1.A New Agenda for Optimizing Roles and Infrastructure in a Mental Health Service Model for South Korea
Eunsoo KIM ; Hyeon-Ah LEE ; Yu-Ri LEE ; In Suk LEE ; Kyoung-Sae NA ; Seung-Hee AHN ; Chul-Hyun CHO ; Hwoyeon SEO ; Soo Bong JUNG ; Sung Joon CHO ; Hwa-Young LEE
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):26-39
Objective:
As the demand for community mental health services continues to grow, the need for well-equipped and organized services has become apparent. This study aimed to optimize the roles and infrastructure of mental health services, by establishing, among other initiatives, standardized operating models.
Methods:
The study was conducted in multiple phases from May 12, 2021, to December 29, 2021. Stakeholders within South Korea and metropolitan mental health welfare centers were targeted, but addiction management support centers, including officials, patients, and their families, were integrated as well. A literature review and survey, focus group interviews, a Delphi survey, and expert consultation contributed to comprehensive revisions and improvements of the mental health service model.
Results:
The proposed model for community mental health welfare centers emphasizes the expansion of personnel and infrastructure, with a focus on severe mental illnesses and suicide prevention. The model for metropolitan mental health welfare centers delineates essential tasks in areas such as project planning and establishment, community research, and education about severe mental illnesses. The establishment of a 24-hour emergency intervention center was a crucial feature. In the integrated addiction support center model, the need to promote addiction management is defined as an essential task and the establishment of national governance for addiction policies is recommended.
Conclusion
This study proposed standard operating models for three types of mental health service centers. To meet the increasing need for community care, robust mental health service delivery systems are of primary importance.
2.In Vivo Differentiation of Endogenous Bone Marrow-Derived Cells into Insulin-Producing Cells Using Four Soluble Factors
Seung-Ah LEE ; Subin KIM ; Seog-Young KIM ; Jong Yoen PARK ; Hye Seung JUNG ; Sung Soo CHUNG ; Kyong Soo PARK
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):150-159
Four soluble factors—putrescine, glucosamine, nicotinamide, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor BP-1-102—were shown to differentiate bone marrow mononucleated cells (BMNCs) into functional insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in vitro. Transplantation of these IPCs improved hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. However, the role of endogenous BMNC regeneration in this effect was unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these factors on in vivo BMNC differentiation into IPCs in diabetic mice. Mice were orally administered the factors for 5 days, twice at 2-week intervals, and monitored for 45–55 days. Glucose tolerance, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and pancreatic insulin content were measured. Chimeric mice harboring BMNCs from insulin promoter luciferase/green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice were used to track endogenous BMNC fate. These factors lowered blood glucose levels, improved glucose tolerance, and enhanced insulin secretion. Immunostaining confirmed IPCs in the pancreas, showing the potential of these factors to induce β-cell regeneration and improve diabetes treatment.
3.Radiation-Induced Cavernous Malformation in the Cerebellum:Clinical Features of Two Cases
Hyoung Soo CHOI ; Chae-Yong KIM ; Byung Se CHOI ; Seung Hyuck JEON ; In Ah KIM ; Joo-Young KIM ; Kyu Sang LEE ; Gheeyoung CHOE
Brain Tumor Research and Treatment 2025;13(2):58-64
Radiation-induced cavernous malformations (RICMs) are rare but significant late complications of highdose radiation therapy, particularly in young survivors of brain tumors. This report presents two cases of RICMs following aggressive multimodal treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Case 1 was a 22-year-old male patient with medulloblastoma treated with craniospinal irradiation, tumor bed boost, and tandem autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Approximately 8 years after treatment completion, routine follow-up imaging revealed a small focal hemorrhage in the right cerebellum, consistent with an RICM. The lesion was asymptomatic and managed conservatively with regular imaging, showing spontaneous resolution over time, with a significant size reduction noted 9 years post-treatment. Case 2 describes a 32-year-old male with an intracranial germinoma treated with whole-ventricular irradiation. Three years after treatment, the patient developed a symptomatic hemorrhagic RICM near a pre-existing developmental venous anomaly. Surgical resection and Gamma Knife Surgery stabilized the lesion; however, residual symptoms, including tremors and gait disturbances, persisted, affecting the patient’s daily activities. These cases illustrate the diverse clinical courses of RICMs, ranging from spontaneous resolution to the necessity of surgical intervention, and emphasize the importance of long-term surveillance and tailored management strategies for late-onset complications.
