Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Volume 42; 2025

Original articles

Status of and needs related to community-based practice in public healthcare institutions among Korean medical schools: a cross-sectional study: Songrim Kim, Bongeun Cha, Sun Young Kyung, So Jung Yune, Kyung Hye Park, Kwi Hwa Park; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:21. Published online January 6, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2025.42.21 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Background
This study analyzed the status of community-based practice in public healthcare institutions in Korean medical schools and identified related needs.
Methods
We conducted an online cross-sectional survey in which 32 of 40 medical schools (80.0%) participated between March and April 2023. We developed questionnaire items aimed at ascertaining the status and perceptions of community-based practice and analyzed the response data using frequency analysis, the Mann-Whitney U test, and content analysis with word clouds.
Results
Of the 32 medical schools analyzed, 23 (71.9%) offered practical courses, and of those, 12 (52.2%) implemented practice lessons within courses. Among 20 schools, 18 (90.0%) required students to complete practical courses and over 50% offered these courses in the third and fourth years of the clerkship phase. Perceptions of community practice showed no significant differences based on whether courses were offered. Many schools have proposed that practice should be a continuous curricular element from the premedical to medical years. The primary challenges facing community-based practice were identified as faculty development, collaboration, and compensation of practice institutions. The following words were extracted from the respondents’ comments: practice, community, institution, student, education, faculty, university, and public.
Conclusion
This study identified the limitations of community-based education provided by Korean medical schools and we report findings that highlight areas of improvement. Notable among these is the need to continuously incorporate community-based practice into medical education while engaging in discussions and conducting research toward developing a comprehensive and systematic curriculum.

Effects of psychological conditions and changes on smoking cessation success after a residential smoking cessation therapy program: a retrospective observational study: Gyu Lee Kim, Yu Hyeon Yi, Jeong Gyu Lee, Young Jin Tak, Seung Hun Lee, Young Jin Ra, Sang Yeoup Lee, Young Hye Cho, Eun Ju Park, Youngin Lee, Jung In Choi; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:20. Published online January 2, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2025.42.20 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Background
Residential smoking cessation therapy programs offer intensive treatment for heavy smokers who struggle to quit independently, particularly those with high nicotine dependence and health conditions that necessitate urgent cessation. While previous studies have established the effectiveness of such programs and identified various factors influencing smoking cessation success, it remains unclear how changes in smokers’ thoughts and attitudes following residential therapy correlate with their ability to quit smoking. We investigated the relationship between smoking cessation-related characteristics, smoking-related psychological status, and participants’ smoking cessation success after a residential smoking cessation therapy program.
Methods
From January 2017 to December 2018, 291 participants completed the program. All participants completed questionnaires on smoking cessation-related characteristics and smoking-related psychological status before the program and on the 5th day. Six months later, smoking cessation success was assessed using a urine cotinine test.
Results
After 6 months, 222 participants successfully quit smoking, while 69 failed. The success and failure groups exhibited statistically significant differences in age, marital status, total smoking duration, stress, and emotion regulation strategies. Participants who used ineffective emotion regulation strategies more frequently had a lower rate of smoking cessation success (odds ratio [OR], 0.969; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.948–0.991). Moreover, an increase in the perception of the negative effects of smoking cessation (OR, 0.982; 95% CI, 0.967–0.997) and smoking temptation (OR, 0.960; 95% CI, 0.929–0.993) was associated with higher cessation success.
Conclusion
Emotion regulation strategies, perceptions of the effects of smoking cessation, and smoking temptation were associated with successful smoking cessation.

Review article

Digital auscultation in clear and present threat of novel respiratory infectious disease: a narrative review: Heeeon Lee, Gun Kim, Jacob Sangwoon Bae; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:19. Published online December 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2025.42.19 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has underscored the limitations of traditional diagnostic methods, particularly in ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients during infectious outbreaks. Smartphone-based digital stethoscopes enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as potential tools for addressing these challenges by enabling remote, efficient, and accessible auscultation. Despite advancements, most existing systems depend on additional hardware and external processing, increasing costs and complicating deployment. This review examines the feasibility and limitations of smartphone-based digital stethoscopes powered by AI, focusing on their ability to perform real-time analyses of audible and inaudible sound frequencies. We also explore the regulatory barriers, data storage challenges, and diagnostic accuracy issues that must be addressed to facilitate broader adoption. The implementation of these devices in veterinary medicine is discussed as a practical step toward refining their applications. With targeted improvements and careful consideration of existing limitations, smartphone-based AI stethoscopes could enhance diagnostic capabilities in human and animal healthcare settings.

