the Korean government to form consultative bodies centered around medical experts to engage in in-depth discussions, ensuring that policies are realistic and effectively addressing challenges such as population decline and regional healthcare disparities.