The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.

Background: Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), belonging to class IIb of histone deacetylases, regulates theacetylation of the cytoplasmic protein α-tubulin. The overexpression of HDAC6 is linked to the development oftumors, and inhibiting HDAC6 is known to trigger apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells. In addition to its application in cancer treatment, bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor, is widely used in managing multiple myeloma and has shown effectiveness in patients with both newly diagnosed and relapsed disease. However, the treatment regimen may be delayed or discontinued due to the risk of peripheral neuropathy, a significant non-hematologic side effect. Methods: Animal models of peripheral neuropathy induced by various anti-cancer drugs were established, confirming the potential of HDAC6 inhibitors as a treatment for this condition. Six- to eight-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats were utilized to create these models. Mechanical allodynia and electron microscopy served as indicators of peripheral neuropathy. The HDAC6 inhibitor CKD-011 was administered at doses of 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg. Results: In an animal model of bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy, CKD-011, an HDAC6 inhibitor, effectively ameliorated peripheral neuropathy. Similarly, CKD-011 administration demonstrated recovery from peripheral neuropathy in models induced with oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, and cisplatin. Conclusions These findings suggest that HDAC6 inhibitors have the potential to mitigate peripheral neuropathy induced by chemotherapeutic agents.

The 5-hydroxytryptamine type3 (5-HT3 ) receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel, plays a critical role in synaptic transmission. It has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, could inhibit 5-HT3 receptor-mediated currents in NCB20 neuroblastoma cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to study effects of quetiapine on receptor ion channel kinetics and its competitive antagonism. Co-application of quetiapine shifted 5-HT concentration-response curve rightward, significantly increasing the EC50 without altering the maximal response (Emax ), suggesting a competitive inhibition. Quetiapine's IC50 varied with 5-HT concentration and treatment condition. The IC50 value of quetiapine was 0.58 μM with 3μM 5-HT and 25.23 μM with 10 μM 5-HT, indicating an inverse relationship between quetiapine efficacy and agonist concentration. Pretreatment of quetiapine significantly enhanced its inhibitory potency, reducing its IC50 from 25.23 μM to 0.20 μM.Interaction kinetics experiments revealed an IC50 of 5.17 μM for an open state of the 5-HT3 receptor, suggesting weaker affinity during receptor activation. Quetiapine also accelerated receptor deactivation and desensitization, suggesting that it could stabilize the receptor in non-conducting states. Additionally, quetiapine significantly prolonged recovery from desensitization without affecting recovery from deactivation, demonstrating its selective impact on receptor kinetics. Inhibition of the 5-HT3 receptor by quetiapine was voltage-independent, and quetiapine exhibited no usedependency, further supporting its role as a competitive antagonist. These findings provide insights into inhibitory mechanism of quetiapine on 5-HT3 receptor and suggest its potential therapeutic implications for modulating serotonergic pathways in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic drug effective in alleviating positive symptoms of schizophrenia by blocking dopamine receptor 2 (DR2). However, it is also known to produce neuropsychiatric effects by acting on various targets other than DR. In this study, we investigated effect of haloperidol on function of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 3 receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel belonging to the serotonin receptor family using the whole-cell voltage clamp technique and NCB20 neuroblastoma cells. When co-applied with 5-HT, haloperidol inhibited 5-HT3 receptormediated currents in a concentration-dependent manner. A reduction in maximal effect (E max ) and an increase in EC 50 observed during co-application indicated that haloperidol could act as a non-competitive antagonist of 5-HT3 receptors. Haloperidol inhibited the activation of 5-HT3 receptor, while also accelerating their deactivation and desensitization. The inhibitory effect of haloperidol showed no significant difference between pre- and co-application. Haloperidol did not alter the reversal potential of 5-HT3 receptor currents. Furthermore, haloperidol did not affect recovery from deactivation or desensitization of 5-HT3 receptors. It did not show a use-dependent inhibition either. These findings suggest that haloperidol can exert its inhibitory effect on 5-HT3 receptors by allosterically preventing opening of ion channels. This mechanistic insight enhances our understanding of relationships between 5-HT3 receptors and pharmacological actions of antipsychotics.

Background: This study evaluated adherence to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and Korean guidelines in the prescription patterns of respiratory specialists for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. Methods: Data were collected on medications from 2011 to 2022 using the Korea COPD Subtype Study (KOCOSS) cohort. Patients were divided into two groups: those registered before and after 2019, and we analyzed the percentage of patients meeting the recommended treatment criteria established by each guideline. Results: Among 3,477 patients, 85.6% received pharmacological therapy, and 81.6% utilized inhaled medications. Compared to patients enrolled before 2019, there was an increase in inhaler prescriptions among those registered after 2019 (79.7% vs. 86.7%), with dual bronchodilators being the predominant therapy prescribed. Of the patients receiving treatment, 56.9% adhered to the Korean 2018 guideline. Compliance with the GOLD 2019 and GOLD 2023 guidelines was observed in 31.3% and 28.0% of cases, respectively. When analyzing inhaler prescription patterns according to both subgroups and considering the Korean 2018, GOLD 2019, and GOLD 2023 guidelines concurrently, the adherence rates were as follows: (56.6%, 37.8%, 24.0%) and (57.7%, 14.0%, 38.6%). Conclusion Adherence rates were higher for the Korean guideline compared to the GOLD recommendations. Furthermore, alignment with both the Korean 2018 and GOLD 2023 guidelines increased among patients enrolled after 2019, compared to those registered earlier. These findings suggest that physicians are modifying their therapeutic strategies to align with both domestic and recent international guidelines.

