Histiocytic neoplasms are rare diseases involving macrophages, dendritic cells, and monocytes. They include Langer‑ hans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), and histiocytic sarcoma. Histiocytic neoplasms are characterized by varied clinical courses and prognoses, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their classification, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations. Genetic studies have revealed somatic mutations, predominantly in the MAPK pathway, suggesting a clonal neoplastic nature.This review covers the current understanding of histiocytic neoplasms, molecular pathophysiology, with a particular focus on mutations in genes such as BRAF, MAP2K1, and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, and evolving treatment strategies, especially focusing on LCH, ECD, RDD, and JXG. The treatment landscape has evolved with advancements in targeted therapies. BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib, have shown efficacy, especially in highrisk LCH cases; however, challenges remain, including relapse post-treatment discontinuation, and adverse effects.MEK inhibitors have also demonstrated effectiveness, and cobimetinib has recently been approved for use in adults.Further research is required to determine the optimal treatment duration and strategies for managing therapy inter‑ ruptions. Advancements in molecular genetics and targeted therapies have revolutionized the management of histio‑ cytic neoplasms. However, ongoing research is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Histiocytic neoplasms are rare diseases involving macrophages, dendritic cells, and monocytes. They include Langer‑ hans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), and histiocytic sarcoma. Histiocytic neoplasms are characterized by varied clinical courses and prognoses, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their classification, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations. Genetic studies have revealed somatic mutations, predominantly in the MAPK pathway, suggesting a clonal neoplastic nature.This review covers the current understanding of histiocytic neoplasms, molecular pathophysiology, with a particular focus on mutations in genes such as BRAF, MAP2K1, and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, and evolving treatment strategies, especially focusing on LCH, ECD, RDD, and JXG. The treatment landscape has evolved with advancements in targeted therapies. BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib, have shown efficacy, especially in highrisk LCH cases; however, challenges remain, including relapse post-treatment discontinuation, and adverse effects.MEK inhibitors have also demonstrated effectiveness, and cobimetinib has recently been approved for use in adults.Further research is required to determine the optimal treatment duration and strategies for managing therapy inter‑ ruptions. Advancements in molecular genetics and targeted therapies have revolutionized the management of histio‑ cytic neoplasms. However, ongoing research is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Histiocytic neoplasms are rare diseases involving macrophages, dendritic cells, and monocytes. They include Langer‑ hans cell histiocytosis (LCH), Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD), Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD), juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG), and histiocytic sarcoma. Histiocytic neoplasms are characterized by varied clinical courses and prognoses, necessitating a nuanced understanding of their classification, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations. Genetic studies have revealed somatic mutations, predominantly in the MAPK pathway, suggesting a clonal neoplastic nature.This review covers the current understanding of histiocytic neoplasms, molecular pathophysiology, with a particular focus on mutations in genes such as BRAF, MAP2K1, and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, and evolving treatment strategies, especially focusing on LCH, ECD, RDD, and JXG. The treatment landscape has evolved with advancements in targeted therapies. BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib and dabrafenib, have shown efficacy, especially in highrisk LCH cases; however, challenges remain, including relapse post-treatment discontinuation, and adverse effects.MEK inhibitors have also demonstrated effectiveness, and cobimetinib has recently been approved for use in adults.Further research is required to determine the optimal treatment duration and strategies for managing therapy inter‑ ruptions. Advancements in molecular genetics and targeted therapies have revolutionized the management of histio‑ cytic neoplasms. However, ongoing research is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Differentiated thyroid cancer demonstrates a wide range of clinical presentations, from very indolent cases to those with an aggressive prognosis. Therefore, diagnosing and treating each cancer appropriately based on its risk status is important. The Korean Thyroid Association (KTA) has provided and amended the clinical guidelines for thyroid cancer management since 2007. The main changes in this revised 2024 guideline include 1) individualization of surgical extent according to pathological tests and clinical findings, 2) application of active surveillance in low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, 3) indications for minimally invasive surgery, 4) adoption of World Health Organization pathological diagnostic criteria and definition of terminology in Korean, 5) update on literature evidence of recurrence risk for initial risk stratification, 6) addition of the role of molecular testing, 7) addition of definition of initial risk stratification and targeting thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations according to ongoing risk stratification (ORS), 8) addition of treatment of perioperative hypoparathyroidism, 9) update on systemic chemotherapy, and 10) addition of treatment for pediatric patients with thyroid cancer.

