1.Influence of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell-Enhanced Acellular Dermal Matrix on Capsule Formation in Rat Models
Hyun Su KANG ; Myeong Jae KANG ; Hyun Ki HONG ; Jeong Yeop RYU ; Joon Seok LEE ; Kang Young CHOI ; Ho Yun CHUNG ; Ho Yong PARK ; Jung Dug YANG
Journal of Wound Management and Research 2025;21(1):1-9
Background:
The use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) in breast reconstruction can inhibit capsular contracture, increasing the success rate of surgery. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) can effectively suppress foreign body reaction, which is a major cause of capsular contracture. This study aimed to elucidate the synergistic effects of combining ADSCs with ADM on capsule formation, utilizing a rat model.
Methods:
The study utilized 12 rats, equally divided into two experimental groups. Group A received silicone implants covered with ADM, while Group B was implanted with silicone prostheses wrapped in ADM, pre-seeded with ADSCs. Capsule formation was assessed through visual examination, histological analysis, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at 4 and 8 weeks post-implantation.
Results:
At 4 weeks, the mean capsular thickness was 177.16 μm in Group A and 170.76 μm in Group B; at 8 weeks, it was 196.69 μm in Group A and 176.10 μm in Group B. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in capsule thickness between the groups (P>0.05). Histological findings indicated that Group A had more inflammatory cells and collagen fibers and reduced angiogenesis. RT-PCR showed that angiogenesis-promoting gene expression in Group B was 14% higher at 4 weeks and 156% higher at 8 weeks compared to Group A.
Conclusion
Although no statistically significant reduction in capsule thickness was observed, ADSC-seeded implants showed histological features associated with reduced inflammation and enhanced angiogenesis, suggesting potential benefits in capsule formation management.
2.Clinical Practice Guidelines for Dementia: Recommendations for Cholinesterase Inhibitors and Memantine
Yeshin KIM ; Dong Woo KANG ; Geon Ha KIM ; Ko Woon KIM ; Hee-Jin KIM ; Seunghee NA ; Kee Hyung PARK ; Young Ho PARK ; Gihwan BYEON ; Jeewon SUH ; Joon Hyun SHIN ; YongSoo SHIM ; YoungSoon YANG ; Yoo Hyun UM ; Seong-il OH ; Sheng-Min WANG ; Bora YOON ; Sun Min LEE ; Juyoun LEE ; Jin San LEE ; Jae-Sung LIM ; Young Hee JUNG ; Juhee CHIN ; Hyemin JANG ; Miyoung CHOI ; Yun Jeong HONG ; Hak Young RHEE ; Jae-Won JANG ;
Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders 2025;24(1):1-23
Background:
and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia.
Methods:
Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.
Results:
Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects.
Conclusions
This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.
3.Prospective Evaluation of Accelerated Brain MRI Using Deep Learning-Based Reconstruction: Simultaneous Application to 2D Spin-Echo and 3D Gradient-Echo Sequences
Kyu Sung CHOI ; Chanrim PARK ; Ji Ye LEE ; Kyung Hoon LEE ; Young Hun JEON ; Inpyeong HWANG ; Roh Eul YOO ; Tae Jin YUN ; Mi Ji LEE ; Keun-Hwa JUNG ; Koung Mi KANG
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(1):54-64
Objective:
To prospectively evaluate the effect of accelerated deep learning-based reconstruction (Accel-DL) on improving brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quality and reducing scan time compared to that in conventional MRI.
Materials and Methods:
This study included 150 participants (51 male; mean age 57.3 ± 16.2 years). Each group of 50 participants was scanned using one of three 3T scanners from three different vendors. Conventional and Accel-DL MRI images were obtained from each participant and compared using 2D T1- and T2-weighted and 3D gradient-echo sequences. Accel-DL acquisition was achieved using optimized scan parameters to reduce the scan time, with the acquired images reconstructed using U-Net-based software to transform low-quality, undersampled k-space data into high-quality images. The scan times of Accel-DL and conventional MRI methods were compared. Four neuroradiologists assessed the overall image quality, structural delineation, and artifacts using Likert scale (5- and 3-point scales). Inter-reader agreement was assessed using Fleiss’ kappa coefficient. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated, and volumetric quantification of regional structures and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) was performed.