4.A New Agenda for Optimizing Roles and Infrastructure in a Mental Health Service Model for South Korea
Eunsoo KIM ; Hyeon-Ah LEE ; Yu-Ri LEE ; In Suk LEE ; Kyoung-Sae NA ; Seung-Hee AHN ; Chul-Hyun CHO ; Hwoyeon SEO ; Soo Bong JUNG ; Sung Joon CHO ; Hwa-Young LEE
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):26-39
Objective:
As the demand for community mental health services continues to grow, the need for well-equipped and organized services has become apparent. This study aimed to optimize the roles and infrastructure of mental health services, by establishing, among other initiatives, standardized operating models.
Methods:
The study was conducted in multiple phases from May 12, 2021, to December 29, 2021. Stakeholders within South Korea and metropolitan mental health welfare centers were targeted, but addiction management support centers, including officials, patients, and their families, were integrated as well. A literature review and survey, focus group interviews, a Delphi survey, and expert consultation contributed to comprehensive revisions and improvements of the mental health service model.
Results:
The proposed model for community mental health welfare centers emphasizes the expansion of personnel and infrastructure, with a focus on severe mental illnesses and suicide prevention. The model for metropolitan mental health welfare centers delineates essential tasks in areas such as project planning and establishment, community research, and education about severe mental illnesses. The establishment of a 24-hour emergency intervention center was a crucial feature. In the integrated addiction support center model, the need to promote addiction management is defined as an essential task and the establishment of national governance for addiction policies is recommended.
Conclusion
This study proposed standard operating models for three types of mental health service centers. To meet the increasing need for community care, robust mental health service delivery systems are of primary importance.
5.A New Agenda for Optimizing Roles and Infrastructure in a Mental Health Service Model for South Korea
Eunsoo KIM ; Hyeon-Ah LEE ; Yu-Ri LEE ; In Suk LEE ; Kyoung-Sae NA ; Seung-Hee AHN ; Chul-Hyun CHO ; Hwoyeon SEO ; Soo Bong JUNG ; Sung Joon CHO ; Hwa-Young LEE
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):26-39
Objective:
As the demand for community mental health services continues to grow, the need for well-equipped and organized services has become apparent. This study aimed to optimize the roles and infrastructure of mental health services, by establishing, among other initiatives, standardized operating models.
Methods:
The study was conducted in multiple phases from May 12, 2021, to December 29, 2021. Stakeholders within South Korea and metropolitan mental health welfare centers were targeted, but addiction management support centers, including officials, patients, and their families, were integrated as well. A literature review and survey, focus group interviews, a Delphi survey, and expert consultation contributed to comprehensive revisions and improvements of the mental health service model.
Results:
The proposed model for community mental health welfare centers emphasizes the expansion of personnel and infrastructure, with a focus on severe mental illnesses and suicide prevention. The model for metropolitan mental health welfare centers delineates essential tasks in areas such as project planning and establishment, community research, and education about severe mental illnesses. The establishment of a 24-hour emergency intervention center was a crucial feature. In the integrated addiction support center model, the need to promote addiction management is defined as an essential task and the establishment of national governance for addiction policies is recommended.
Conclusion
This study proposed standard operating models for three types of mental health service centers. To meet the increasing need for community care, robust mental health service delivery systems are of primary importance.
