Keun-Wook Lee

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This research studied the effects of zanidatamab, a new treatment targeting HER2-positive salivary gland cancer, in patients whose cancer could not be surgically removed or had spread. Among the nine patients treated with zanidatamab alone, 44% saw their tumors shrink, and they had a median time without the cancer getting worse of 10.1 months. The results suggest that zanidatamab may help improve outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with HER2-positive salivary gland cancer.

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This study looked at a tool called the Korean version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (K-PTGI), which measures positive changes people may experience after trauma. Researchers gathered data from 1,500 Korean adults and found that the K-PTGI works well with a solid five-factor structure that aligns with the original version, but some items related to spirituality didn't fit as well due to cultural differences. This is important because it helps provide an accurate way to measure post-trauma growth in Korean populations, which can aid in supporting recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from trauma and mental health professionals working with them.

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Researchers created a model using baby monkeys to study how a vaccine for the cytomegalovirus (CMV) might work in newborns. They found that while the vaccine did not significantly lower infection rates at 40 weeks, it showed some promise by reducing infections at 52 weeks—infection rates were 83.3% in the placebo group compared to around 42% to 50% in the vaccinated group. This research is important because it helps to test CMV vaccines that could prevent serious health issues in newborns. Who this helps: This helps newborns and their families by working towards effective CMV vaccines.

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This study focused on improving decisions about when to remove breathing tubes (extubation) in critically ill patients. Researchers found that using a new machine learning tool, which combined routine clinical information and specific chest x-ray images, improved prediction accuracy regarding successful extubation to 79.46%. This is important because better predictions can reduce complications like reintubation, especially for older patients who are often at higher risk. Who this helps: This helps doctors and their patients in critical care settings.

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This study looked at how diabetes during pregnancy affects children's mental health. Researchers followed over 2.7 million mother-child pairs from South Korea and Japan, finding that children born to mothers with pregestational diabetes (diabetes before pregnancy) had a higher risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as ADHD (24% more likely) and autism (39% more likely), while gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy) showed little to no significant impact. These findings highlight the importance of managing diabetes before and during pregnancy to protect children’s mental health. Who this helps: Patients and their families, particularly those affected by maternal diabetes.

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In early 2024, over 90% of resident doctors in South Korea left their jobs to protest a government plan to increase medical school enrollment. This study looked at how this mass resignation affected patient care in hospitals, analyzing data from 124,032 hospital stays over a year. While the number of hospital admissions fell by 17.4%, and overall mortality rates did not increase, the study highlights serious access challenges and an increased strain on the remaining healthcare workers, suggesting that fewer patients were admitted, but those who were were often more critically ill. Who this helps: This benefits patients who rely on hospital care and healthcare providers dealing with increased workloads.

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This study looked at the effects of a drug called trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) when used with a form of targeted radiation therapy known as stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) in patients with breast cancer that has spread to the brain. Researchers found that none of the 29 patients receiving T-DXd experienced a serious side effect called radionecrosis, while 11 cases occurred in the 84 patients who did not receive the drug. Additionally, those treated with T-DXd had better outcomes, with only 40% experiencing brain cancer progression after one year, compared to 76% in the other group. Who this helps: This benefits breast cancer patients with HER2-positive or -low brain metastases.

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This study explored how an extract from radish seeds, enriched with a compound called sulforaphene, affects fat cell interactions and weight loss in mice eating a high-fat diet. The research found that this extract led to a significant 14.5% reduction in body weight and a 35.8% decrease in fat mass, while also boosting energy expenditure and body temperature. This is important because it shows that radish seed extract not only helps with weight loss but also improves how fat and immune cells communicate, potentially paving the way for new obesity treatments. Who this helps: Patients struggling with obesity.

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This study explored a new type of sensor that can detect two sizes of airborne particles: PM10 and PM2.5. The sensor uses a special membrane to filter out particles and a built-in heater to remove them, allowing it to be reused. It was able to accurately identify these particles even when tested under various conditions, reaching temperatures around 100°C for an effective reset after use. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and environmental monitoring professionals who need reliable air quality measurements.

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This study looked at how a drug called MS-275 affects muscle loss in diabetic mice. Researchers found that treating these mice with MS-275 increased muscle mass and size by reducing inflammation and a protein called myostatin, which normally breaks down muscle. Specifically, muscle size improved by reversing harmful signaling pathways related to muscle wasting. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diabetes who experience muscle loss, potentially improving their physical function and overall health.

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This study looked at a rare condition called nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) affecting a heart valve in a patient with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). It found that NBTE accounted for less than 2% of APS cases, and in this instance, the patient developed a blood clot on a mechanical heart valve two months after surgery. The researchers successfully treated the clot using a safe medication, and by adjusting the patient's blood-thinning treatment, they prevented further clots without the need for risky surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with antiphospholipid syndrome who may face similar complications.