Original article

Complete or incomplete revascularization in patients with left main culprit lesion acute myocardial infarction with multivessel disease: a retrospective observational study: Sun Oh Kim, Hong-Ju Kim, Jong-Il Park, Kang-Un Choi, Jong-Ho Nam, Chan-Hee Lee, Jang-Won Son, Jong-Seon Park, Sung-Ho Her, Ki-Yuk Chang, Tae-Hoon Ahn, Myung-Ho Jeong, Seung-Woon Rha, Hyo-Soo Kim, Hyeon-Cheol Gwon, In-Whan Seong, Kyung-Kuk Hwang, Seung-Ho Hur, Kwang-Soo Cha, Seok-Kyu Oh, Jei-Keon Chae, Ung Kim; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:18. Published online December 19, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2025.42.18 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Background
Complete revascularization has demonstrated better outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel disease. However, in the case of left main (LM) culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease, there is limited evidence to suggest that complete revascularization is better.
Methods
We reviewed 16,831 patients in the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry who were treated from July 2016 to June 2020, and 399 patients were enrolled with LM culprit lesion AMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention. We categorized the patients as those treated with complete revascularization (n=295) or incomplete revascularization (n=104). The study endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, stent thrombosis, and stroke. We performed propensity score matching (PSM) and analyzed the incidence of MACCE at 1 year.
Results
After PSM, the two groups were well balanced. There was no significant difference between the two groups in MACCE at 1 year (12.1% vs. 15.2%; hazard ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–2.74; p=0.524) after PSM. The components of MACCE and major bleeding were also not significantly different.
Conclusion
There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between the groups treated with complete or incomplete revascularization for LM culprit lesion AMI with multivessel disease.

Case Report

Isolated central nervous system relapse in blast crisis of chronic myeloid leukemia: a case report: Hari Priya Raghvan, Caroline Ho Siew Ling, Wee Shiang Yui, Boo Yang Liang, Ehram Jamian, Indhira Subbiah; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:17. Published online December 19, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2025.42.17 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) typically progresses from a chronic phase to an accelerated phase, and eventually to a blast crisis, often involving the bone marrow and peripheral blood, if left untreated. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is an uncommon manifestation of CML, particularly as an isolated CNS relapse. Here, we present a rare case of CML in lymphoid blast crisis with an isolated CNS relapse. A 46-year-old female with underlying CML in lymphoid blast crisis, previously treated with chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, presented with visual disturbances. Imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed leukemic infiltration of the CNS without evidence of a systemic disease. Isolated CNS involvement is an atypical complication of CML and presents significant therapeutic challenges owing to the blood-brain barrier, which limits the efficacy of systemic therapies. Subsequently, the patient was treated with intrathecal chemotherapy targeting the CNS. Despite aggressive treatment, CNS relapse remains a major concern due to the limited penetration of standard therapies into the CNS. This case underscores the importance of early recognition of CNS symptoms in CML patients, particularly in those with blast crisis, and highlights the need for tailored therapeutic strategies to manage this rare and challenging manifestation.

Communications

Differences in pain treatment between the healthcare systems in South Korea and Quebec and proposals for improvements: Min Cheol Chang, Mathieu Boudier-Revéret; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:16. Published online December 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01410

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Abstract PDF: After a year of exchange in Montreal, a South Korean academic physiatrist and his Canadian colleague have reflected on the strengths and weaknesses of their respective healthcare systems. They have focused more specifically on physiatrist-delivered pain medicine treatments. This article is written based on personal perspectives. It aims to present the differences between the systems in South Korea and Quebec, highlighting the issues arising from each system and providing perspectives on potential solutions.

