Search

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to quantitatively analyze the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the risk of depressive symptoms.Three electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO) were searched for articles published through February 15, 2022. Cohort studies evaluating the association between MetS and depressive symptoms were selected for inclusion in this study. A random-effects model was used to evaluate the pooled estimates of MetS, including each of its components, associated with depressive symptoms.A total of 11 cohort studies were selected including2.65 million participants. There was a significant association between MetS and depressive symptoms risk, albeit with a high degree of heterogeneity (relative risk = 1.29, 95 % confidence interval: 1.12-1.48; IMetS is a risk factor for depressive symptoms. Further large-scale prospective cohort studies are required to confirm our findings.

This study investigates how the presence of foreign multinational enterprises (MNEs) in downstream sectors influences innovation in upstream local suppliers via backward linkages. Analysis using Korean Innovation Surveys shows backward linkages of foreign MNEs to have negative effects on local suppliers. While local suppliers operating in dynamic environments can avert negative effects, those locked in extant innovation networks continue to experience adverse effects. Our findings show that the effect of MNE presence on local firms should be evaluated in conjunction with given industrial changes and heterogeneous firm strategies.

Nano-formulated CrkII siRNA improves bone microenvironment via simultaneous regulation of the formation and function of both osteoclasts and osteoblasts.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to report three cases of post-COVID-19 dry cough that persisted even after taking Western medicine but was successfully treated with Maekmundong-tang.Methods: Three patients who were treated with Maekmundong-tang from March to June 2022 were selected from patients who visited Dong-Eui University Korean Medicine Hospital with post-Covid-19 dry cough. Jeil Maekmundong-tang Ext. granules were used to improve the cough. The effect of the treatment was evaluated using a visual analog scale, cough symptom score, and cough assessment test.Results: After the treatment, Cases 1, 2, and 3 showed decreases from 90 to 30, 65 to 0, and 70 to 20, respectively, for the visual analog scale score, decreases from 9 to 3, 5 to 0, and 5 to 3, respectively, for the cough symptom score, and decreases from 20 to 4, 9 to 1, and 8 to 3, respectively, for the cough assessment test score.Conclusion: Maekmundong-tang provided an effective improvement in the post-COVID-19 dry cough that persisted even after taking Western medicine.

This clinical trial was conducted to investigate whether discontinuing methotrexate (MTX) for 1 week after seasonal influenza vaccination is noninferior to discontinuing for 2 weeks after vaccination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).In this multicenter, prospective, randomized, parallel-group noninferiority trial, RA patients receiving a stable dose of MTX were randomly assigned at a ratio of 1:1 to discontinue MTX for 1 week or for 2 weeks after they received the quadrivalent 2021-2022 seasonal influenza vaccine containing H1N1, H3N2, B/Yamagata, and B/Victoria strains. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with a satisfactory vaccine response, which was defined as ≥4-fold increase in antibody titers, as determined with the hemagglutination inhibition assay, against ≥2 of the 4 vaccine strains at 4 weeks after vaccination.The modified intent-to-treat population included 90 patients in the 1-week MTX hold group and 88 patients in the 2-week MTX hold group. The mean ± SD MTX doses were 12.6 ± 3.4 mg/week in the 1-week MTX hold group and 12.9 ± 3.3 mg/week in the 2-week MTX hold group. The proportion of satisfactory vaccine responses did not differ between the groups (68.9% versus 75.0%; P = 0.364). The rate of seroprotection and the fold increase in antibody titers for each of the 4 influenza antigens were similar between the groups.A temporary discontinuation of MTX for 1 week after vaccination was noninferior to a discontinuation of MTX for 2 weeks after vaccination, regarding induction of a satisfactory vaccine response to a seasonal influenza vaccine in patients with RA receiving a stable dose of MTX.

