1.A Survey of Korean Neurologists’ Awareness, Clinical Practice, Education, and Challenges in Sleep Medicine
Ki-Hwan JI ; Jung-Ick BYUN ; Dae Lim KOO ; Hyeyun KIM ; Hwan Seok PARK ; Jun Young LEE ; Sung Rae JO ; Ki-Young JUNG
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2025;43(1):21-27
Background:
Despite the critical importance of sleep medicine within neurology, notable gaps in education and clinical practice persist among neurologists. This study aims to explore the extent of involvement and the challenges faced by Korean neurologists in sleep medicine, focusing on awareness of polysomnography training program, the operation of sleep study facilities, and educational exposure.
Methods:
An online survey collected responses from 233 neurologists, focusing on their demographics, knowledge of and involvement in sleep medicine, operation of sleep study facilities, and participation in residency training.
Results:
The findings indicated that 84.9% of neurologists were aware of polysomnography training program, primarily through professional societies. Nonetheless, 15.1% reported unfamiliarity with these initiatives, with 72.7% of this subgroup expressing interest in sleep medicine yet lacking access to information. In terms of clinical practice, 74 neurologists operated sleep study facilities, with 63% intending to expand. Key operational challenges included staff management, maintaining patient volumes, and inadequate institutional support. Among respondents from teaching hospitals, only 36 out of 114 reported active resident involvement in sleep study interpretations, predominantly hindered by excessive workloads and insufficient staffing.
Conclusions
A significant number of neurologists have an interest in sleep medicine; however, substantial challenges impede effective education and clinical practice. These results underscore the need for improved educational resources and institutional support to enhance the growth and effectiveness of sleep medicine practices among neurologists.
2.Group B Streptococcus Detection Rate and Clindamycin Resistance Among Reproductive-Age Women in Korea During 2003–2022
Areum SHIN ; Doo Ri KIM ; Ji-Hee SUNG ; Jinyoung YANG ; Suk-Joo CHOI ; Cheong-Rae ROH ; Tae Yeul KIM ; Hee Jae HUH ; Nam Yong LEE ; Soo-young OH ; Yae-Jean KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(15):e29-
Background:
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the leading causes of neonatal earlyonset sepsis, resulting in high mortality and significant comorbidity. Intrapartum penicillin prophylaxis is recommended for pregnant women with GBS colonization to prevent vertical transmission. For pregnant women at high risk of anaphylaxis to penicillin, clindamycin is recommended only if the susceptibility of GBS isolates has been identified. We retrospectively examined the GBS detection rate and clindamycin resistance among Korean women of reproductive age over the last 20 years.
Methods:
Microbiologic studies using vaginal, vaginal–rectal or vaginal–perianal swabs from female patients 15–49 years of age during 2003–2022 were reviewed. Annual GBS detection rates and clindamycin resistance rates were calculated. The study period was divided into two periods (period 1, 2003–2015; period 2, 2016–2022) based on the introduction of universal culture-based GBS screening in our center in 2016. GBS detection rates and clindamycin resistance rates were compared between the periods using χ2 tests.
Results:
A total of 14,571 women were tested 16,879 times and GBS was isolated in 1,054 tests (6.2%), with 423 clindamycin-resistant isolates (40.1%). The GBS detection rate increased from 3.4% (301/8,869) in period 1 to 9.4% (2,753/8,010) in period 2 (P < 0.001). Even during period 1, the GBS detection rate was higher in 2009–2015 compared to 2003–2008 (P < 0.001). Clindamycin resistance rates have remained at similar levels since 2009, which were 39.5% (199/301) in period 1 and 40.2% (303/753) in period 2 (P = 0.833).
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that GBS detection rates in Korean women of reproductive age significantly increased almost three times during the twenty years of the study period, with a persistently high clindamycin resistance rate of up to 40%.