Case report

GMNN and DLL1 mutation-related spondylocarpotarsal synostosis: a case report: Joonhwan Lee, Byungju Ryu, Yunhee Kim, Eunyoung Lee; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:15. Published online December 11, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01137

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Abstract PDF: Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome (SCTS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by vertebral fusion, short stature, and skeletal anomalies. SCTS is primarily associated with mutations in filamin B. However, in this report, we present a unique case of SCTS in a 28-year-old male who complained of neck and shoulder pain persisting for 1 year. His clinical presentation included radioulnar synostosis, cervical spine anomalies (scoliosis and agenesis of the posterior arch of C1), and a history of polydactyly. Genetic analysis revealed mutations in GMNN and DLL1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the association of SCTS with these genes.

Original article

Large language model usage guidelines in Korean medical journals: a survey using human-artificial intelligence collaboration: Sangzin Ahn; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:14. Published online December 11, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00794

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Large language models (LLMs), the most recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), have profoundly affected academic publishing and raised important ethical and practical concerns. This study examined the prevalence and content of AI guidelines in Korean medical journals to assess the current landscape and inform future policy implementation.
Methods
The top 100 Korean medical journals determined by Hirsh index were surveyed. Author guidelines were collected and screened by a human researcher and AI chatbot to identify AI-related content. The key components of LLM policies were extracted and compared across journals. The journal characteristics associated with the adoption of AI guidelines were also analyzed.
Results
Only 18% of the surveyed journals had LLM guidelines, which is much lower than previously reported in international journals. However, the adoption rates increased over time, reaching 57.1% in the first quarter of 2024. High-impact journals were more likely to have AI guidelines. All journals with LLM guidelines required authors to declare LLM tool use and 94.4% prohibited AI authorship. The key policy components included emphasizing human responsibility (72.2%), discouraging AI-generated content (44.4%), and exempting basic AI tools (38.9%).
Conclusion
While the adoption of LLM guidelines among Korean medical journals is lower than the global trend, there has been a clear increase in implementation over time. The key components of these guidelines align with international standards, but greater standardization and collaboration are needed to ensure the responsible and ethical use of LLMs in medical research and writing.

Case reports

Development of an automated foot contact area measurement program for podoscopes using ChatGPT-4: a case report: Min Cheol Chang; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:13. Published online December 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01326

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Abstract PDF: Accurate measurement of the foot contact area is crucial for diagnosing pes planus (flatfoot) and pes cavus (high arch), which significantly affect pressure distribution across the plantar surface. This study aimed to develop a program using ChatGPT-4 to automate foot contact area measurements using a podoscope, thereby enhancing diagnostic precision. A 53-year-old female volunteer stood on a podoscope to capture images of her feet, which were processed to isolate the foot contours and measure the contact areas. A program developed utilizing ChatCPT-4 was designed to outline the feet, detect contact areas, and calculate their sizes and ratios. The results demonstrated clear visualization of foot contours with automated calculation of the contact area and its ratio to the total foot area. The entire foot area measured 1,091,381.00 pixels, with a contact area of 604,252.50 pixels. The ratio of the ground contact area to the entire foot area was calculated as 55.37%. This method, which employs advanced image-processing techniques powered by ChatGPT-4, demonstrates the potential for integrating artificial intelligence into clinical applications. This approach could improve diagnostic precision and patient outcomes through personalized treatment strategies.

Uncorrectable hypoxemia due to large pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in a patient with myocardial infarction: a case report: Kang-Un Choi, Jang-Won Son; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:12. Published online December 2, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01193

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Abstract PDF: Persistent hypoxemia following myocardial infarction can be challenging to manage and often requires considering uncommon etiologies such as extracardiac shunts. This case report describes a 78-year-old man with persistent hypoxemia post-myocardial infarction, which was ultimately attributed to a large pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The patient presented with cardiogenic shock and underwent successful revascularization. Despite clinical improvement, the hypoxemia persisted, prompting further evaluation. Bedside saline contrast echocardiography and computed tomography confirmed the presence of a large pulmonary AVM, explaining the uncorrectable hypoxemia. This case underscores the importance of considering extracardiac shunts in patients with refractory hypoxemia and illustrates the utility of bedside imaging in such situations.

