Background: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema, papules, ocular symptoms, and heightened sensitivity. Patients with neurogenic symptoms such as burning or stinging remain particularly difficult to manage. Current guidelines often underrepresent energy-based devices (EBDs), pigmentary sequelae, psychosocial burden, and ocular comorbidities. Objective: To examine Korean dermatologists’ expert perspectives on rosacea management, focusing on skin sensitivity, neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary changes, psychosocial impact, ocular involvement, and EBD use. Methods: A web-based, 29-item survey was administered to 25 board-certified Korean dermatologists (May–June 2025). Quantitative and qualitative responses were analyzed. Results: Erythematotelangiectatic and papulopustular phenotypes with sensitivity skin predominated. EBDs (pulsed dye laser, intense pulsed light) were frequently used but limited by cost and sensitivity issues. Neurogenic symptoms were recognized but rarely treated with neuromodulators. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was infrequent, yet monitoring was inconsistent.Psychosocial and ocular aspects were acknowledged but seldomly systematically addressed.Respondents expressed interest in emerging adjunctive treatments such as cold plasma, skin boosters, and holistic care approaches. Conclusion Korean dermatologists adopt individualized strategies for rosacea, yet practice gaps remain regarding neurogenic symptoms, pigmentary complications, and psychosocial and ocular comorbidities. Findings support the need for updated multidisciplinary, phenotype-driven guidelines aligned with real-world practice.

Background: We compared the immunoglobulin (IG) heavy chain (IGH) leader and FR1 primer sets to measure clone sizes and detect immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) region somatic hypermutations (SHMs) in Korean patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We also analyzed IGH and immunoglobulin kappa (IGK) to identify Korean-specific IGs in CLL. Methods: Next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based gene rearrangements and IGHV SHMs were assessed in 40 patients using IGH leader, IGH FR1, and IGK primers. Flow cytometry, karyotyping, interphase FISH, and NGS-based variant analyses were performed for 165 genes. Results: Clonal IGH and IGK rearrangements were detected in 100.0% and 97.5% of patients, respectively. Clonal size was generally smaller per NGS than per flow cytometry, particularly when using the IGH leader (median: 52.5%) versus the IGH FR1 primer set (73.2%). IGHV SHMs occurred in approximately 70% of patients; 10% showed primer set discrepancies. The incidence of IGHV SHMs was low in patients at high risk (i.e., with TP53 abnormalities; complex karyotypes; and ATM, NOTCH1, SF3B1, or BIRC3 variants). IGHV3 was the most common IGHV (58.3%), and IGHV4-34 was most frequently identified (14.6%). IGHV1 and IGHV1-69 usage differed significantly between Koreans and westerners. IGHJ4 was the most common IGHJ (56.3%). A single IGKV–IGKJ gene rearrangement was most frequently observed (18.9%), whereas intron-KDE was the most common rearrangement (30.6%). Conclusions NGS may underestimate CLL clonal size, particularly when using the IGH leader primer set. IGHV SHMs were inversely associated with negative prognostic factors.Our data suggest ethnic differences in CLL pathogenesis.

Background: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children, with a rising incidence of macrolide resistance. Early diagnosis is crucial for reducing the disease burden; however, current diagnostic tools have limitations.We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of serological assays and their performance based on symptom onset in children with CAP. Methods: From September 2023 to September 2024, we prospectively enrolled children with CAP, classified as M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) or non-MPP, from 16 hospitals in Korea. Serological testing included chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and ELISA for detecting IgM and IgG, along with particle agglutination (PA) for total antibody measurements. Serological responses were analyzed at different times after symptom onset (0–4, 5–9, and 10–21 days). Results: Among 472 children with CAP (362 MPP, 110 non-MPP), 138 (29.2%) underwent PA testing, and 334 (70.8%) underwent IgM testing. PA at a 1:640 cutoff showed 48.0% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CLIA and ELISA showed comparable sensitivities (69.1% vs. 69.2%) and specificities (76.9% vs. 66.7%) for IgM testing. Seropositivity increased significantly with time since symptom onset (P for trend < 0.001), reaching 97.9% for IgM, 62.5% for IgG, and 94.7% for PA at 10–21 days. Conclusions The time post-symptom onset significantly influenced the diagnostic utility of serological tests for pediatric MPP, which showed limited value during the early stage of illness. These findings emphasize the importance of symptom onset-based interpretation of serological test results and their utility in complementing PCR when optimizing MPP diagnosis in children.