3.Group B Streptococcus Detection Rate and Clindamycin Resistance Among Reproductive-Age Women in Korea During 2003–2022
Areum SHIN ; Doo Ri KIM ; Ji-Hee SUNG ; Jinyoung YANG ; Suk-Joo CHOI ; Cheong-Rae ROH ; Tae Yeul KIM ; Hee Jae HUH ; Nam Yong LEE ; Soo-young OH ; Yae-Jean KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(15):e29-
Background:
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the leading causes of neonatal earlyonset sepsis, resulting in high mortality and significant comorbidity. Intrapartum penicillin prophylaxis is recommended for pregnant women with GBS colonization to prevent vertical transmission. For pregnant women at high risk of anaphylaxis to penicillin, clindamycin is recommended only if the susceptibility of GBS isolates has been identified. We retrospectively examined the GBS detection rate and clindamycin resistance among Korean women of reproductive age over the last 20 years.
Methods:
Microbiologic studies using vaginal, vaginal–rectal or vaginal–perianal swabs from female patients 15–49 years of age during 2003–2022 were reviewed. Annual GBS detection rates and clindamycin resistance rates were calculated. The study period was divided into two periods (period 1, 2003–2015; period 2, 2016–2022) based on the introduction of universal culture-based GBS screening in our center in 2016. GBS detection rates and clindamycin resistance rates were compared between the periods using χ2 tests.
Results:
A total of 14,571 women were tested 16,879 times and GBS was isolated in 1,054 tests (6.2%), with 423 clindamycin-resistant isolates (40.1%). The GBS detection rate increased from 3.4% (301/8,869) in period 1 to 9.4% (2,753/8,010) in period 2 (P < 0.001). Even during period 1, the GBS detection rate was higher in 2009–2015 compared to 2003–2008 (P < 0.001). Clindamycin resistance rates have remained at similar levels since 2009, which were 39.5% (199/301) in period 1 and 40.2% (303/753) in period 2 (P = 0.833).
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that GBS detection rates in Korean women of reproductive age significantly increased almost three times during the twenty years of the study period, with a persistently high clindamycin resistance rate of up to 40%.
4.Group B Streptococcus Detection Rate and Clindamycin Resistance Among Reproductive-Age Women in Korea During 2003–2022
Areum SHIN ; Doo Ri KIM ; Ji-Hee SUNG ; Jinyoung YANG ; Suk-Joo CHOI ; Cheong-Rae ROH ; Tae Yeul KIM ; Hee Jae HUH ; Nam Yong LEE ; Soo-young OH ; Yae-Jean KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(15):e29-
Background:
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the leading causes of neonatal earlyonset sepsis, resulting in high mortality and significant comorbidity. Intrapartum penicillin prophylaxis is recommended for pregnant women with GBS colonization to prevent vertical transmission. For pregnant women at high risk of anaphylaxis to penicillin, clindamycin is recommended only if the susceptibility of GBS isolates has been identified. We retrospectively examined the GBS detection rate and clindamycin resistance among Korean women of reproductive age over the last 20 years.
Methods:
Microbiologic studies using vaginal, vaginal–rectal or vaginal–perianal swabs from female patients 15–49 years of age during 2003–2022 were reviewed. Annual GBS detection rates and clindamycin resistance rates were calculated. The study period was divided into two periods (period 1, 2003–2015; period 2, 2016–2022) based on the introduction of universal culture-based GBS screening in our center in 2016. GBS detection rates and clindamycin resistance rates were compared between the periods using χ2 tests.
Results:
A total of 14,571 women were tested 16,879 times and GBS was isolated in 1,054 tests (6.2%), with 423 clindamycin-resistant isolates (40.1%). The GBS detection rate increased from 3.4% (301/8,869) in period 1 to 9.4% (2,753/8,010) in period 2 (P < 0.001). Even during period 1, the GBS detection rate was higher in 2009–2015 compared to 2003–2008 (P < 0.001). Clindamycin resistance rates have remained at similar levels since 2009, which were 39.5% (199/301) in period 1 and 40.2% (303/753) in period 2 (P = 0.833).