Original article

Impact of artificial intelligence in managing musculoskeletal pathologies in physiatry: a qualitative observational study evaluating the potential use of ChatGPT versus Copilot for patient information and clinical advice on low back pain: Christophe Ah-Yan, Ève Boissonnault, Mathieu Boudier-Revéret, Christopher Mares; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:11. Published online November 29, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01151

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The self-management of low back pain (LBP) through patient information interventions offers significant benefits in terms of cost, reduced work absenteeism, and overall healthcare utilization. Using a large language model (LLM), such as ChatGPT (OpenAI) or Copilot (Microsoft), could potentially enhance these outcomes further. Thus, it is important to evaluate the LLMs ChatGPT and Copilot in providing medical advice for LBP and assessing the impact of clinical context on the quality of responses.
Methods
This was a qualitative comparative observational study. It was conducted within the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Montreal in Montreal, QC, Canada. ChatGPT and Copilot were used to answer 27 common questions related to LBP, with and without a specific clinical context. The responses were evaluated by physiatrists for validity, safety, and usefulness using a 4-point Likert scale (4, most favorable).
Results
Both ChatGPT and Copilot demonstrated good performance across all measures. Validity scores were 3.33 for ChatGPT and 3.18 for Copilot, safety scores were 3.19 for ChatGPT and 3.13 for Copilot, and usefulness scores were 3.60 for ChatGPT and 3.57 for Copilot. The inclusion of clinical context did not significantly change the results.
Conclusion
LLMs, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, can provide reliable medical advice on LBP, irrespective of the detailed clinical context, supporting their potential to aid in patient self-management.

Case report

Focal hand dystonia due to hemorrhage of the cervical spinal mass: a case report: Pelin Analay, Hazal Sevinç, Hilmi Berkan Abacıoğlu, Rahşan Göçmen, Bayram Kaymak, Levent Özçakar; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:10. Published online November 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01123

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by intermittent or sustained muscle contractions that lead to abnormal postures and/or repetitive movements. Although dystonia is traditionally considered a disorder of the basal ganglia, it has been observed in association with lesions at various sites of the motor and sensory pathways, including spinal cord pathologies such as syringomyelia, tumors, and demyelinating lesions. However, there has been an increasing number of focal dystonia cases due to peripheral injuries, such as soft tissue trauma, mononeuropathy, plexopathy, and radiculopathy. In this report, to the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of a patient who developed focal hand dystonia due to cervical mass hemorrhage. We review the literature and discuss possible mechanisms.

Review articles

Advances and utility of digital twins in critical care and acute care medicine: a narrative review: Gabriele A. Halpern, Marko Nemet, Diksha M. Gowda, Oguz Kilickaya, Amos Lal; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:9. Published online November 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01053

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Abstract PDF: Artificial intelligence (AI) has shown promise for revolutionizing healthcare. This narrative review focuses on the evolving discussion of the utility of AI and clinical informatics in critical care and acute care medicine, specifically focusing on digital twin (DT) technology. The improved computational power and iterative validation of these intelligent tools have enhanced medical education, in silico research, and clinical decision support in critical care settings. Integrating DTs into critical care opens vast opportunities, but simultaneously poses complex challenges, from data safety and privacy concerns to potentially increasing healthcare disparities. In medicine, DTs can significantly improve the efficiency of critical care systems. Stakeholder investment is essential for successful implementation and integration of these technologies.

Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review: Hee Jun Shin, Ik Tae Cho, Wan Suk Choi, Hong Rae Kim, Min Bong Kang, Won Jong Yang; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:8. Published online November 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01004

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Abstract PDF: Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Case report

Ischemic monomelic neuropathy following arteriovenous fistula surgery: a case report: Da Woon Kim, You Hyun Jeon, Miju Bae, Sang Heon Song; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:7. Published online November 11, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00948

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Abstract PDF: Ischemic monomelic neuropathy (IMN) is an uncommon complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) surgery that presents with pain, motor weakness, and sensory changes without critical ischemia. This report describes a rare case of successful IMN treatment after AVF surgery. A 61-year-old man with diabetic end-stage kidney disease was admitted for left brachiocephalic AVF surgery. Postoperatively, the patient complained of pain, motor weakness, and numbness in the left hand. However, the radial pulse remained palpable, and the overlying skin remained intact. A nerve conduction study above the wrist revealed reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP) of the left ulnar nerve and no CMAP of the left median nerve. This study also showed the absence of sensory amplitude in both the left median and left ulnar nerves. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with IMN. Proximalization of the arterial inflow surgery was performed to redistribute blood flow while maintaining the AVF. The patient’s neurological symptoms resolved postoperatively. Various conditions can cause hand pain after AVF surgery; however, IMN has rarely been reported. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to avoid this rare complication in patients presenting with hand pain after AVF surgery.