Background: Cancer cell line-derived feeder cells enhance natural killer (NK) cell expansion; however, concerns regarding viable residual feeder cells in the final product limit their use. Evidence supporting the safety of NK-sensitive K562-based feeders, even when irradiated, is scarce. We optimized an NK cell expansion protocol using genetically engineered K562-mbIL-18/-21 (GE-K562) feeder cells and clinical-grade media and confirmed the absence of residual feeder cells. Methods: NK cell expansion efficiency was compared between feeder-free and feederbased systems using CTS NK-Xpander Medium. To achieve optimal NK expansion, various peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-to-feeder ratios and re-stimulation frequencies were tested over 21 days. Flow cytometry and BCR::ABL1 quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to confirm the absence of feeder cells in the final NK cell product. Results: Feeder-based systems showed superior NK cell fold expansion compared with that of feeder-free systems. Among feeder-based conditions, NK cells expanded 5,224-fold at a 2:1 PBMC-to-feeder ratio after 3 weeks, relative to 1,450-fold at a 6:1 ratio (P < 0.05).Re-stimulation on days 7 and 14 further increased expansion up to 261,457-fold. Irradiated feeder cells showed no proliferation and were eliminated within 3–6 days. On day 21, flow cytometry and BCR::ABL1 RT-qPCR results confirmed the absence of residual feeder cells. Conclusions Our optimized NK cell expansion protocol using irradiated GE-K562 feeder cells and clinical-grade media offers a safe and scalable approach to generating large numbers of NK cells, supporting its potential use in clinical immunotherapy applications.

Natural killer (NK) cells play critical roles in immune surveillance and homeostasis maintenance through cytotoxicity and cytokine release. The ability of NK cells to eliminate target cells without the need for prior antigen recognition or antibody involvement has drawn considerable attention for translational and clinical applications. As clinical applications continue to broaden, interest in NK cell assays has been growing markedly. This review provides an in-depth discussion of current clinical applications of NK cell assays, including NK cell phenotype, frequency, and functional activity assessments. This review further highlights the diagnostic potential of these assays in terms of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and potential NK cell biomarker candidates in diverse pathological contexts, such as cancer, infection, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases. By integrating clinical insights with technological advancements, NK cell assays can serve as valuable tools for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring.