Although the production of several founder animals (F0) for gene editing in livestock has been reported in cattle, very few studies have assessed germline transmission to the next generation due to the long sexual maturation and gestation periods. The present study aimed to assess the germline transmission of MSTN mutations (-12bps deletion) in MSTN mutant F0 male and female cattle. For this purpose, oocytes and semen were collected after the sexual maturation of MSTN cattle, and embryos produced by in vitro fertilization were analyzed. In addition, the embryos were subjected to additional gene (PRNP) editing using electroporation. Embryos produced by in vitro fertilization with MSTN male and female cattle were transferred to a surrogate, and one calf was successfully born. MSTN heterozygous mutation was shown by sequencing of the F1 calf, which had no health issues. As a further experiment, using electroporation, additional gene-edited embryos fertilized with the MSTN male sperm showed a high mutation rate of PRNP (86.2 ± 3.4%). These data demonstrate that the cattle produced through gene editing matured without health issues and had transmitted MSTN mutation from the germ cells. Also, additional mutation of embryos fertilized with the MSTN male sperm could enable further mutagenesis using electroporation.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Yigong-san on anorexia in children by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).Methods: Eleven electronic databases were searched on May 30, 2022 to collect relevant studies. All studies published up to the search date were considered. RCTs reporting the effect of Yigong-san on the treatment of anorexia in children were included. The primary outcome was an improvement in clinical anorexia symptoms after treatment. In this meta-analysis, continuous and binary outcomes were assessed, and the data were presented as the mean difference and risk ratio with their 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool.Results: A total of nine studies were included in this systematic review. The treatment group (Yigong-san only or Yigong-san plus conventional treatment) showed a statistically significant effect compared to the control group (conventional treatment only) in total effective rate (Yigong-san only: RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.17, 1.36, I2=0%; Yigong-san plus conventional treatment: RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.18, 1.47, I2=0%), clinical symptoms, some of the anthropometric outcomes, and biological markers related to appetite and growth in children with anorexia. No serious adverse events related to Yigong-san were reported.Conclusions: Yigong-san showed statistically significant effects as a treatment for anorexia in children. However, the number of studies included in the meta-analysis was insufficient, and the herbs contained in the Yigong-san used in the included studies were not standardized. Future research should focus on the implementation of methodologically robust clinical research.

Background and Objectives Preoperative assessment is one of the most important fields in surgery and anesthesia as it can reduce morbidity and mortality from surgery and detect abnormal findings not clinically observed through preoperative examination. However, excessive non-vital preoperative routine tests have been criticized. The aim of the study is to investigate the current use of elective preoperative evaluations using otorhinolaryngologic surgery covering patients of all ages with various levels of difficulty.Subjects and Method Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort data, we investigated 98890 subjects who underwent otorhinolaryngologic surgery during the year 2018. We evaluated sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, medical institutions, and operation characteristics of the subjects and analyzed in detail their routine blood and urine test items, sonographic exams and pulmonary function tests.Results There were differences in the implementation of preoperative blood and urine tests, sonographic exams and pulmonary function tests according to sociodemographic characteristics, types and locations of medical institutions. Old age, low socioeconomic status, comorbid condition, high Charlson’s Comorbidity Index, tertiary hospital were the factors that increased preoperative evaluation tests.Conclusion Appropriate preoperative evaluation is needed for predicting and preparing for the possibility of treatment complications as well as improving treatment quality while reducing costs for perioperative management.

