1.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.
2.Human induced pluripotent stem cell-cardiomyocytes for cardiotoxicity assessment: a comparative study of arrhythmiainducing drugs with multi-electrode array analysis
Na Kyeong PARK ; Yun-Gwi PARK ; Ji-Hee CHOI ; Hyung Kyu CHOI ; Sung-Hwan MOON ; Soon-Jung PARK ; Seong Woo CHOI
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(2):257-269
Reliable preclinical models for assessing drug-induced cardiotoxicity are essential to reduce the high rate of drug withdrawals during development. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have emerged as a promising platform for such assessments due to their expression of cardiacspecific ion channels and electrophysiological properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of eight arrhythmogenic drugs—E4031, nifedipine, mexiletine, JNJ303, flecainide, moxifloxacin, quinidine, and ranolazine—on hiPSC-CMs derived from both healthy individuals and a long QT syndrome (LQTS) patient using multielectrode array systems. The results demonstrated dose-dependent changes in field potential duration and arrhythmogenic risk, with LQTS-derived hiPSC-CMs showing increased sensitivity to hERG channel blockers such as E4031. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential of hiPSC-CMs to model disease-specific cardiac responses, providing insights into genetic predispositions and personalized drug responses.Despite challenges related to the immaturity of hiPSC-CMs, their ability to recapitulate human cardiac electrophysiology makes them a valuable tool for preclinical cardiotoxicity assessments. This study underscores the utility of integrating patientderived hiPSC-CMs with advanced analytical platforms, such as multi-electrode array systems, to evaluate drug-induced electrophysiological changes. These findings reinforce the role of hiPSC-CMs in drug development, facilitating safer and more efficient screening methods while supporting precision medicine applications.
3.First report of iron-overload myopathy due to secondary hemochromatosis in a dog
Jae-Hyuk YIM ; Tae-Un KIM ; Woo Jun KIM ; Seulgi BAE ; Sungho YUN ; Su-Min BAEK ; Jin-Kyu PARK
Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;26(1):e3-
and Relevance: Severe necrosis and mild fibrosis were observed in the liver and forelimb skeletal muscles. Based on histological analysis, we diagnosed iron overload myopathy by secondary hemochromatosis. Secondary hemochromatosis with severe muscle atrophy and myositis is very rare, and this is the first report of iron-overload myopathy in a dog.
4.Outcomes of Deferring Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Without Physiologic Assessment for Intermediate Coronary Lesions
Jihoon KIM ; Seong-Hoon LIM ; Joo-Yong HAHN ; Jin-Ok JEONG ; Yong Hwan PARK ; Woo Jung CHUN ; Ju Hyeon OH ; Dae Kyoung CHO ; Yu Jeong CHOI ; Eul-Soon IM ; Kyung-Heon WON ; Sung Yun LEE ; Sang-Wook KIM ; Ki Hong CHOI ; Joo Myung LEE ; Taek Kyu PARK ; Jeong Hoon YANG ; Young Bin SONG ; Seung-Hyuk CHOI ; Hyeon-Cheol GWON
Korean Circulation Journal 2025;55(3):185-195
Background and Objectives:
Outcomes of deferring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without invasive physiologic assessment for intermediate coronary lesions is uncertain.We sought to compare long-term outcomes between medical treatment and PCI of intermediate lesions without invasive physiologic assessment.
Methods:
A total of 899 patients with intermediate coronary lesions between 50% and 70% diameter-stenosis were randomized to the conservative group (n=449) or the aggressive group (n=450). For intermediate lesions, PCI was performed in the aggressive group, but was deferred in the conservative group. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE, a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction [MI], or ischemia-driven any revascularization) at 3 years.
Results:
The number of treated lesions per patient was 0.8±0.9 in the conservative group and 1.7±0.9 in the aggressive group (p=0.001). At 3 years, the conservative group had a significantly higher incidence of MACE than the aggressive group (13.8% vs. 9.3%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–2.21; p=0.049), mainly driven by revascularization of target intermediate lesion (6.5% vs. 1.1%; HR, 5.69; 95% CI, 2.20–14.73;p<0.001). Between 1 and 3 years after the index procedure, compared to the aggressive group, the conservative group had significantly higher incidence of cardiac death or MI (3.2% vs.0.7%; HR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.24–15.22; p=0.022) and ischemia-driven any revascularization.
Conclusions
For intermediate lesions, medical therapy alone, guided only by angiography, was associated with a higher risk of MACE at 3 years compared with performing PCI, mainly due to increased revascularization.
