With the increasing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in organizations and institutions, academic societies in gastroenterology and hepatology are beginning to take actionable steps toward achieving DEI. The successful implementation of DEI initiatives leads to excellence in the field, improved patient outcomes, particularly in areas where health disparities are prevalent, and advances in the gastrointestinal discipline. Such implementation also results in a workforce that better reflects the growing diversity of the population. This review defines DEI and introduces the DEI policies and strategies adopted by the academic societies of gastroenterology in other countries. This paper proposes strategies to integrate DEI better into the Korean Society of Gastroenterology, emphasizing the importance of embedding DEI into the culture and strategic framework. The key strategies include establishing a DEI committee, setting clear targets, and conducting formal assessments to measure DEI progress. This study focused on enhancing workforce diversity, particularly among women and young doctors, and advocates for the need to support their academic development through male allyship and the promotion of equitable and inclusive academic cultures.

Background/Aims: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) frequently occurs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly when influenced by factors such as abdominal infections, IBD flare-ups, or surgical procedures. The implications of PVT range from immediate issues such as intestinal ischemia to long-term concerns including portal hypertension and its complications. However, there is a notable gap in comprehensive studies on PVT in IBD, especially with the increasing incidence of IBD in Asia. This research aimed to evaluate the clinical features and outcomes of PVT in patients with IBD at a leading hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective analysis reviewed adult patients diagnosed with both IBD and PVT from 1989 to 2021 at a renowned South Korean medical center. The study focused on patient characteristics, specifics of PVT, administered treatments, and outcomes, all confirmed through enhanced CT scans. Results: A total of 78 patients met the study’s criteria. Notably, only 20.5% (16/78) were treated with oral anticoagulants; however, a vast majority (96.2%; 75/78) achieved complete radiographic resolution (CRR). When comparing patients receiving anticoagulants to those who did not, a significant preference for anticoagulant use was observed in cases where the main portal vein was affected, as opposed to just the left or right veins (p = 0.006). However, multivariable analysis indicated that neither anticoagulant use nor previous surgeries significantly impacted CRR. Conclusions Patients with IBD and PVT generally had favorable outcomes, regardless of anticoagulant use.

Objective:   This study aimed to evaluate the changes in upper airway (UA) dimensions in growing patients with Pierre-Robin sequence (PRS). Methods: The subjects were 23 PRS patients who had not undergone growth modification therapy or surgical intervention. Their lateral cephalograms were obtained longitudinally at mean ages of 8.81 (T0) and 14.05 (T1). Patients were categorized based on their SNB value at T0 (Criteria: –2 SD): Group-1 (very retrusive mandible, n = 13) and Group-2 (moderately retrusive mandible, n = 10). Skeletal and UA variables at T0 and T1, as well as ∆T0-T1, were statistically analyzed. Results: At T0, Group-1 exhibited more retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA, P < 0.01; SNB, P < 0.001), a more hyperdivergent pattern (facial height ratio, P < 0.05), and a more posteriorly positioned hyoid bone (H-PTV, P < 0.05), while Group-1 showed larger UA spaces (superior pharyngeal airway space [SPAS] and inferior pharyngeal airway space, all P < 0.05) than Group 2, which might indicate the existence of a compensatory response to maintain the UA patency.At T1, Group-1 maintained significantly retrusive maxilla and mandible (SNA and SNB, all P < 0.01), exhibited a less anteriorly positioned tongue (TT-PTV, P < 0.05), and displayed a more obtuse soft palate angle (SPA, P < 0.05) than Group-2.Between T0 and T1, Group-1 demonstrated significant increases in the hyoid symphysis distance (∆H-RGN, P < 0.001), tongue length (∆TGL, P < 0.01), and pharyngeal UA spaces (∆SPAS and ∆PNS-ad2, all P < 0.001). Conclusions Even in growing PRS patients with severe mandibular retrusion, the UA dimensions increased due to forward growth of the mandible, repositioning of tongue and hyoid bone, and existence of compensatory mechanism.