Objective To compare the risk of blindness and vision-threatening ocular comorbidities in patients with Behçet’s disease (BD) vs the general population. Methods Using 2002–2017 Korea National Health Insurance Service database, we did a population-based cohort study comparing newly diagnosed BD patients and age- and sex-matched non-BD controls at a 1:5 ratio. The primary outcome was blindness, defined as a best-corrected visual acuity of ≤20/500 in the better-seeing eye. Secondary outcomes were vision-threatening ocular comorbidities (cataract, glaucoma and retinal disorders) that require surgical interventions and incident uveitis. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs. We performed subgroup analyses by sex and BD diagnosis age. Results We included 31 228 BD patients and 156 140 controls. During a follow-up of 9.39 years, the incidence rate of blindness per 1000 person-years was 0.24 in BD and 0.02 in controls with an HR of 10.73 (95% CI 7.10, 16.22). The HR for secondary outcomes was 2.06 (95% CI 1.98, 2.15) for cataract surgery, 5.43 (4.57, 6.45) for glaucoma surgery and 2.71 (2.39, 3.07) for retinal surgery. The HR of incident uveitis was 6.19 (95% CI 5.83, 6.58). Males suffered a disproportionately higher risk of blindness than females due to greater severity rather than a lower incidence of uveitis. The risk of uveitis and blindness decreased as BD diagnosis age increased. Conclusions In this large population-based cohort study, BD patients compared with the general population have a 10.73-fold risk of blindness in 10 years and also a substantially higher risk of diverse ocular comorbidities that pose potential threats to vision.

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the clinical effectiveness of Ikgibohyeol-tang(Yìqìbǔxuè-tāng) granules and Deer antler granules on fatigue symptoms.Methods: This is a 39-patient case series from a retrospective chart review of outpatients who were treated with Ikgibohyeol-tang granules and Deer antler granules at a Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital (Seoul) between 1st, January 2015 to 1st, August 2021. We reviewed the patients who complained of fatigue and analyzed changes in the degree of discomfort with fatigue and accompanying symptoms and HRV (Heart Rate Variability) score before and after treatment.Results: After taking Ikgibohyeol-tang granules and Deer antler granules, the degree of discomfort with fatigue and accompanying symptoms decreased significantly compared to before taking them. After treatment, Autonomic nervous system activity, Stress resistance, Heart Stability increased, and Stress index, Degree of fatigue decreased significantly.Conclusions: This study showed subjective symptoms and objective indicator (HRV score) were improved by taking Ikgibohyeol-tang granules and Deer antler granules.

Background: Excess and repetitive glenohumeral external rotation (ER) is at a higher risk for shoulder injuries, which occurs frequently in professional sports and specific occupations. Current rehabilitation programs emphasize selective targeting of muscle activity, which can help restore dysfunctional muscle imbalances or prevent injuries. However, the impact of different body postures on GH muscle activity during ER exercises has not been fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate shoulder EMG activity for different body positions and humeral abduction angles during ER exercises. Method: Twenty-three healthy young men (age: 22.3 ± 2.3, height: 175.75 ± 4.02, mass: 75.37 ± 9.14) participated in this study. Surface Electromyography was recorded from seven shoulder muscles: upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, infraspinatus, and deltoid. Six ER exercises: three postures (sitting, supine lying, and prone lying) and two abduction angles (ABD; 45° and 90°) were tested using an isokinetic dynamometer. Results: During a sitting position, the lower trapezius/upper trapezius muscle activity ratios were significantly increased for sitting compared to supine lying and prone lying (p < 0.001, p = 0.004). Serratus anterior/upper trapezius co-contraction indices were significantly increased for 90° than 45° ABD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings can provide insight into new training programs aimed at restoring GH muscle imbalances.

A 9-month-old, female Pomeranian dog presented with vomiting and lethargy. Ultrasonography revealed multilobulated anechoic round shape structures at the ovarian and uterine locations. Through computed tomography scan, an extensive non-contrast multilobulated fluid-filled mass suspected of originating from the walls of the ovary, uterus, urinary bladder and rectum was observed. Ovariohysterectomy and urinary bladder biopsy were performed. Histopathological examination revealed numerous cystic lesions lined by plump cuboidal cells believed to be of epithelial origin. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the cyst-like lesions lining cells were strongly positive for lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1. Based on these results, lesions were identified as generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA), in which lymphangiomas develop in multiple organs. After 6 months follow-up, the size of the cysts remaining in the region of the bladder did not undergo much change. GLA should be included in the differential diagnosis when multiple cystic lesions are interspersed in multiple organs.