5.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment Outcome Evaluation: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Oak-Sung CHOO ; Jung Mee PARK ; Euyhyun PARK ; Jiwon CHANG ; Min Young LEE ; Ho Yun LEE ; In Seok MOON ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; Hyun Joon SHIM ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Hyun SEO
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(7):e93-
Background:
Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context.
Methods:
A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels.
Results:
Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities.
Conclusion
This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.
6.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Treatment: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Junhui JEONG ; Ho Yun LEE ; Oak-Sung CHOO ; Hantai KIM ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Jae-Hyun SEO ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; In Seok MOON ; Hyun Joon SHIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e75-
Background:
Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various mechanisms of action. Although treatment methods vary according to these mechanisms, standardized guidelines would benefit both patients and clinicians. We conducted a Delphi study, a method that collects expert opinions through multiple rounds of questionnaires, to reach a consensus on tinnitus treatment with professional experts.
Methods:
A two-round modified Delphi survey was conducted to develop a clinical consensus on tinnitus treatment. The experts scored each statement on a scale of 1 (highest disagreement) to 9 (highest agreement) for their level of agreement on tinnitus treatment.Consensus was defined when 75% or more of the participants scored 7–9, and 15% or less scored 1–3. To ensure reliability of the responses, the content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were evaluated.
Results:
Approximately 19 of 31 statements reached a consensus. All 3 statements reached a consensus regarding the candidates for treatment. Regarding treatment, 3 of 8 statements on medication, 2 of 2 statements on tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and 5 of 7 statements on auditory rehabilitation reached a positive consensus. Although all 6 statements regarding miscellaneous treatment reached a consensus, most were negatively agreed. For treatment with neuromodulation, none of the 5 statements reached a consensus.
Conclusion
The experts reached a high level of consensus on treatment candidates, tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and auditory rehabilitation in this modified Delphi study. The results of this study can provide beneficial and practical information for clinicians regarding the treatment of tinnitus.
7.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Assessment and Treatment Outcome Evaluation: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Oak-Sung CHOO ; Jung Mee PARK ; Euyhyun PARK ; Jiwon CHANG ; Min Young LEE ; Ho Yun LEE ; In Seok MOON ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; Hyun Joon SHIM ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Hyun SEO
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(7):e93-
Background:
Tinnitus is a multifactorial condition with no universally accepted assessment guidelines. The Korean Tinnitus Study Group previously established consensus statements on the definition, classification, and diagnostic tests for tinnitus. As a continuation of this effort, this study aims to establish expert consensus on tinnitus assessment and treatment outcome evaluation, specifically tailored to the Korean clinical context.
Methods:
A modified Delphi method involving 26 otology experts from across Korea was used. A two-round Delphi survey was conducted to evaluate statements related to tinnitus assessment before and after treatment. Statements were rated on a scale of 1 to 9 for the level of agreement. Consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement (score of 7–9) and ≤ 15% disagreement (score of 1–3). Statistical measures such as content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) were calculated to assess agreement levels.
Results:
Of the 46 assessment-related statements, 17 (37%) reached consensus, though overall pre-treatment assessments showed weak agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.319). Key areas of agreement included the use of the visual analogue scale, numeric rating scale, and validated questionnaires for pre-treatment evaluation. Five statements, such as the use of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography for diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus, achieved over 90% agreement. For treatment outcome measurements, 8 of 12 statements (67%) reached a consensus, with moderate agreement (Kendall’s W = 0.513). Validated questionnaires and psychoacoustic tests were recommended for evaluating treatment effects within 12 weeks. While standardized imaging for pulsatile tinnitus and additional clinical tests were strongly recommended, full consensus was not achieved across all imaging modalities.
Conclusion
This study provides actionable recommendations for tinnitus assessment and treatment evaluation, emphasizing the use of standardized tools and individualized approaches based on patient needs. These findings offer a practical framework to enhance consistency and effectiveness in tinnitus management within Korean clinical settings.
8.Consensus Statements on Tinnitus Treatment: A Delphi Study by the Korean Tinnitus Study Group
Junhui JEONG ; Ho Yun LEE ; Oak-Sung CHOO ; Hantai KIM ; Kyu-Yup LEE ; Jae-Jin SONG ; Jae-Hyun SEO ; Yoon Chan RAH ; Jae-Jun SONG ; Eui-Cheol NAM ; Shi Nae PARK ; In Seok MOON ; Hyun Joon SHIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e75-
Background:
Tinnitus is a bothersome condition associated with various mechanisms of action. Although treatment methods vary according to these mechanisms, standardized guidelines would benefit both patients and clinicians. We conducted a Delphi study, a method that collects expert opinions through multiple rounds of questionnaires, to reach a consensus on tinnitus treatment with professional experts.