Results:
Accel-DL showed a mean scan time reduction of 39.4% (range, 24.2%–51.3%). Accel-DL improved overall image quality (3.78 ± 0.71 vs. 3.36 ± 0.61, P < 0.001), structure delineation (2.47 ± 0.61 vs. 2.35 ± 0.62, P < 0.001), and artifacts (3.73 ± 0.72 vs. 3.71 ± 0.69, P = 0.016). Inter-reader agreement was fair to substantial (κ = 0.34–0.50). SNR and CNR increased in Accel-DL (82.0 ± 23.1 vs. 31.4 ± 10.8, P = 0.02; 12.4 ± 4.1 vs. 4.4 ± 11.2, P = 0.02). Bland-Altman plots revealed no significant differences in the volumetric measurements of 98.2% of the relevant regions, except in the deep gray matter, including the thalamus. Five of the six lesion categories showed no significant differences in WMH segmentation, except for leukocortical lesions (r = 0.64 ± 0.29).
Conclusion
Accel-DL substantially reduced the scan time and improved the quality of brain MRI in both spin-echo and gradientecho sequences without compromising volumetry, including lesion quantification.
4.The Effect of Postnatal Systemic Corticosteroid on Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants
Joo Yun YANG ; Young Min YOUN ; Jung In KANG ; Ye Jin HAN ; Do Kyung LEE ; Hyun Kyung BAE ; So-Yeon SHIM
Neonatal Medicine 2025;32(1):10-20
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of postnatal systemic corticosteroids on neurodevelopment in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants.
Methods:
This was a population-based study of the Korean Neonatal Network of VLBW infant born at 23+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2020. VLBW preterm infants assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (BSID-III) at 18–24 months of corrected age and 3 years of age were enrolled. The primary outcomes were BSID-III scores and neurodevelopmental delays, with scores of <85. Socioeconomic status and clinical variables were adjusted for using multivariate regression analyses.
Results:
In total, 517 infants were enrolled in this study. Among the 216 (41.8%) infants who received postnatal systemic corticosteroids, the rate of cognitive delay was significantly higher at 18–24 months of corrected age than at 3 years of age. The rates of language and motor delays were significantly higher both at 18–24 months of corrected age and at 3 years of age. When multivariate logistic regression was performed, postnatal systemic corticosteroid use was significantly associated with cognitive delay at 18–24 months of corrected age, but not at 3 years of age. There was no significant association between postnatal systemic corticosteroid use and language or motor delay at 18-24 months of corrected age or at 3 years of age after multivariate logistic regression.
Conclusion
Postnatal systemic corticosteroid use in VLBW preterm infants increased the risk of cognitive delay at 18–24 months of corrected age, but not at 3 years.
5.Clinical Characteristics of Apnea in Full-Term Infants: Compared to Late Preterm Infants
Youngmin YOUN ; Joo Yun YANG ; Jung In KANG ; Yejin HAN ; Dokyung LEE ; So-Yeon SHIM
Perinatology 2025;36(1):26-31
Objective:
Apnea in newborns is defined as a respiratory pause of 20 seconds or longer, or apnea accompanied by bradycardia or cyanosis. To date, research on neonatal apnea has focused on premature infants born within 34 weeks of gestation. The aim of this study is to present clinical significance of apnea in full-term infants compared with late premature infants born over 34 weeks of gestation.
Methods:
In a retrospective study, we reviewed medical records of neonates born over 34 weeks of gestation hospitalized for apnea and their mothers from November 2020 to May 2024. A total of 124 neonates were collected and divided into full-term infants (n=54) and late preterm infants (n=70) groups.
Results:
The mean gestational age of full-term and late preterm infants was 38 +5 weeks and 35 +2weeks, and the mean birth weight was 3.16 kg and 2.14 kg. Apnea was associated with diseases in 44.4% of full-term infants and 38.6% of late preterm infants. The rates of multiple births, small for gestational age, and cesarean section deliveries were significantly higher in late preterm infants.Apnea occurred significantly earlier and recovered faster in full-term infants. Neurologic disease was significantly more occurred in full-term infants (P=0.021). Especially, cerebral infarction and seizure were diagnosed only in full-term infants.