Background: s/Aims: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely employed for managing recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, local tumor progression (LTP) after treatment remains a significant challenge. This study evaluates the efficacy of saline-perfused bipolar RFA using twin internally cooled-perfusion (TICP) electrodes in managing recurrent HCC post-TACE. Methods: Between September 2017 and January 2019, 100 patients with 105 nodules (mean diameter, 1.6±0.5 cm) were prospectively enrolled. Bipolar RFA with TICP electrodes was performed under ultrasound-computed tomography/magnetic resonance fusion guidance. The primary outcome was the 2-year cumulative incidence of LTP. Results: The technical success and technique efficacy rates were 100% and 97%, respectively. During a median follow-up period of 34.0 months (range, 3-41), the estimated LTP rates were 13.3% at 1 year and 17.7% at 2 years. Progression-free survival rates were 37.8% and 27.7% at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Conclusions Saline-perfused bipolar RFA using TICP electrodes demonstrates promising results for recurrent HCC after TACE, achieving high technical success and effective local tumor control rates.

Purpose: This study compared the differences in health and dietary characteristics according to the subjective health perception among postmenopausal middle-aged women. Methods: Data from the 8 th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019–2021) were utilized. The participants were naturally postmenopausal women aged 45–59 years, categorized into three groups (good, moderate, and bad) based on their subjective health perception. The general and biochemical characteristics, prevalence of diseases, mental health indicators, dietary behavior factors, food groups, and nutrient intake were compared according to subjective health perception. Results: Bad subjective health perception was associated with lower education levels, not engaging in economic activity, and higher rates of alcohol drinking and smoking. Women with bad subjective health perception had higher fasting blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1c levels, blood insulin concentrations, and triglyceride concentrations, as well as lower total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. In addition, the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and anemia was higher in this group. Women with bad subjective health perceptions were more likely to perceive themselves as fat or thin, experience activity restrictions, perceive stress, have suicidal ideation, and have sought medical assistance for mental issues. They also had higher rates of skipping lunch, lower frequency of fruit consumption, engaging in dietary therapy, feeling chewing discomfort, and higher total daily energy intake. Conclusion These findings suggest that bad subjective health perception in postmenopausal middle-aged women is associated with a higher prevalence of diseases, worse mental health status, and less healthy dietary behaviors. These results can serve as foundational data for future guidelines on desirable health and dietary behaviors aimed at improving the subjective health perceptions of middle-aged women after menopause.

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation testing is crucial for the administration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors to treat non–small cell lung cancer. In addition to traditional tissue-based tests, liquid biopsies using plasma are increasingly utilized, particularly for detecting T790M mutations. This study compared tissue- and plasma-based EGFR testing methods. Methods: A total of 248 patients were tested for EGFR mutations using tissue and plasma samples from 2018 to 2023 at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital. Tissue tests were performed using PANAmutyper, and plasma tests were performed using the Cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2. Results: All 248 patients underwent tissue-based EGFR testing, and 245 (98.8%) showed positive results. Of the 408 plasma tests, 237 (58.1%) were positive. For the T790M mutation, tissue biopsies were performed 87 times in 69 patients, and 30 positive cases (38.6%) were detected. Plasma testing for the T790M mutation was conducted 333 times in 207 patients, yielding 62 positive results (18.6%). Of these, 57 (27.5%) were confirmed to have the mutation via plasma testing. Combined tissue and plasma tests for the T790M mutation were positive in nine patients (13.4%), while 17 (25.4%) were positive in tissue only and 12 (17.9%) in plasma only. This mutation was not detected in 28 patients (43.3%). Conclusions Although the tissue- and plasma-based tests showed a sensitivity of 37.3% and 32.8%, respectively, combined testing increased the detection rate to 56.7%. Thus, neither test demonstrated superiority, rather, they were complementary.

Background: Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making. Methods: This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes. Conclusion This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.