Purpose: We aimed to compare the final adult height (FAH) of male patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) after treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa). Specifically, we compared FAH with the target height (TH) and the predicted adult height (PAH) before and after GnRHa treatment to quantify height gain and identify predictive factors. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 92 male patients with CPP and known FAH after GnRHa treatment at the Department of Pediatrics of Severance Children’s Hospital between January 2000 and June 2024. Results: The mean duration of GnRHa treatment was 2.7±1.3 years. A significant 1.1±0.9 years narrowing was observed in the difference between bone age (BA) and chronological age (CA) during treatment (P<0.001). TH was 172.4±3.4 cm. FAH was 173.6±6.4 cm. FAH was greater than TH by 1.2±5.9 cm (P=0.047). PAH before and after treatment was 179.9±8.1 and 181.2±7.4 cm, respectively. PAH was increased by 1.3±4.9 cm (P=0.012) after treatment. As the PAH standard deviation score (SDS) before GnRHa treatment increased, FAH tended to exceed TH. In contrast, higher testosterone levels before treatment are associated with FAH falling below TH. A longer duration of treatment and taller TH are associated with an FAH SDS greater than height SDS before treatment. Conversely, a greater weight SDS, BA–CA difference, and testis size before treatment are associated with FAH SDS being less than height SDS before GnRHa treatment. Conclusion GnRHa treatment improved FAH and inhibited bone maturation in male patients with CPP.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic anti-reflux therapy is a therapeutic option for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), providing durable effects. However, clinical data from Korea remain limited. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of endoscopic radiofrequency Stretta therapy in Korean patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 71 patients with GERD who underwent Stretta therapy at 2 tertiary hospitals in Korea between November 2015 and July 2021. Clinical outcomes, including patient satisfaction, medication cessation or reduction, and complications, were evaluated. Pre- and post-procedural esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH monitoring test results were also analyzed. Results: Patient satisfaction rates at 1, 6, and 12 months post-procedure were 54.7% (35/64), 70.0% (28/40), and 75.0% (21/28), respectively. Medication cessation or reduction was achieved in 31.2% (20/64) at 1 month, 70.0% (28/40) at 6 months, and 67.9% (19/28) at 12 months. Esophageal manometry (n = 21) showed no significant changes in mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure (18.7 mmHg [2.5-52.9] vs 17.4 mmHg [0.0-43.0], P = 0.702) or mean integrated relaxation pressure (8.2 mmHg [0.0-28.0] vs 10.1 mmHg [0.0-31.0], P = 0.840). The 24-hour pH monitoring (n = 18) demonstrated a nonsignificant decrease in acid exposure time (pH < 4) from 2.3% (0.0-8.4) to 1.6% (0.0-7.3) (P = 0.182). Similarly, the DeMeester score decreased non-significantly from 8.4 (0.8-27.7) to 6.6 (0.8-21.8) (P = 0.352). No procedure-related complications occurred. Conclusion Endoscopic radiofrequency Stretta therapy appears to be a safe treatment option for GERD and may provide favorable patient satisfaction and medication reduction.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietary supplement use is common among breast cancer survivors, but studies on Asian populations remain limited. This study investigated dietary supplement use among Korean breast cancer survivors, distinguishing between vitamin/ mineral (VM) and non-vitaminon-mineral (NVNM) supplements. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,136 stage I–III breast cancer survivors from 12 Korean hospitals, who survived more than 6 mon post-surgery. The participants completed a questionnaire on post-diagnostic dietary supplement use. Stepwise logistic regression was applied, calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify the demographic and clinical factors associated with VM and NVNM use. RESULTS: Seventy percent of survivors reported supplement use, with 25% using a single product. The most common VM supplements were multivitamins/minerals, vitamin D, and vitamin C, while the most common NVNM supplements included omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and ginseng. Survivors with higher education and greater physical activity were more likely to use VM supplements (ORs [95% CIs], 2.74 [1.76–4.25] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.38 [1.02–1.88] for the most active group vs. the least active group). NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity levels, and a history of smoking (ORs [95% CIs], 2.29 [1.46–3.58] for college graduates or above vs. middle school or below; 1.52 [1.13–2.06] for the most active group vs. the least active group; 2.00 [1.23–3.25] for ever smokers vs. never smokers). Survivors who had undergone chemotherapy were also more likely to use NVNM supplements than those who had not (OR [95% CI], 1.37 [1.02–1.84]). CONCLUSION Seventy percent of Korean breast cancer survivors used dietary supplements in this study. VM use was associated with higher education and physical activity, while higher NVNM use was associated with higher education, greater physical activity, a history of smoking, and chemotherapy.

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs), a diverse group of mesenchymal malignancies, are characterized primarily by copy-number alterations rather than a high tumor mutation burden. In this study, we sought to identify expression-based biomarkers in complex karyotype STS (CKS) with CDK4-amplification to support improved therapeutic strategies. Using transcriptome data from National Cancer Center (NCC)-CKS samples, we selected genes whose expression levels were more than two-fold higher or less than half in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. These genes were further filtered by CDK4-amplification status, resulting in 30 candidates, which were refined to 14 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) based on false discovery rate (FDR) significance. Bioinformatics analyses revealed enriched pathways and gene–gene networks related to redox regulation and growth-factor–driven signal transduction, indicating metabolic alterations that may promote tumor survival in CDK4-amplified CKS. A subset of the 14 genes demonstrated prognostic significance in CDK4-amplified patients from the TCGA cohort. Additionally, immune cell marker analysis showed associations between CDK4-amplification and innate immune cell signatures. Together, our findings identify promising therapeutic and prognostic targets linked to CDK4-amplification in CKS. These biomarkers warrant further investigation and may ultimately contribute to improved clinical outcomes for patients with CKS.