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that GBS detection rates in Korean women of reproductive age significantly increased almost three times during the twenty years of the study period, with a persistently high clindamycin resistance rate of up to 40%.
5.A Survey of Korean Neurologists’ Awareness, Clinical Practice, Education, and Challenges in Sleep Medicine
Ki-Hwan JI ; Jung-Ick BYUN ; Dae Lim KOO ; Hyeyun KIM ; Hwan Seok PARK ; Jun Young LEE ; Sung Rae JO ; Ki-Young JUNG
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2025;43(1):21-27
Background:
Despite the critical importance of sleep medicine within neurology, notable gaps in education and clinical practice persist among neurologists. This study aims to explore the extent of involvement and the challenges faced by Korean neurologists in sleep medicine, focusing on awareness of polysomnography training program, the operation of sleep study facilities, and educational exposure.
Methods:
An online survey collected responses from 233 neurologists, focusing on their demographics, knowledge of and involvement in sleep medicine, operation of sleep study facilities, and participation in residency training.
Results:
The findings indicated that 84.9% of neurologists were aware of polysomnography training program, primarily through professional societies. Nonetheless, 15.1% reported unfamiliarity with these initiatives, with 72.7% of this subgroup expressing interest in sleep medicine yet lacking access to information. In terms of clinical practice, 74 neurologists operated sleep study facilities, with 63% intending to expand. Key operational challenges included staff management, maintaining patient volumes, and inadequate institutional support. Among respondents from teaching hospitals, only 36 out of 114 reported active resident involvement in sleep study interpretations, predominantly hindered by excessive workloads and insufficient staffing.
Conclusions
A significant number of neurologists have an interest in sleep medicine; however, substantial challenges impede effective education and clinical practice. These results underscore the need for improved educational resources and institutional support to enhance the growth and effectiveness of sleep medicine practices among neurologists.
6.Group B Streptococcus Detection Rate and Clindamycin Resistance Among Reproductive-Age Women in Korea During 2003–2022
Areum SHIN ; Doo Ri KIM ; Ji-Hee SUNG ; Jinyoung YANG ; Suk-Joo CHOI ; Cheong-Rae ROH ; Tae Yeul KIM ; Hee Jae HUH ; Nam Yong LEE ; Soo-young OH ; Yae-Jean KIM
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(15):e29-
Background:
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the leading causes of neonatal earlyonset sepsis, resulting in high mortality and significant comorbidity. Intrapartum penicillin prophylaxis is recommended for pregnant women with GBS colonization to prevent vertical transmission. For pregnant women at high risk of anaphylaxis to penicillin, clindamycin is recommended only if the susceptibility of GBS isolates has been identified. We retrospectively examined the GBS detection rate and clindamycin resistance among Korean women of reproductive age over the last 20 years.
Methods:
Microbiologic studies using vaginal, vaginal–rectal or vaginal–perianal swabs from female patients 15–49 years of age during 2003–2022 were reviewed. Annual GBS detection rates and clindamycin resistance rates were calculated. The study period was divided into two periods (period 1, 2003–2015; period 2, 2016–2022) based on the introduction of universal culture-based GBS screening in our center in 2016. GBS detection rates and clindamycin resistance rates were compared between the periods using χ2 tests.
Results:
A total of 14,571 women were tested 16,879 times and GBS was isolated in 1,054 tests (6.2%), with 423 clindamycin-resistant isolates (40.1%). The GBS detection rate increased from 3.4% (301/8,869) in period 1 to 9.4% (2,753/8,010) in period 2 (P < 0.001). Even during period 1, the GBS detection rate was higher in 2009–2015 compared to 2003–2008 (P < 0.001). Clindamycin resistance rates have remained at similar levels since 2009, which were 39.5% (199/301) in period 1 and 40.2% (303/753) in period 2 (P = 0.833).
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that GBS detection rates in Korean women of reproductive age significantly increased almost three times during the twenty years of the study period, with a persistently high clindamycin resistance rate of up to 40%.