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This study looked at how inhaling an extract from a plant, referred to as OFA, affects inflammation in the brains of rats that were exposed to a toxin called LPS. The researchers found that while LPS caused a significant increase in inflammation and potential damage in the rats, those treated with the OFA extract showed less inflammation in their brains. Specifically, the treatment reduced the activation of certain inflammatory pathways that were otherwise strongly activated by LPS. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from inflammatory diseases or conditions.

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This study looked at how well vaccines for chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (zoster) generated protective antibodies in the body. Researchers found that both types of vaccines significantly increased antibody activity, with tests showing a strong rise in immune response after vaccination (with p values less than 0.0001). Even though children had lower overall levels of antibodies compared to adults, they still had strong immune responses, especially in the IgG3 subclass, suggesting they were protected just as well. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially children receiving the varicella and zoster vaccines.

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This study focused on how effective and safe a combination of two diabetes medications, sitagliptin and empagliflozin, is when added to metformin for Korean adults with type 2 diabetes that wasn’t well controlled. After 24 weeks, patients taking the combination treatments saw a drop in their average blood sugar levels (HbA1c) by about 0.54% to 0.61% compared to those on a placebo, and these improvements continued for up to a year. This matters because better blood sugar control can lead to fewer complications from diabetes, and the treatments had a good safety profile with no increased risk of severe drops in blood sugar. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes who struggle to manage their blood sugar levels.

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This study compared two types of chemotherapy treatments for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who did not respond to an initial treatment based on gemcitabine. Researchers found that patients who received NALIRIFOX had a median progression-free survival of 4 months, compared to 2.5 months for those treated with nal-IRI/FL. While NALIRIFOX showed better results in terms of delaying cancer progression, it also resulted in more serious side effects, which were usually manageable. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and their doctors by providing insights into more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at the risk of neck injuries in low-speed car crashes, specifically focusing on accidents where vehicles hit each other at speeds under 9 km/h. Researchers tested 16 volunteers in controlled rear-end collisions and found that while many participants reported pain right after the crash (58.3%), this dropped to just 25% after a week. Importantly, there were no serious injuries or nerve issues detected, indicating that the risk of significant neck injuries in these minor collisions is low. Who this helps: This information benefits patients involved in minor car accidents and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This study focused on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which is difficult to treat because it lacks common targets for therapy. Researchers found that certain proteins, particularly LY6E, LY6D, BST2, and TTYH1, are present in TNBC cells at more than double the levels compared to normal breast cells, indicating they could be potential targets for treatment (with LY6E showing very high expression). Identifying these targets is important as it could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat TNBC more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with triple negative breast cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how stress-related high blood sugar affected long-term health in patients with acute kidney injury who needed specialized kidney treatment. Out of over 11,000 patients studied, 21.9% experienced stress hyperglycemia, which was linked to a lower chance of dying while in the hospital but a higher risk of heart problems and developing diabetes after they left. Specifically, those with stress hyperglycemia had a 53% higher risk of having a heart attack and were more than ten times as likely to develop diabetes within a year of discharge. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and healthcare providers managing critically ill patients with kidney injuries.

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This study looked at the effects of bisphosphonates, a type of drug usually used for bone health, on women with hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer in Korea. It found that women who used bisphosphonates for at least a year after their diagnosis had a better overall survival rate, particularly those aged 60 and older, who had improvements in both survival and the chance of their cancer returning. While the use of these drugs was linked to a higher rate of fractures, older patients may actually experience better protection against fractures. Who this helps: This research benefits postmenopausal women with early breast cancer.

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This study looked at how blood pressure levels affect the risk of stroke and death in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), focusing on different age groups. Researchers followed nearly 339,000 newly diagnosed AF patients over about six years and found that 39,329 had a stroke and 104,712 died during that time. Those with high blood pressure had a greater risk of both stroke and death, particularly younger patients, while having normal blood pressure was linked to the lowest death rates. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients with atrial fibrillation and their doctors in managing blood pressure effectively.

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This study looked at how plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use energy and produce emissions in different driving situations. Researchers found that PHEVs are more efficient in urban areas when using electric power (which they call charge-depleting mode), consuming significantly less energy than when using gasoline in high-speed conditions (about 2.98 times more energy). These insights are important because they help improve how PHEVs are used, potentially leading to cleaner transportation options. Who this helps: This helps drivers, environmentalists, and policymakers looking to reduce vehicle emissions.

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This research looked at a group of closely related moth species to better understand how they are classified and the differences between them. The study found that there are notable differences in their habitats across the Iranian mountains, and that certain physical traits, like those found in female moths, help define different species even when genetic data seemed confusing. This is important because it clarifies how we categorize these moths, helping scientists understand their evolution and diversity better. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers studying biodiversity and species classification.