Purpose: Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most lethal human tumors with a highly infiltrative phenotype. Our previous studies showed that GBM originates in the subventricular zone, and that tumor-derived mesenchymal stem-like cells (tMSLCs) promote the invasiveness of GBM tumorspheres (TSs). Here, we extend these studies in terms of ventricles using several types of GBM patient-derived cells. Materials and Methods: The invasiveness of GBM TSs and ventricle spheres (VSs) were quantified via collagen-based 3D invasion assays. Gene expression profiles were obtained from microarray data. A mouse orthotopic xenograft model was used for in vivo experiments. Results: After molecular and functional characterization of ventricle-derived mesenchymal stem-like cells (vMSLCs), we investigated the effects of these cells on the invasiveness of GBM TSs. We found that vMSLC-conditioned media (CM) significantly accelerated the invasiveness of GBM TSs and VSs, compared to the control and even tMSLC-CM. Transcriptome analyses revealed that vMSLC secreted significantly higher levels of several invasiveness-associated cytokines. Moreover, differentially expressed genes between vMSLCs and tMSLCs were enriched for migration, adhesion, and chemotaxis-related gene sets, providing a mechanistic basis for vMSLC-induced invasion of GBM TSs. In vivo experiments using a mouse orthotopic xenograft model confirmed vMSLCinduced increases in the invasiveness of GBM TSs. Conclusion Although vMSLCs are non-tumorigenic, this study adds to our understanding of how GBM cells acquire infiltrative features by vMSLCs, which are present in the region where GBM genesis originates.

Objective: Dysphagia is a common clinical condition characterized by difficulty in swallowing. It is sub-classified into oropharyngeal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the mouth and pharynx, and esophageal dysphagia, which refers to problems in the esophageal body and esophagogastric junction. Dysphagia can have a significant negative impact one’s physical health and quality of life as its severity increases. Therefore, proper assessment and management of dysphagia are critical for improving swallowing function and preventing complications. Thus a guideline was developed to provide evidence-based recommendations for assessment and management in patients with dysphagia. Methods: Nineteen key questions on dysphagia were developed. These questions dealt with various aspects of problems related to dysphagia, including assessment, management, and complications. A literature search for relevant articles was conducted using Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and one domestic database of KoreaMed, until April 2021. The level of evidence and recommendation grade were established according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology. Results: Early screening and assessment of videofluoroscopic swallowing were recommended for assessing the presence of dysphagia. Therapeutic methods, such as tongue and pharyngeal muscle strengthening exercises and neuromuscular electrical stimulation with swallowing therapy, were effective in improving swallowing function and quality of life in patients with dysphagia. Nutritional intervention and an oral care program were also recommended. Conclusion This guideline presents recommendations for the assessment and management of patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia, including rehabilitative strategies.

When restoring with a dental digital system for implant-supported prosthesis, a double digital scanning technique is required: an intraoral scan of the three-dimensional implant location and intraoral scan after placement of temporary denture or provisional prosthesis. During the intraoral scan, the use of scan body as a stable landmark can improve the accuracy of digital impression and simplify laboratory process. In this case, a full-digital system was used to plan and fabricate a custom abutment, provisional prosthesis, and definitive prosthesis. After implant placement, the scan area of the intraoral scan body connected with implant and the intraoral scan body marked on the inside of temporary denture were superimposed. Out of the superimposed files, a custom abutment and provisional prosthesis were fabricated which match the vertical dimension of temporary denture, and definitive prosthesis was fabricated based on provisional prosthesis. We report this case because result has been functionally and esthetically satisfactory by using vertical dimension and central relation set during the fabrication of temporary denture to the definitive prosthesis.