Background: Liriope platyphylla and organic acids (humic and fulvic acids) as additives in the feedstock may aid in decreasing CH4 formation in the rumen. Based on previous studies, Hanwoo steers were raised with feedstock added with Liriope platyphylla and organic acids and their fecal samples were analyzed to determine the changes in their organic matter and nitrogen content determining the GHG emissions from feces in the form of CH4 and N2O. Methods: Ten Hanwoo cattle were provided with experimental diet and their weights were measured to determine harmful effects of experimental diet and measure fecal composition. To measure CH4 emission from the rumen in vitro, rumen fluid with Liriope platyphylla 1.0% and organic acids 0.05% added to the feed was prepared and incubated in triplicate. Result: The addition of Liriope platyphylla had a positive effect on immune function and blood composition, as well as CH4 reduction and further the addition of organic acids resulted in the lowering of CH4 emissions when compared with that of the control. The addition of Liriope platyphylla and organic acids is a potential additive of reducing CH4 emissions from ruminants without disrupting cattle growth.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the clinical treatment of a nighttime sensation of heat on the palms and soles of the feet of a 71-year-old female patient using Sammulhwanggeum-tang.Methods: Sammulhwanggeum-tang was administered for 19 days to reduce the patient’s symptoms, which were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) and by duration.Results: The heat sensation began to improve after four days and continued to do so for the subsequent 15 days. From May 12, X to May 30, X, the degree of subjective symptoms decreased from a VAS score of 10 before treatment to 0 after treatment, and their daily duration decreased from 10 to 0 hours. In addition, considering that the duration of the patient’s symptoms was about 30 days, the duration of the symptoms decreased to 17 days, including the period before the start of treatment.Conclusion: This clinical study suggests that Sammulhwanggeum-tang might be effective in resolving the sensation of heat on the palms and soles of the feet at night.

The oral microbiome is an important component of the microbiome in the human body. Although the association of the oral microbiome with various diseases, including periodontitis and cancer, has been reported, information on how the oral microbiome is related to health-related indicators in healthy populations is still insufficient. In this study, we examined the associations of the oral microbiome with 15 metabolic and 19 complete blood count (CBC)-based markers in 692 healthy Korean individuals. The richness of the oral microbiome was associated with four CBC markers and one metabolic marker. Compositional variation in the oral microbiome was significantly explained by four markers: fasting glucose, fasting insulin, white blood cell count, and total leukocyte count. Furthermore, we found that these biomarkers were associated with the relative abundances of numerous microbial genera, such as Treponema, TG5, and Tannerella. By identifying the relationship between the oral microbiome and clinical biomarkers in a healthy population, our study presents a direction for future studies on oral microbiome-based diagnosis and interventions.

Since the skin covers most surfaces of the body, it is susceptible to damage, which can be fatal depending on the degree of injury to the skin because it defends against external attack and protects internal structures. Various types of artificial skin are being studied for transplantation to repair damaged skin, and recently, the production of replaceable skin using three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology has also been investigated. In this study, skin tissue was produced using a 3D bioprinter with human skin cell lines and cells extracted from mouse skin, and the printing conditions were optimized. Gelatin was used as a bioink, and fibrinogen and alginate were used for tissue hardening after printing. Printed skin tissue maintained a survival rate of 90% or more when cultured for 14 days. Culture conditions were established using 8 mM calcium chloride treatment and the skin tissue was exposed to air to optimize epidermal cell differentiation. The skin tissue was cultured for 14 days after differentiation induction by this optimized culture method, and immunofluorescent staining was performed using epidermal cell differentiation markers to investigate whether the epidermal cells had differentiated. After differentiation, loricrin, which is normally found in terminally differentiated epidermal cells, was observed in the cells at the tip of the epidermal layer, and cytokeratin 14 was expressed in the lower cells of the epidermis layer. Collectively, this study may provide optimized conditions for bioprinting and keratinization for three-dimensional skin production.