Background: Sarcopenia, a multifactorial disorder involving metabolic disturbance, suggests potential for metabolite biomarkers. Carnitine (CN), essential for skeletal muscle energy metabolism, may be a candidate biomarker. We investigated whether CN metabolites are biomarkers for sarcopenia. Methods: Associations between the CN metabolites identified from an animal model of sarcopenia and muscle cells and sarcopenia status were evaluated in men from an age-matched discovery (72 cases, 72 controls) and a validation (21 cases, 47 controls) cohort. Results: An association between CN metabolites and sarcopenia showed in mouse and cell studies. In the discovery cohort, plasma C5-CN levels were lower in sarcopenic men (P=0.005). C5-CN levels in men tended to be associated with handgrip strength (HGS) (P=0.098) and were significantly associated with skeletal muscle mass (P=0.003). Each standard deviation increase in C5-CN levels reduced the odds of low muscle mass (odd ratio, 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 0.89). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of CN score using a regression equation of C5-CN levels, for sarcopenia was 0.635 (95% CI, 0.544 to 0.726). In the discovery cohort, addition of CN score to HGS significantly improved AUROC from 0.646 (95% CI, 0.575 to 0.717; HGS only) to 0.727 (95% CI, 0.643 to 0.810; P=0.006; HGS+CN score). The improvement was confirmed in the validation cohort (AUROC=0.563; 95% CI, 0.470 to 0.656 for HGS; and AUROC=0.712; 95% CI, 0.569 to 0.855 for HGS+CN score; P=0.027). Conclusion C5-CN, indicative of low muscle mass, is a potential circulating biomarker for sarcopenia in men. Further studies are required to confirm these results and explore sarcopenia-related metabolomic changes.

Background/Aims: The incidence of steatotic liver disease (SLD) is increasing across all age groups as the incidence of obesity increases worldwide. The existing noninvasive prediction models for SLD require laboratory tests or imaging and perform poorly in the early diagnosis of infrequently screened populations such as young adults and individuals with healthcare disparities. We developed a machine learning-based point-of-care prediction model for SLD that is readily available to the broader population with the aim of facilitating early detection and timely intervention and ultimately reducing the burden of SLD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 28,506 adults who had routine health check-ups in South Korea from January to December 2022. A total of 229,162 individuals were included in the external validation study. Data were analyzed and predictions were made using a logistic regression model with machine learning algorithms. Results: A total of 20,094 individuals were categorized into SLD and non-SLD groups on the basis of the presence of fatty liver disease. We developed three prediction models: SLD model 1, which included age and body mass index (BMI); SLD model 2, which included BMI and body fat per muscle mass; and SLD model 3, which included BMI and visceral fat per muscle mass. In the derivation cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was 0.817 for model 1, 0.821 for model 2, and 0.820 for model 3. In the internal validation cohort, 86.9% of individuals were correctly classified by the SLD models. The external validation study revealed an AUROC above 0.84 for all the models. Conclusions As our three novel SLD prediction models are cost-effective, noninvasive, and accessible, they could serve as validated clinical tools for mass screening of SLD.

Background/Aims: Fibronectin (FN) has recently been identified as being overexpressed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and deemed a promising biomarker of vascular invasion. The aim of this study was to examine the patterns of FN expression in HCC cells and their clinicopathological significance, such as their association with vascular invasion and angiogenesis patterns. Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of FN was conducted using tissue microarrays from 258 surgically resected HCCs and matched nontumorous liver tissues. Three distinct FN expression patterns were observed: cytoplasmic, membranous, and sinusoidal. Moderate or strong expression was considered FN-positive. Results: Cytoplasmic or sinusoidal FN expression was significantly more common in HCC cells than in the adjacent liver tissue (p<0.001). FN expression was detected in the membranes of HCC cells and absent in nonneoplastic hepatocytes (p<0.001). Overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with HCC cells with membranous FN expression were significantly shorter than those in patients without membranous FN expression. Membranous FN expression in HCC was significantly associated with high serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K absenceII (PIVKA-II) levels, infiltrative gross type, poor Edmondson-Steiner grade, major vessel invasion, microvascular invasion, macrotrabecular massive subtype, advanced T stage, and vessel-encapsulating tumor cluster pattern. Sinusoidal pattern of FN expression in HCC was significantly associated with high serum AFP and PIVKA-II levels, infiltrative gross type, large tumor size, microvascular invasion, macrotrabecular massive subtype, and vessel-encapsulating tumor cluster patterns. Conclusions Evaluating FN expression in HCC cells may be useful for identifying aggressive cases of HCC with vascular invasion via biopsy.