6.Radiation-Induced Meningiomas Have an Aggressive Clinical Course:Genetic Signature Is Limited to NF2Alterations, and Epigenetic Signature Is H3K27me3 Loss
Tae-Kyun KIM ; Jong Seok LEE ; Ji Hoon PHI ; Seung Ah CHOI ; Joo Whan KIM ; Chul-Kee PARK ; Hongseok YUN ; Young-Soo PARK ; Sung-Hye PARK ; Seung-Ki KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e62-
Background:
While the clinical course of radiation-induced meningioma (RIM) is considered to be more aggressive than that of sporadic meningioma (SM), the genetic predisposition for RIM is not established well. The present study aimed to analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of RIMs to increase understanding of the tumorigenesis and prognosis of RIMs. Methods: We investigated a database of 24 patients who met the RIM criteria between January 2000 and April 2023. Genetic analysis through next-generation sequencing with a targeted gene panel was performed on 10 RIM samples. Clinical, radiological, and pathological parameters were evaluated with genetic analyses.
Results:
The median ages for receiving radiotherapy (RT) and RIM diagnosis were 8.0 and 27.5 years, respectively, with an interval of 17.5 years between RT and RIM diagnosis. RIMs tended to develop in non-skull bases and multifocal locations. Most primary pathologies included germ cell tumors and medulloblastoma. The tumor growth rate was 3.83 cm 3 per year, and the median doubling time was 0.8 years. All patients underwent surgical resection of RIMs. The histological grade of RIMs was World Health Organization grade 1 (64%) or 2 (36%). RIMs showed higher incidences in young-age (63%), high-dose (75%), and extendedfield (79%) RT groups. The recurrence rate was 21%. Genetic analysis revealed NF2 one copy loss in 90% of the patients, with truncating NF2 mutations and additional copy number aberrations in grade 2 RIMs. TERT promoter mutation and CDKN2A/B deletion were not identified. Notably, loss of H3K27me3 was identified in 26% of RIMs. H3K27me3 loss was associated with a higher prevalence of grade 2 RIMs (67%) and high recurrence rates (33%).
Conclusion
The study reveals a higher prevalence of high-grade tumors among RIMs with more rapid growth and higher recurrences than SMs. Genetically, RIMs are primarily associated with NF-2 alterations with chromosomal abnormalities in grade 2 tumors, along with a higher proportion of H3K27me3 loss.
7.Radiation-Induced Meningiomas Have an Aggressive Clinical Course:Genetic Signature Is Limited to NF2Alterations, and Epigenetic Signature Is H3K27me3 Loss
Tae-Kyun KIM ; Jong Seok LEE ; Ji Hoon PHI ; Seung Ah CHOI ; Joo Whan KIM ; Chul-Kee PARK ; Hongseok YUN ; Young-Soo PARK ; Sung-Hye PARK ; Seung-Ki KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(18):e62-
Background:
While the clinical course of radiation-induced meningioma (RIM) is considered to be more aggressive than that of sporadic meningioma (SM), the genetic predisposition for RIM is not established well. The present study aimed to analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of RIMs to increase understanding of the tumorigenesis and prognosis of RIMs. Methods: We investigated a database of 24 patients who met the RIM criteria between January 2000 and April 2023. Genetic analysis through next-generation sequencing with a targeted gene panel was performed on 10 RIM samples. Clinical, radiological, and pathological parameters were evaluated with genetic analyses.
Results:
The median ages for receiving radiotherapy (RT) and RIM diagnosis were 8.0 and 27.5 years, respectively, with an interval of 17.5 years between RT and RIM diagnosis. RIMs tended to develop in non-skull bases and multifocal locations. Most primary pathologies included germ cell tumors and medulloblastoma. The tumor growth rate was 3.83 cm 3 per year, and the median doubling time was 0.8 years. All patients underwent surgical resection of RIMs. The histological grade of RIMs was World Health Organization grade 1 (64%) or 2 (36%). RIMs showed higher incidences in young-age (63%), high-dose (75%), and extendedfield (79%) RT groups. The recurrence rate was 21%. Genetic analysis revealed NF2 one copy loss in 90% of the patients, with truncating NF2 mutations and additional copy number aberrations in grade 2 RIMs. TERT promoter mutation and CDKN2A/B deletion were not identified. Notably, loss of H3K27me3 was identified in 26% of RIMs. H3K27me3 loss was associated with a higher prevalence of grade 2 RIMs (67%) and high recurrence rates (33%).