7.A Survey of Korean Neurologists’ Awareness, Clinical Practice, Education, and Challenges in Sleep Medicine
Ki-Hwan JI ; Jung-Ick BYUN ; Dae Lim KOO ; Hyeyun KIM ; Hwan Seok PARK ; Jun Young LEE ; Sung Rae JO ; Ki-Young JUNG
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2025;43(1):21-27
Background:
Despite the critical importance of sleep medicine within neurology, notable gaps in education and clinical practice persist among neurologists. This study aims to explore the extent of involvement and the challenges faced by Korean neurologists in sleep medicine, focusing on awareness of polysomnography training program, the operation of sleep study facilities, and educational exposure.
Methods:
An online survey collected responses from 233 neurologists, focusing on their demographics, knowledge of and involvement in sleep medicine, operation of sleep study facilities, and participation in residency training.
Results:
The findings indicated that 84.9% of neurologists were aware of polysomnography training program, primarily through professional societies. Nonetheless, 15.1% reported unfamiliarity with these initiatives, with 72.7% of this subgroup expressing interest in sleep medicine yet lacking access to information. In terms of clinical practice, 74 neurologists operated sleep study facilities, with 63% intending to expand. Key operational challenges included staff management, maintaining patient volumes, and inadequate institutional support. Among respondents from teaching hospitals, only 36 out of 114 reported active resident involvement in sleep study interpretations, predominantly hindered by excessive workloads and insufficient staffing.
Conclusions
A significant number of neurologists have an interest in sleep medicine; however, substantial challenges impede effective education and clinical practice. These results underscore the need for improved educational resources and institutional support to enhance the growth and effectiveness of sleep medicine practices among neurologists.
8.Multiple-wavelength radiation promotes hair growth by enhancing the early stages of hair follicle development in human dermal papilla cells and C57BL/6 mice
Soo Min KIM ; Tae-Rin KWON ; Dong Wook MOON ; Jungwook KIM ; Rae Hyun LIM ; Jungkwan LEE ; So Young LEE ; Ka Ram KIM ; Young Gue KOH ; Hye Sung HAN ; Sun Young CHOI ; Kwang Ho YOO
Medical Lasers 2024;13(1):35-46
Background:
We aimed to clarify the safety and efficacy of simultaneous skin exposure to blue, red, and infrared light. The purpose of this study was to confirm the mechanism by which multiple wavelengths increase hair development both in vivo and in vitro.
Methods:
Cultured human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) were exposed to a 470/655/850 nm light-emitting diode (LED) array with a fixed energy density of 3.0 mW/cm 2 . We analyzed alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity. The relative expressions of ALP, VEGF, Shh, and OPN3 were examined using reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction arrays 48 hours post-exposure and the protein levels related to extracellular signalregulated kinase (ERK)/protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)β signaling were assessed by western blotting. Next, we used H&E staining, hair growth scoring, skin thickness measurement, and the immunohistochemical analysis of the dorsal skin of C57BL/6 mice to investigate the effects of the mono- or combined-photobiomodulation (PBM) groups.
Results:
According to our findings, simultaneous irradiation with multi-wavelength LEDs at 470/655/850 nm increased the proliferation of hDPCs. Also, compared to the control group, the red wavelength and combined PBM groups had significantly improved skin thickness measurements. Overall, we concluded that the combined PBM therapy successfully induced the early onset of anagen and stimulated hair growth.
Conclusion
These results suggest that PBM therapy regulates hair growth by activating the ERK/AKT/GSK3βsignaling pathway. Thus, multiple-wavelength radiation from devices combining radiation emitted by lowpower lasers and LEDs could be a new approach for promoting PBM-induced beneficial effects.