Cell-based therapies have been used as promising treatments for several untreatable diseases. However, cellbased therapies have side effects such as tumorigenesis and immune responses. To overcome these side effects, therapeutic effects of exosomes have been researched as replacements for cell-based therapies. In addition, exosomes reduced the risk that can be induced by cell-based therapies. Exosomes contain biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids that play an essential role in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions during biological processes. Since the introduction of exosomes, those have been proven perpetually as one of the most effective and therapeutic methods for incurable diseases. Much research has been conducted to enhance the properties of exosomes, including immune regulation, tissue repair, and regeneration. However, yield rate of exosomes is the critical obstacle that should be overcome for practical cell-free therapy. Three-dimensional (3D) culture methods are introduced as a breakthrough to get higher production yields of exosomes. For example, hanging drop and microwell were well known 3D culture methods and easy to use without invasiveness. However, these methods have limitation in mass production of exosomes. Therefore, a scaffold, spinner flask, and fiber bioreactor were introduced for mass production of exosomes isolated from various cell types. Furthermore, exosomes treatments derived from 3D cultured cells showed enhanced cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and immunosuppressive properties. This review provides therapeutic applications of exosomes using 3D culture methods.

Background: Although respiratory tract infection is one of the most important factors triggering acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AE-COPD), limited data are available to suggest an epidemiologic pattern of microbiology in South Korea. Methods: A multicenter observational study was conducted between January 2015 and December 2018 across 28 hospitals in South Korea. Adult patients with moderate-to-severe acute exacerbations of COPD were eligible to participate in the present study. The participants underwent all conventional tests to identify etiology of microbial pathogenesis. The primary outcome was the percentage of different microbiological pathogens causing AE-COPD. A comparative microbiological analysis of the patients with overlapping asthma–COPD (ACO) and pure COPD was performed. Results: We included 1,186 patients with AE-COPD. Patients with pure COPD constituted 87.9% and those with ACO accounted for 12.1%. Nearly half of the patients used an inhaled corticosteroid-containing regimen and one-fifth used systemic corticosteroids. Respiratory pathogens were found in 55.3% of all such patients. Bacteria and viruses were detected in 33% and 33.2%, respectively. Bacterial and viral coinfections were found in 10.9%. The most frequently detected bacteria were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%), and the most frequently detected virus was influenza A (10.4%). Multiple bacterial infections were more likely to appear in ACO than in pure COPD (8.3% vs. 3.6%, p=0.016). Conclusion Distinct microbiological patterns were identified in patients with moderate-to-severe AE-COPD in South Korea. These findings may improve evidence-based management of patients with AE-COPD and represent the basis for further studies investigating infectious pathogens in patients with COPD.

Background: Nilotinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for frontline and 2nd line treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML). This study aimed to confirm the safety and efficacy of nilotinib in routine clinical practice within South Korea. Methods: An open-label, multicenter, single-arm, 12-week observational post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study was conducted on 669 Korean adult patients with Ph + CML from December 24, 2010, to December 23, 2016. The patients received nilotinib treatment in routine clinical practice settings. Safety was evaluated by all types of adverse events (AEs) during the study period, and efficacy was evaluated by the complete hematological response (CHR) and cytogenetic response. Results: During the study period, AEs occurred in 61.3% (410 patients, 973 events), adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in 40.5% (271/669 patients, 559 events), serious AEs in 4.5% (30 patients, 37 events), and serious ADRs in 0.7% (5 patients, 8 events). Furthermore, unexpected AEs occurred at a rate of 6.9% (46 patients, 55 events) and unexpected ADRs at 1.2% (8 patients, 8 events). As for the efficacy results, CHR was achieved in 89.5% (442/494 patients), and minor cytogenetic response or major cytogenetic response was achieved in 85.8% (139/162 patients). Conclusion This PMS study shows consistent results in terms of safety and efficacy compared with previous studies. Nilotinib was well tolerated and efficacious in adult Korean patients with Ph + CML in routine clinical practice settings.