Conclusion
The study reveals a higher prevalence of high-grade tumors among RIMs with more rapid growth and higher recurrences than SMs. Genetically, RIMs are primarily associated with NF-2 alterations with chromosomal abnormalities in grade 2 tumors, along with a higher proportion of H3K27me3 loss.
9.Profiling of Anti-Signal-Recognition Particle Antibodies and Clinical Characteristics in South Korean Patients With Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy
Soo-Hyun KIM ; Yunjung CHOI ; Eun Kyoung OH ; Ichizo NISHINO ; Shigeaki SUZUKI ; Bum Chun SUH ; Ha Young SHIN ; Seung Woo KIM ; Byeol-A YOON ; Seong-il OH ; Yoo Hwan KIM ; Hyunjin KIM ; Young-Min LIM ; Seol-Hee BAEK ; Je-Young SHIN ; Hung Youl SEOK ; Seung-Ah LEE ; Young-Chul CHOI ; Hyung Jun PARK
Journal of Clinical Neurology 2025;21(1):31-39
Background:
and Purpose This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of an anti-signal-recognition particle 54 (anti-SRP54) antibody-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as the clinical, serological, and pathological characteristics of patients with SRP immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM).
Methods:
We evaluated 87 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and 107 healthy participants between January 2002 and December 2023. The sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA for anti-SRP54 antibodies were assessed, and the clinical profiles of patients with antiSRP54 antibodies were determined.
Results:
The ELISA for anti-SRP54 antibodies had a sensitivity and specificity of 88% and 99%, respectively, along with a test–retest reliability of 0.92 (p<0.001). The 32 patients diagnosed with anti-SRP IMNM using a line-blot immunoassay included 28 (88%) who tested positive for anti-SRP54 antibodies using the ELISA, comprising 12 (43%) males and 16 (57%) females whose median ages at symptom onset and diagnosis were 43.0 years and 43.5 years, respectively. Symptoms included proximal muscle weakness in all 28 (100%) patients, neck weakness in 9 (32%), myalgia in 15 (54%), dysphagia in 5 (18%), dyspnea in 4 (14%), dysarthria in 2 (7%), interstitial lung disease in 2 (7%), and myocarditis in 2 (7%). The median serum creatine kinase (CK) level was 7,261 U/L (interquartile range: 5,086–10,007 U/L), and the median anti-SRP54 antibody level was 2.0 U/mL (interquartile range: 1.0–5.6 U/mL). The serum CK level was significantly higher in patients with coexisting anti-Ro-52 antibodies.
Conclusions
This study has confirmed the reliability of the ELISA for anti-SRP54 antibodies and provided insights into the clinical, serological, and pathological characteristics of South Korean patients with anti-SRP IMNM.
10.In Vivo Differentiation of Endogenous Bone Marrow-Derived Cells into Insulin-Producing Cells Using Four Soluble Factors
Seung-Ah LEE ; Subin KIM ; Seog-Young KIM ; Jong Yoen PARK ; Hye Seung JUNG ; Sung Soo CHUNG ; Kyong Soo PARK
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2025;49(1):150-159
Four soluble factors—putrescine, glucosamine, nicotinamide, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor BP-1-102—were shown to differentiate bone marrow mononucleated cells (BMNCs) into functional insulin-producing cells (IPCs) in vitro. Transplantation of these IPCs improved hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. However, the role of endogenous BMNC regeneration in this effect was unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of these factors on in vivo BMNC differentiation into IPCs in diabetic mice. Mice were orally administered the factors for 5 days, twice at 2-week intervals, and monitored for 45–55 days. Glucose tolerance, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and pancreatic insulin content were measured. Chimeric mice harboring BMNCs from insulin promoter luciferase/green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice were used to track endogenous BMNC fate. These factors lowered blood glucose levels, improved glucose tolerance, and enhanced insulin secretion. Immunostaining confirmed IPCs in the pancreas, showing the potential of these factors to induce β-cell regeneration and improve diabetes treatment.

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