9.A 3D-Printed Model for High Sacrectomy of a Marjolin’s Ulcer–Associated Sacral Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review
Woong Rae JO ; Sae Min KWON ; Chang-Young LEE ; Chang-Hyun KIM ; In Soo KIM ; Jaehoon CHOI ; Hye Ra JUNG ; Young San KO
The Nerve 2024;10(1):63-69
Marjolin’s ulcer is a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer that often presents significant surgical challenges due to the complex anatomy of the pelvis and the necessity for wide excision to avoid recurrence. This case report highlights the innovative use of a 3-dimensional (3D)–printed model for the precise planning and successful execution of a high partial sacrectomy in a 48-year-old male patient with quadriplegia. This patient, who had sustained a cervical spine injury in 1996, developed a sacral pressure sore that progressed into a Marjolin's ulcer. Utilizing high-resolution 3D computed tomography scans, we created a detailed 3D-printed model of the patient's sacrum, which facilitated a thorough understanding of the tumor's anatomy and its spatial relationships with critical structures. This approach significantly aided the surgical team in executing a challenging excision while minimizing risk to the adjacent organs. This case underscores the potential of 3D printing technology to enhance surgical planning and outcomes in complex oncological resections, particularly in anatomically challenging regions.
10.Efficacy and Safety of Metformin and Atorvastatin Combination Therapy vs. Monotherapy with Either Drug in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Dyslipidemia Patients (ATOMIC): Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Jie-Eun LEE ; Seung Hee YU ; Sung Rae KIM ; Kyu Jeung AHN ; Kee-Ho SONG ; In-Kyu LEE ; Ho-Sang SHON ; In Joo KIM ; Soo LIM ; Doo-Man KIM ; Choon Hee CHUNG ; Won-Young LEE ; Soon Hee LEE ; Dong Joon KIM ; Sung-Rae CHO ; Chang Hee JUNG ; Hyun Jeong JEON ; Seung-Hwan LEE ; Keun-Young PARK ; Sang Youl RHEE ; Sin Gon KIM ; Seok O PARK ; Dae Jung KIM ; Byung Joon KIM ; Sang Ah LEE ; Yong-Hyun KIM ; Kyung-Soo KIM ; Ji A SEO ; Il Seong NAM-GOONG ; Chang Won LEE ; Duk Kyu KIM ; Sang Wook KIM ; Chung Gu CHO ; Jung Han KIM ; Yeo-Joo KIM ; Jae-Myung YOO ; Kyung Wan MIN ; Moon-Kyu LEE
Diabetes & Metabolism Journal 2024;48(4):730-739
Background:
It is well known that a large number of patients with diabetes also have dyslipidemia, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination drugs consisting of metformin and atorvastatin, widely used as therapeutic agents for diabetes and dyslipidemia.
Methods:
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group and phase III multicenter study included adults with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels >7.0% and <10.0%, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) >100 and <250 mg/dL. One hundred eighty-five eligible subjects were randomized to the combination group (metformin+atorvastatin), metformin group (metformin+atorvastatin placebo), and atorvastatin group (atorvastatin+metformin placebo). The primary efficacy endpoints were the percent changes in HbA1c and LDL-C levels from baseline at the end of the treatment.
Results:
After 16 weeks of treatment compared to baseline, HbA1c showed a significant difference of 0.94% compared to the atorvastatin group in the combination group (0.35% vs. −0.58%, respectively; P<0.0001), whereas the proportion of patients with increased HbA1c was also 62% and 15%, respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.001). The combination group also showed a significant decrease in LDL-C levels compared to the metformin group (−55.20% vs. −7.69%, P<0.001) without previously unknown adverse drug events.
Conclusion
The addition of atorvastatin to metformin improved HbA1c and LDL-C levels to a significant extent compared to metformin or atorvastatin alone in diabetes and dyslipidemia patients. This study also suggested metformin’s preventive effect on the glucose-elevating potential of atorvastatin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia, insufficiently controlled with exercise and diet. Metformin and atorvastatin combination might be an effective treatment in reducing the CVD risk in patients with both diabetes and dyslipidemia because of its lowering effect on LDL-C and glucose.

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