Background: This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of multidrug-resistant/ rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) in the Republic of Korea. Methods: Data of notified people with tuberculosis between July 2018 and December 2021 were retrieved from the Korea Tuberculosis Cohort database. MDR/RR-TB was further categorized according to isoniazid susceptibility as follows: multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), rifampicin-monoresistant tuberculosis (RMR-TB), and RR-TB if susceptibility to isoniazid was unknown. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the factors associated with MDR/RR-TB. Results: Between 2018 and 2021, the proportion of MDR/RR-TB cases among all TB cases and TB cases with known drug susceptibility test results was 2.1% (502/24,447). The proportions of MDR/RR-TB and MDR-TB cases among TB cases with known drug susceptibility test results were 3.3% (502/15,071) and 1.9% (292/15,071), respectively. Among all cases of rifampicin resistance, 31.7% (159/502) were RMR-TB and 10.2% (51/502) were RR-TB. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age, foreigners, and prior tuberculosis history were significantly associated with MDR/ RR-TB. Conclusion Rapid identification of rifampicin resistance targeting the high-risk populations, such as younger generations, foreign-born individuals, and previously treated patients are necessary for patient-centered care.

The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Asia is reported to range from 13.53% to 22.31%. However, there remains a gap in the identification of PPD, particularly regarding cultural cutoff points. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of PPD in Eastern, South-eastern, Western, and Southern Asian countries and analyze the cutoff points of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) used across these countries. Following Arksey and O'Malley’s five-step scoping review framework, the population was defined as mothers, the concept as the EPDS, and the context as the Asian region. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. The data analysis focused on demographic characteristics, EPDS cutoffs and features, PPD prevalence, and its associated factors. Nineteen studies were selected. Most countries used translated versions of the EPDS with demonstrated reliability and validity. The cutoff scores varied, with most using scores of 10 or higher. The prevalence of PPD ranged from 5.1% to 78.7%. Key associated factors for PPD included cultural factors such as relationships with in-laws and preferences for the newborn’s sex. To improve the accuracy of PPD screening in Asia, the EPDS should be used consistently, and appropriate cutoff criteria must be established. In addition, prevention strategies and programs that reflect the cultural characteristics and social context of Asia need to be developed for the early detection and prevention of PPD.

Purpose: Adjuvant treatment for craniopharyngioma after surgery is controversial. Adjuvant external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) can increase the risk of long-term sequelae. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is used to reduce treatment-related toxicity.In this study, we compared the treatment outcomes and toxicities of adjuvant therapies for craniopharyngioma. Materials and Methods: We analyzed patients who underwent craniopharyngioma tumor removal between 2000 and 2017. Of the 153 patients, 27 and 20 received adjuvant fractionated EBRT and SRS, respectively. We compared the local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival between groups that received adjuvant fractionated EBRT, SRS, and surveillance. Results: The median follow-up period was 77.7 months. For SRS and surveillance, the 10-year LC was 57.2% and 57.4%, respectively. No local progression was observed after adjuvant fractionated EBRT. One patient in the adjuvant fractionated EBRT group died owing to glioma 94 months after receiving radiotherapy (10-year PFS: 80%). The 10-year PFS was 43.6% and 50.7% in the SRS and surveillance groups, respectively. The treatment outcomes significantly differed according to adjuvant treatment in nongross total resection (GTR) patients. Additional treatment-related toxicity was comparable in the adjuvant fractionated EBRT and other groups. Conclusion Adjuvant fractionated EBRT could be effective in controlling local failure, especially in patients with non-GTR, while maintaining acceptable treatment-related toxicity.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment modality used as an alternative to surgery in patients with benign thyroid nodules, recurrent thyroid cancers (RTCs), and primary thyroid microcarcinomas. The Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) initially developed recommendations for the optimal use of RFA for thyroid tumors in 2009 and revised them in 2012 and 2017. As new meaningful evidence has accumulated since 2017 and in response to a growing global interest in the use of RFA for treating malignant thyroid lesions, the task force committee members of the KSThR decided to update the guidelines on the use of RFA for the management of RTCs based on a comprehensive analysis of current literature and expert consensus.

Objective: To assess the performance of novel qualitative diagnostic criteria using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify the pathologic complete response (pCR) of primary tumors in esophageal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT). Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent nCRT, subsequent MRI, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), endoscopy, or esophagectomy for esophageal cancer between October 2021 and October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The DCE-MRI response of primary tumors was interpreted using five grades by thoracic radiologists as follows: G1 (compatible with CR), G2 (probable CR), G3 (probable partial response [PR]), G4 (compatible with PR), and G5 (stable or progressive disease). The performances of MRI, PET/CT, endoscopy, and their combinations in diagnosing pCR in primary tumors were calculated. Results: A total of 52 patients (male:female, 46:6; age, 61.2 ± 8.0 years) were included. Surgical specimens revealed pCR (ypT0) in 34 patients. G1 as the MRI criterion for pCR of primary tumors yielded a positive predictive value (PPV), specificity of 100% (18/18), and low sensitivity (23.5% [8/34]). Combining G1 and G2 as the MRI criteria increased the sensitivity to 73.5% (25/34), with a specificity of 88.9% (16/18), accuracy of 78.8% (41/52), and PPV of 92.6% (25/27). Adding the DCEMRI results (G1-2) significantly improved accuracy for both PET/CT (from 65.4% [34/52] to 80.8% [42/52], P = 0.03) and endoscopy (from 55.8% [29/52] to 76.9% [40/52], P = 0.005), with increase in sensitivity (from 55.9% [19/34] to 82.4% [28/34] for PET/CT-based evaluation [P = 0.008] and from 47.1% [16/34] to 82.4% [28/34] for endoscopy-based evaluation [P = 0.001]). Conclusion DCE-MRI-based grading shows high diagnostic performance for identifying pCR in primary tumors, particularly in terms of PPV and specificity, and enhances response evaluation when combined with PET/CT and endoscopy.