Methods:
A two-round modified Delphi survey was conducted to develop a clinical consensus on tinnitus treatment. The experts scored each statement on a scale of 1 (highest disagreement) to 9 (highest agreement) for their level of agreement on tinnitus treatment.Consensus was defined when 75% or more of the participants scored 7–9, and 15% or less scored 1–3. To ensure reliability of the responses, the content validity ratio and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance were evaluated.
Results:
Approximately 19 of 31 statements reached a consensus. All 3 statements reached a consensus regarding the candidates for treatment. Regarding treatment, 3 of 8 statements on medication, 2 of 2 statements on tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and 5 of 7 statements on auditory rehabilitation reached a positive consensus. Although all 6 statements regarding miscellaneous treatment reached a consensus, most were negatively agreed. For treatment with neuromodulation, none of the 5 statements reached a consensus.
Conclusion
The experts reached a high level of consensus on treatment candidates, tinnitus retraining therapy/cognitive behavioral therapy, and auditory rehabilitation in this modified Delphi study. The results of this study can provide beneficial and practical information for clinicians regarding the treatment of tinnitus.
9.Tanshinone, a Natural NADPH Oxidase Inhibitor, Mitigates Testosterone-Induced Hair Loss
Yeo Kyu HUR ; Jin Yeong CHAE ; Min Hye CHOI ; Kkotnara PARK ; Da-Woon BAE ; Soo-Bong PARK ; Sun-Shin CHA ; Hye Eun LEE ; In Hye LEE ; Yun Soo BAE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):210-220
Previous studies have shown that testosterone activates the GPRC6A-Duox1 axis, resulting in the production of H 2O 2 which leads to the apoptosis of keratinocytes and ultimately hair loss. Here, we elucidated a molecular mechanism by which the non-genomic action of testosterone regulates cellular redox status in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Building upon this molecular understanding, we conducted a high-throughput screening assay of Nox inhibitors from a natural compounds library. This screening identified diterpenoid compounds, specifically Tanshinone I, Tanshinone IIA, Tanshinone IIB, and Cryptotanshinone, derived from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. The IC50 values for Nox isozymes were found to be 2.6-12.9 μM for Tanshinone I, 1.9-7.2 μM for Tanshinone IIA, 5.2-11.9 μM for Tanshinone IIB, and 2.1-7.9 μM for Cryptotanshinone. Furthermore, 3D computational docking analysis confirmed the structural basis by which Tanshinone compounds inhibit Nox activity. These compounds were observed to substitute for NADPH at the π-π bond site between NADPH and FAD, leading to the suppression of Nox activity. Notably, Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA effectively inhibited Nox activity heightened by testosterone, consequently reducing the production of intracellular H2O2 and preventing cell apoptosis. In an animal study involving the application of testosterone to the back skin of 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice to inhibit hair growth, subsequent treatment with Tanshinone I or Tanshinone IIA alongside testosterone resulted in a substantial increase in hair follicle length compared to testosterone treatment alone. These findings underscore the potential efficacy of Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA as therapeutic agents for AGA by inhibiting Nox activity.
10.Prediction of Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Korea, 2025
Kyu-Won JUNG ; Mee Joo KANG ; Eun Hye PARK ; E Hwa YUN ; Hye-Jin KIM ; Jeong-Eun KIM ; Hyun-Joo KONG ; Kui Son CHOI ; Han-Kwang YANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(2):331-338
Purpose:
This study aimed to project cancer incidence and mortality for 2025 to estimate Korea’s current cancer burden.
Materials and Methods:
Cancer incidence data from 1999 to 2022 were obtained from the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database, while cancer mortality data from 1993 to 2023 were acquired from Statistics Korea. Cancer incidence and mortality were projected by fitting a linear regression model to observed age-specific cancer rates against their respective years and then by multiplying the projected age-specific rates by the anticipated age-specific population for 2025. A joinpoint regression model was applied to identify significant changes in trends, using only the most recent trend data for predictions.
Results:
A total of 304,754 new cancer cases and 84,019 cancer deaths are expected in Korea in 2025. The most commonly diagnosed cancer is projected to be thyroid cancer, followed by the colorectal, lung, breast, prostate and stomach cancers. These six cancers are expected to account for 63.8% of the total cancer burden. Lung cancer is expected to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, followed by liver, colorectal, pancreatic, stomach, and gallbladder cancers, together comprising 66.6% of total cancer deaths.
Conclusion
The increasing incidence of female breast cancer and the rise in prostate and pancreatic cancers are expected to continue. As aging accelerates, cancer commonly found in older adults are projected to rise significantly.

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