BACKGROUND: Bone defects are commonly encountered due to accidents, diseases, or aging, and the demand for effective bone regeneration, particularly for dental implants, is increasing in our aging society. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for regenerative therapies; however, obtaining sufficient quantities of these cells for clinical applications remains challenging. DW-MSCs, derived from embryonic stem cells and developed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical, exhibit a robust proliferative capacity even after extensive culture. METHODS: This study explores the therapeutic potential of DW-MSCs in various animal models of bone defects. DWMSCs were expanded for over 13 passages for in vivo use in rat and canine models of bone defects and osteomyelitis. The research focused on the in vivo osteogenic differentiation of DW-MSCs, the establishment of a fibrin-based system for bone regeneration, the assessment of bone repair following treatment in animal models, and comparisons with commercially available bone grafts. RESULTS: Results showed that DW-MSCs exhibited superior osteogenic differentiation compared to other materials, and the fibrinization process not only preserved but enhanced their proliferation and differentiation capabilities through a 3D culture effect. In both bone defect models, DW-MSCs facilitated significant bone regeneration, reduced inflammatory responses in osteomyelitis, and achieved effective bone healing. The therapeutic outcomes of DW-MSCs were comparable to those of commercial bone grafts but demonstrated qualitatively superior bone tissue restructuring. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that DW-MSCs offer a promising approach for bone regeneration therapies due to their high efficacy and anti-inflammatory properties.

Endometriosis, a prevalent but debilitating condition affecting women, poses significant challenges in diagnosis and management. The current 2024 guideline, developed by the Korean Society of Endometriosis (KSE), builds upon the 2018 KSE guideline. This guideline aims to provide customized recommendations tailored to Korea’s unique clinical aspects and medical environment, and addresses key areas such as diagnosis, medical and surgical management, considerations for special populations, and its complex relationship with cancer.

As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.

BACKGROUND: Bone defects are commonly encountered due to accidents, diseases, or aging, and the demand for effective bone regeneration, particularly for dental implants, is increasing in our aging society. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for regenerative therapies; however, obtaining sufficient quantities of these cells for clinical applications remains challenging. DW-MSCs, derived from embryonic stem cells and developed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical, exhibit a robust proliferative capacity even after extensive culture. METHODS: This study explores the therapeutic potential of DW-MSCs in various animal models of bone defects. DWMSCs were expanded for over 13 passages for in vivo use in rat and canine models of bone defects and osteomyelitis. The research focused on the in vivo osteogenic differentiation of DW-MSCs, the establishment of a fibrin-based system for bone regeneration, the assessment of bone repair following treatment in animal models, and comparisons with commercially available bone grafts. RESULTS: Results showed that DW-MSCs exhibited superior osteogenic differentiation compared to other materials, and the fibrinization process not only preserved but enhanced their proliferation and differentiation capabilities through a 3D culture effect. In both bone defect models, DW-MSCs facilitated significant bone regeneration, reduced inflammatory responses in osteomyelitis, and achieved effective bone healing. The therapeutic outcomes of DW-MSCs were comparable to those of commercial bone grafts but demonstrated qualitatively superior bone tissue restructuring. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that DW-MSCs offer a promising approach for bone regeneration therapies due to their high efficacy and anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate long-term treatment outcomes in patients with localized gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma treated with radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods: A total of 229 patients who received RT in 10 tertiary hospitals between 2010 and 2019 were included in this multicenter analysis. Response after RT was based on esophagogastroduodenoscopy after RT. Locoregional relapse-free survival (LRFS) and disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Results: After a median follow-up time of 93.2 months, 5-year LRFS, DFS, and OS rates were 92.8%, 90.4%, and 96.1%, respectively. LRFS, DFS, and OS rates at 10 years were 90.3%, 87.7%, and 92.8%, respectively. Of 229 patients, 228 patients (99.6%) achieved complete remission after RT. Five-year LRFS was significantly lower in patients with stage IIE than in those with stage IE (77.4% vs. 94.2%, p=0.047). Patients with age ≥ 60 had significantly lower LRFS than patients with age < 60 (89.3% vs. 95.1%, p=0.003). In the multivariate analysis, old age (≥ 60 years) was a poor prognostic factor for LRFS (hazard ratio, 3.72; confidence interval, 1.38 to 10.03; p=0.009). Grade 2 or higher gastritis was reported in 69 patients (30.1%). Secondary malignancies including gastric adenocarcinoma, malignant lymphoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer were observed in 11 patients (4.8%) after RT. Conclusion Patients treated with RT for localized gastric MALT lymphoma showed favorable 10-year outcomes. Radiation therapy is an effective treatment without an increased risk of secondary cancer. The toxicity for RT to the stomach is not high.

Endometriosis, a prevalent but debilitating condition affecting women, poses significant challenges in diagnosis and management. The current 2024 guideline, developed by the Korean Society of Endometriosis (KSE), builds upon the 2018 KSE guideline. This guideline aims to provide customized recommendations tailored to Korea’s unique clinical aspects and medical environment, and addresses key areas such as diagnosis, medical and surgical management, considerations for special populations, and its complex relationship with cancer.

As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.

BACKGROUND: Bone defects are commonly encountered due to accidents, diseases, or aging, and the demand for effective bone regeneration, particularly for dental implants, is increasing in our aging society. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising candidates for regenerative therapies; however, obtaining sufficient quantities of these cells for clinical applications remains challenging. DW-MSCs, derived from embryonic stem cells and developed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical, exhibit a robust proliferative capacity even after extensive culture. METHODS: This study explores the therapeutic potential of DW-MSCs in various animal models of bone defects. DWMSCs were expanded for over 13 passages for in vivo use in rat and canine models of bone defects and osteomyelitis. The research focused on the in vivo osteogenic differentiation of DW-MSCs, the establishment of a fibrin-based system for bone regeneration, the assessment of bone repair following treatment in animal models, and comparisons with commercially available bone grafts. RESULTS: Results showed that DW-MSCs exhibited superior osteogenic differentiation compared to other materials, and the fibrinization process not only preserved but enhanced their proliferation and differentiation capabilities through a 3D culture effect. In both bone defect models, DW-MSCs facilitated significant bone regeneration, reduced inflammatory responses in osteomyelitis, and achieved effective bone healing. The therapeutic outcomes of DW-MSCs were comparable to those of commercial bone grafts but demonstrated qualitatively superior bone tissue restructuring. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that DW-MSCs offer a promising approach for bone regeneration therapies due to their high efficacy and anti-inflammatory properties.

Endometriosis, a prevalent but debilitating condition affecting women, poses significant challenges in diagnosis and management. The current 2024 guideline, developed by the Korean Society of Endometriosis (KSE), builds upon the 2018 KSE guideline. This guideline aims to provide customized recommendations tailored to Korea’s unique clinical aspects and medical environment, and addresses key areas such as diagnosis, medical and surgical management, considerations for special populations, and its complex relationship with cancer.