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This study looked at a method for delivering circular RNAs to immune cells in the spleen using a new type of delivery system. The researchers found that their delivery system, made from a specific polymer, successfully transported circular RNAs into immune cells and led to a high expression of a marker protein for 48 hours. Importantly, this method increased delivery to T cells while reducing levels in other immune cells. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving T cell therapies for cancer and other diseases.

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This study examined a new way to see how well a cryoablation catheter connects with heart tissue during a procedure to treat a fast heart rate. Researchers found that a contact index (CI), which measures this connection, increased as the catheter got closer to the tissue, and successful treatment occurred when the CI was around 20%-25%. This is important because better monitoring of this connection can lead to more effective treatments and fewer complications. Who this helps: Patients with heart rhythm disorders looking for safer treatment options.

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This study focused on developing new types of bottlebrush copolymers to better understand how they form organized structures. Researchers found that longer side chains on these molecules helped create more regular layers and allowed for better control of how they behave at surfaces, such as reducing interfacial tension and promoting mixing. These insights can help design better materials for various applications, including improved emulsifiers for products like creams and coatings. Who this helps: This helps product developers and manufacturers in industries like cosmetics and food technology.

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This research paper looks at using a new type of RNA, called circular RNA (circRNA), as a potential platform for developing vaccines. The findings show that circRNA vaccines can provide long-lasting immune responses and can be designed to target multiple pathogens or cancer cells effectively. These vaccines could be particularly beneficial for both preventive vaccinations and cancer treatments, as they promise improved immune reactions compared to traditional methods. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those needing vaccines for infectious diseases or cancer therapies.

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This study looked at how air pollution from traffic affects the risk of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) during childbirth, using data from over 4,000 mother-child pairs in Korea. They found that 4.0% of the participants experienced PROM, and higher exposure to fine particulate matter (PM) throughout pregnancy increased this risk by 48%. For those living in areas with heavy traffic, the odds of experiencing PROM were 83% higher, showing that pollution can seriously impact maternal health. Who this helps: This information benefits expectant mothers and healthcare providers by highlighting the risks linked to air pollution during pregnancy.

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This study looked at how switching from one type of blood test (hs-cTnI) to another (hs-cTnT) affects doctors' ability to evaluate patients for serious heart problems. It involved nearly 26,000 patients and found that more patients (57.3% vs. 17.6%) were labeled as low-risk and could safely go home after one test with the hs-cTnI test compared to the hs-cTnT test. This matters because being correctly identified as low-risk can help reduce unnecessary hospital stays and procedures, ultimately improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients suspected of having heart issues by allowing for more accurate assessments and faster discharges.

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This research studied how accurately we can predict the time it takes to deliver proton therapy doses using a method called Dose-Driven Continuous Scanning (DDCS). The findings showed that the standard prediction model was often off by 20% to 30% for patient plans, primarily because it used a fixed rise time for the beam that doesn't account for differences in energy and current. The study highlights the need for a more flexible model that considers the changing conditions during treatment, which is important for improving treatment efficiency and safety. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving proton therapy by aiming for quicker and more accurate treatment sessions.

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This study looked at how being exposed to chorioamnionitis (a type of infection during pregnancy) affects newborns with a brain injury condition called hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Researchers examined data from over 6,200 babies and found that there was no significant difference in risks of death or brain injury between those exposed to chorioamnionitis and those who were not (about 1 in every 10 had similar outcomes). This matters because it suggests that chorioamnionitis does not increase short-term health risks for HIE-affected newborns, which can help shape better care strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare teams caring for newborns with HIE.

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This study looked at how a brain chemical called somatostatin (SST) affects immune cells in the brain, known as microglia, especially in the context of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that treating microglia with SST improved their ability to clear debris and decreased the release of inflammatory substances, which is important for brain health. In a mouse model of Alzheimer's, increasing SST levels led to less buildup of harmful substances in the brain and better memory performance in tests—showing that SST may help protect against some of the damage caused by Alzheimer's. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers by highlighting potential new treatment options.

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This study looked at a treatment method for older patients (aged 65 and up) with hip infections after joint surgery. Researchers found that using a partial two-stage revision, which keeps the original femoral stem in place, was very effective, achieving infection control in all participants (100%) and preventing any recurrence of the infection. The average follow-up time was about 46 months, indicating that patients maintained acceptable functional abilities without complications related to the stem. Who this helps: This benefits elderly patients suffering from hip joint infections who would prefer a less invasive treatment option.

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This study focused on using an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict sepsis in patients with pneumonia earlier than traditional methods. Researchers looked at 7,715 pneumonia cases and found that the AI could identify sepsis about three hours earlier than standard scoring systems, with an impressive accuracy rate (AUROC) of 0.870 and a sensitivity of 76.7%. This early detection is crucial because it allows for quicker treatment, potentially improving patient survival rates. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from pneumonia by enabling faster medical intervention for sepsis.