Conclusion
Apnea occurred earlier in full-term infants and severe neurologic diseases were significantly more found in full-term infants compared with late preterm infants. A close examination is needed in full-term infants with apnea.
6.Clinical Characteristics of Apnea in Full-Term Infants: Compared to Late Preterm Infants
Youngmin YOUN ; Joo Yun YANG ; Jung In KANG ; Yejin HAN ; Dokyung LEE ; So-Yeon SHIM
Perinatology 2025;36(1):26-31
Objective:
Apnea in newborns is defined as a respiratory pause of 20 seconds or longer, or apnea accompanied by bradycardia or cyanosis. To date, research on neonatal apnea has focused on premature infants born within 34 weeks of gestation. The aim of this study is to present clinical significance of apnea in full-term infants compared with late premature infants born over 34 weeks of gestation.
Methods:
In a retrospective study, we reviewed medical records of neonates born over 34 weeks of gestation hospitalized for apnea and their mothers from November 2020 to May 2024. A total of 124 neonates were collected and divided into full-term infants (n=54) and late preterm infants (n=70) groups.
Results:
The mean gestational age of full-term and late preterm infants was 38 +5 weeks and 35 +2weeks, and the mean birth weight was 3.16 kg and 2.14 kg. Apnea was associated with diseases in 44.4% of full-term infants and 38.6% of late preterm infants. The rates of multiple births, small for gestational age, and cesarean section deliveries were significantly higher in late preterm infants.Apnea occurred significantly earlier and recovered faster in full-term infants. Neurologic disease was significantly more occurred in full-term infants (P=0.021). Especially, cerebral infarction and seizure were diagnosed only in full-term infants.
Conclusion
Apnea occurred earlier in full-term infants and severe neurologic diseases were significantly more found in full-term infants compared with late preterm infants. A close examination is needed in full-term infants with apnea.
7.Fine particulate matter induces osteoclast-mediated bone loss in mice
Hye Young MUN ; Septika PRISMASARI ; Jeong Hee HONG ; Hana LEE ; Doyong KIM ; Han Sung KIM ; Dong Min SHIN ; Jung Yun KANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):9-19
Fine particulate matter (FPM) is a major component of air pollution and has emerged as a significant global health concern owing to its adverse health effects. Previous studies have investigated the correlation between bone health and FPM through cohort or review studies. However, the effects of FPM exposure on bone health are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FPM on bone health and elucidate these effects in vitro and in vivo using mice. Micro-CT analysis in vivo revealed FPM exposure decreased bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume/total volume ratio, and trabecular number in the femurs of mice, while increasing trabecular separation. Histological analysis showed that the FPM-treated group had a reduced trabecular area and an increased number of osteoclasts in the bone tissue. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that low concentrations of FPM significantly enhanced osteoclast differentiation. These findings further support the notion that short-term FPM exposure negatively impacts bone health, providing a foundation for further research on this topic.
8.Prospective Evaluation of Accelerated Brain MRI Using Deep Learning-Based Reconstruction: Simultaneous Application to 2D Spin-Echo and 3D Gradient-Echo Sequences
Kyu Sung CHOI ; Chanrim PARK ; Ji Ye LEE ; Kyung Hoon LEE ; Young Hun JEON ; Inpyeong HWANG ; Roh Eul YOO ; Tae Jin YUN ; Mi Ji LEE ; Keun-Hwa JUNG ; Koung Mi KANG
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(1):54-64
Objective:
To prospectively evaluate the effect of accelerated deep learning-based reconstruction (Accel-DL) on improving brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quality and reducing scan time compared to that in conventional MRI.
Materials and Methods:
This study included 150 participants (51 male; mean age 57.3 ± 16.2 years). Each group of 50 participants was scanned using one of three 3T scanners from three different vendors. Conventional and Accel-DL MRI images were obtained from each participant and compared using 2D T1- and T2-weighted and 3D gradient-echo sequences. Accel-DL acquisition was achieved using optimized scan parameters to reduce the scan time, with the acquired images reconstructed using U-Net-based software to transform low-quality, undersampled k-space data into high-quality images. The scan times of Accel-DL and conventional MRI methods were compared. Four neuroradiologists assessed the overall image quality, structural delineation, and artifacts using Likert scale (5- and 3-point scales). Inter-reader agreement was assessed using Fleiss’ kappa coefficient. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated, and volumetric quantification of regional structures and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) was performed.