Original article

Comparison of ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness among patients with intermittent exotropia according to fixation preference: a retrospective observational study: Yeon Ju Lim, Soo Jung Lee; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:6. Published online October 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00864

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Abstract PDF: Background
This study was performed to compare the thickness of the ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) depending on the presence or absence of fixation preference in patients with intermittent exotropia (IXT) with refractive values close to emmetropia and with no amblyopia.
Methods
The study recruited pediatric patients diagnosed with IXT with a spherical equivalent within ±1.25 diopter and no amblyopia. The patients were categorized into two groups: a monocular exotropia group with fixation preference and an alternating exotropia group without fixation preference. GCIPL thickness was measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and the macula was divided into nine sectors according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS). GCIPL thickness in each sector was compared between the monocular and alternating exotropia groups.
Results
In the monocular exotropia group, GCIPL thickness was significantly thinner in the dominant eye than in the nondominant eye in the S1 sector (91.2±7.4 μm vs. 93.3±5.2 μm, p=0.019). However, in the alternating exotropia group, there were no significant differences between the eyes across all ETDRS sectors. When comparing the interocular differences in GCIPL thickness between the two groups, the monocular exotropia group (absolute value of the dominant eye minus the nondominant eye) exhibited significantly greater differences in several ETDRS sectors than the alternating exotropia group (absolute value of the right eye minus the left eye).
Conclusion
The significant interocular difference in GCIPL thickness in the monocular exotropia group suggests that fixation preference may influence the anatomical structure of the macula in patients with IXT.

Focused Review articles

Pathology and diagnostic approaches to well-differentiated hepatocellular lesions: a narrative review: Joon Hyuk Choi, Swan N. Thung; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:5. Published online October 24, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00766

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Abstract PDF: Well-differentiated hepatocellular lesions (WDHLs) are liver tumors or nonneoplastic lesions in which the cells closely resemble normal hepatocytes. These lesions often include focal nodular hyperplasia, hepatocellular adenoma, macroregenerative nodule, dysplastic nodule, and well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis of these lesions remains challenging because of their morphological similarities, particularly when examined using needle biopsy. The accurate diagnosis of WDHLs is crucial for patient management and prognosis. This review addresses the histopathological characteristics and diagnostic approaches of WDHLs.

Clinical significance of exosomal noncoding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma: a narrative review: Jae Sung Yoo, Min Kyu Kang; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:4. Published online February 8, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2023.01186

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Abstract PDF: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, with poor prognosis owing to its high frequency of recurrence and metastasis. Moreover, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage owing to a lack of early detection markers. Exosomes, which are characterized by their cargos of stable intracellular messengers, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and lipids, play a crucial role in regulating cell differentiation and HCC development. Recently, exosomal noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs, have become increasingly important diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive markers of HCC. Herein, we discuss the clinical implications of exosomal ncRNAs, specifically those within the HCC regulatory network.

Overview of hepatocarcinogenesis focusing on cellular origins of liver cancer stem cells: a narrative review: Jong Ryeol Eun; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2025;42:3. Published online November 11, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.01088

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Abstract PDF: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 85% to 90% of primary liver cancers and generally has a poor prognosis. The hierarchical model, which posits that HCC originates from liver cancer stem cells (CSCs), is now widely accepted, as it is for other cancer types. As CSCs typically reside in the G0 phase of the cell cycle, they are resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Therefore, to effectively treat HCC, developing therapeutic strategies that target liver CSCs is essential. Clinically, HCCs exhibit a broad spectrum of pathological and clinical characteristics, ranging from well-differentiated to poorly differentiated forms, and from slow-growing tumors to aggressive ones with significant metastatic potential. Some patients with HCC also show features of cholangiocarcinoma. This HCC heterogeneity may arise from the diverse cellular origins of liver CSCs. This review explores the normal physiology of liver regeneration and provides a comprehensive overview of hepatocarcinogenesis, including cancer initiation, isolation of liver CSCs, molecular signaling pathways, and microRNAs. Additionally, the cellular origins of liver CSCs are reviewed, emphasizing hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, along with the well-known hepatocytes and hepatic progenitor cells.

Editorials