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This study looked at how effective and safe it is to use AI to create personalized exercise plans for people who are at risk for health issues. Researchers analyzed outputs from an AI model and found that while these workout plans had some good features, experts did not agree on their safety or effectiveness, scoring only a low agreement level of 0.139. However, improving the way prompts were given to the AI generally led to better scores in safety and alignment with guidelines. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare professionals who might use AI to assist in creating exercise programs for their patients.

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This study compared two treatments for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: gemcitabine and Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Researchers looked at seven studies with about 774 patients and found that both treatments performed similarly in preventing cancer from returning or progressing, but gemcitabine had a lower rate of side effects, with about half the adverse events compared to BCG. This matters because it shows that gemcitabine could be a safer option for patients needing treatment. Who this helps: Patients with bladder cancer.

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This study explored how to make better separators for supercapacitors by recycling waste newspapers into new materials. Researchers found that their special layered design greatly improved performance, showing up to 40% better ion transport and stability compared to traditional separators made from polyethylene. This method not only boosts the efficiency of energy storage but also reduces waste, making it a greener option for technology. Who this helps: This helps manufacturers of energy storage devices and fosters environmental sustainability.

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This study looked at how chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects risks during a specific heart procedure called rotational atherectomy (RA) in 652 patients. It found that patients with CKD experienced contrast-induced kidney damage (15.2% vs. 1.7%) and had more bleeding over three years (10.6% vs. 3.9%) compared to patients without CKD. This matters because it highlights that while RA can still be done safely in CKD patients, doctors need to be cautious about potential complications. Who this helps: Patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing heart procedures.

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This study looked at how a specific protein called PPARγ in the intestines affects insulin resistance when mice are fed a fast food diet that causes liver damage and obesity. The researchers found that mice lacking this protein had worse insulin resistance, with more inflammation in their intestines and changes in gut bacteria that contributed to the problem. Overall, this indicates that keeping PPARγ working well in the intestines might help prevent metabolic issues associated with fatty liver disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients with metabolic disorders, particularly those at risk of fatty liver disease.

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This study looked at the effects of bioprocessed black rice bran and balloon flower root on atopic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition) in mice. Researchers found that these natural products significantly reduced IgE levels—a marker of allergic response—by up to 87% and improved skin condition, while also restoring a healthier balance between different immune responses. This is important because it suggests that these ingredients could be useful for managing allergic inflammation in conditions like atopic dermatitis.

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This study looked at how low blood pressure after anesthesia, called post-induction hypotension (PIH), affects patients undergoing emergency spine surgeries and if personalized care strategies can make a difference. They found that PIH was more common in morning surgeries (46.2%) and that using a personalized management plan helped lower PIH from 43.8% to 33%. This is important because it shows that tailored approaches can improve patient outcomes by reducing the risk of low blood pressure during critical surgeries.

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Two bacterial isolates from the genus Sphingomonas were found to naturally produce astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant carotenoid valued in aquaculture, supplements, and cosmetics. Genomic analysis confirmed both strains carry complete gene clusters for astaxanthin biosynthesis, and the extracted pigment showed strong antioxidant activity in laboratory tests. The strains are presented as promising microbial factories for sustainable, cost-effective astaxanthin production.

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This multicenter study compared colorectal cancer surgery patients managed with the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol against those treated at similar and lower-tier hospitals without it. ERAS patients left the hospital in under 5 days on average, compared to nearly 9 and 13 days in the non-ERAS groups. Crucially, ERAS neutralized the influence of patient age, disease severity, and surgical complexity on recovery time, meaning the protocol levels the playing field across diverse patient groups.

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This phase 3 trial tested gotistobart — a new antibody that selectively removes immune-suppressing cells from tumors — against standard chemotherapy in lung cancer patients whose disease had resisted prior immunotherapy and platinum chemotherapy. After a median follow-up of about 14 months, median survival had not been reached for gotistobart patients versus 10 months for chemotherapy patients, with a 54% reduction in the risk of death. These results offer meaningful hope for a patient population with very few effective treatment options.

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This study examined how different starting temperatures during laser welding affect the structure and durability of a special type of metallic glass alloy. Welding at lower temperatures (down to 0°C) produced fewer and smaller crystalline particles in the heat-affected zone, which translated directly into better resistance to pitting corrosion during 120-hour acid immersion tests. Controlling the initial welding temperature is a practical way to preserve the corrosion-resistant properties of bulk metallic glass components.

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Researchers tested whether breathing low-concentration hydrogen gas could protect the brain in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Mice that inhaled hydrogen daily for four weeks had less brain oxidative damage, lower inflammation markers in the blood, and reduced accumulation of the toxic amyloid protein that drives Alzheimer's. The findings point to hydrogen inhalation as a potential multi-pronged strategy to slow Alzheimer's-related brain damage.