Results:
Accel-DL showed a mean scan time reduction of 39.4% (range, 24.2%–51.3%). Accel-DL improved overall image quality (3.78 ± 0.71 vs. 3.36 ± 0.61, P < 0.001), structure delineation (2.47 ± 0.61 vs. 2.35 ± 0.62, P < 0.001), and artifacts (3.73 ± 0.72 vs. 3.71 ± 0.69, P = 0.016). Inter-reader agreement was fair to substantial (κ = 0.34–0.50). SNR and CNR increased in Accel-DL (82.0 ± 23.1 vs. 31.4 ± 10.8, P = 0.02; 12.4 ± 4.1 vs. 4.4 ± 11.2, P = 0.02). Bland-Altman plots revealed no significant differences in the volumetric measurements of 98.2% of the relevant regions, except in the deep gray matter, including the thalamus. Five of the six lesion categories showed no significant differences in WMH segmentation, except for leukocortical lesions (r = 0.64 ± 0.29).
Conclusion
Accel-DL substantially reduced the scan time and improved the quality of brain MRI in both spin-echo and gradientecho sequences without compromising volumetry, including lesion quantification.
9.The Effect of Postnatal Systemic Corticosteroid on Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants
Joo Yun YANG ; Young Min YOUN ; Jung In KANG ; Ye Jin HAN ; Do Kyung LEE ; Hyun Kyung BAE ; So-Yeon SHIM
Neonatal Medicine 2025;32(1):10-20
Purpose:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of postnatal systemic corticosteroids on neurodevelopment in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants.
Methods:
This was a population-based study of the Korean Neonatal Network of VLBW infant born at 23+0 and 31+6 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2020. VLBW preterm infants assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (BSID-III) at 18–24 months of corrected age and 3 years of age were enrolled. The primary outcomes were BSID-III scores and neurodevelopmental delays, with scores of <85. Socioeconomic status and clinical variables were adjusted for using multivariate regression analyses.
Results:
In total, 517 infants were enrolled in this study. Among the 216 (41.8%) infants who received postnatal systemic corticosteroids, the rate of cognitive delay was significantly higher at 18–24 months of corrected age than at 3 years of age. The rates of language and motor delays were significantly higher both at 18–24 months of corrected age and at 3 years of age. When multivariate logistic regression was performed, postnatal systemic corticosteroid use was significantly associated with cognitive delay at 18–24 months of corrected age, but not at 3 years of age. There was no significant association between postnatal systemic corticosteroid use and language or motor delay at 18-24 months of corrected age or at 3 years of age after multivariate logistic regression.
Conclusion
Postnatal systemic corticosteroid use in VLBW preterm infants increased the risk of cognitive delay at 18–24 months of corrected age, but not at 3 years.
10.Fine particulate matter induces osteoclast-mediated bone loss in mice
Hye Young MUN ; Septika PRISMASARI ; Jeong Hee HONG ; Hana LEE ; Doyong KIM ; Han Sung KIM ; Dong Min SHIN ; Jung Yun KANG
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):9-19
Fine particulate matter (FPM) is a major component of air pollution and has emerged as a significant global health concern owing to its adverse health effects. Previous studies have investigated the correlation between bone health and FPM through cohort or review studies. However, the effects of FPM exposure on bone health are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FPM on bone health and elucidate these effects in vitro and in vivo using mice. Micro-CT analysis in vivo revealed FPM exposure decreased bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume/total volume ratio, and trabecular number in the femurs of mice, while increasing trabecular separation. Histological analysis showed that the FPM-treated group had a reduced trabecular area and an increased number of osteoclasts in the bone tissue. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that low concentrations of FPM significantly enhanced osteoclast differentiation. These findings further support the notion that short-term FPM exposure negatively impacts bone health, providing a foundation for further research on this topic.

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