The concept of “public health care (public health and medical services)” as discussed in South Korea is used in an unclear sense, with a meaning unlike the terminology used worldwide. The terms “public health care (public health and medical services)” and “health care (health and medical services)” have the same legal definition in Korea. Globally, “public health care (public health and medical services)” refers to medical services provided to the public that are operated as publicly funded resources, but in Korea, this term is confined to limited medical services prescribed by the government. The following considerations regarding “public health care (public health and medical services)” in Korea are proposed: All medical services performed by the state, regional governments, health care institutions, or health care workers to protect and promote the health of the people should be clearly established as “public health care (public health and medical services)” by definition. The financial burden borne by the state through national health insurance should be increased to an appropriate level to clarify the states responsibility. Improving public health is an urgent priority in Korea, and this goal can be achieved by improving regional public health through systematic relationships between the state and regional governments, establishing a Ministry of Health, and efficiently allocating public health doctors who are important for providing regional medical care in rural and remote areas. It will be possible to actively deal with infectious diseases at the national level through establishment of a Ministry of Disease Control and Prevention.

Photochromic materials have attracted considerable interest because of their ability to undergo reversible color switching. We report highly conductive and flexible spiropyran-embedded cellulose films with multiple optical and electrical functionalities, showing negative photo- and thermochromism. Combining silver nanowires and conductive polymer with cellulose/spiropyran films achieves a very low sheet resistance of 6.7 ohm/sq. The optimized films show outstanding mechanical stability with negligible electrical loss (resistance change < 2%) after 1000 bending cycles. The photo- and thermal-responsive conductive cellulose/spiropyran films can be used to directly visualize information and as flexible heating devices, pressure-responsive sensors, and colorimetric thermometers with high device performance. We demonstrate highly conductive, flexible, transparent, and reversibly color-switchable films based on a spiropyran-incorporated cellulose acetate biopolymer. The films can realize high performance photoelectronics that include reversibly tunable color switching.

Objectives To explore the course of lung function and RA disease activity and predictive factors for deteriorating lung function in patients with RA-interstitial lung disease (ILD). Methods The Korean Rheumatoid Arthritis–Interstitial Lung Disease cohort is a multicentre, prospective observational cohort. Patients with RA-ILD were enrolled and followed up annually for 3 years for RA disease activity and ILD status assessment. Group-based modelling was used to cluster a similar predicted percentage of forced vital capacity (FVC%) patterns into trajectories. Results This study included 140 patients who underwent at least two pulmonary function tests. Four distinctive trajectories for predicted FVC% were ‘improving’ [n = 11 (7.9%)], ‘stable’ [n = 68 (38.4%)], ‘slowly declining’ [n = 54 (48.6%)] and ‘rapidly declining’ [n = 7 (5.0%)]. Most (77.7%) patients maintained or improved to low RA disease activity. The lung function trajectory was not comparable to the RA disease activity trajectory. Age ≥70 years [relative risk (RR) 10.8 (95% CI 1.30, 89.71)] and early RA diagnosed within the preceding 2 years [RR 10.1 (95% CI 1.22, 84.2)] were associated with increased risk for rapidly declining predicted FVC%. The risk for deterioration or mortality increased in patients with a simultaneous diagnosis of RA and ILD within 24 weeks [RR 9.18 (95% CI 2.05, 41.0)] and the extent of lung involvement [RR 3.28 (95% CI 1.12, 9.60)]. Conclusion Most patients with RA-ILD experienced stable or slowly declining lung function. In 5% of patients, predicted FVC% deteriorated rapidly, especially in older adults with early RA. The lung function trajectory was not comparable to the RA disease activity trajectory.

Background: Residents in long-term care (LTC) facilities (LTCFs) may have multimorbidity and be unable to self-administer medication. Thus, due to the risk of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), epidemiological studies on PIM use and its associated factors should be conducted to ensure safe medication use for residents in LTCFs.Objective: We evaluated PIM use among residents of LTCF and the associated factors in residents of LTCFs in Korea using a nationwide database.Methods: This cross-sectional study used the Korea National Health Insurance Service Senior Cohort (KNHIS-SC) database 2.0 of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), a single public insurer in Korea. We analyzed older adults aged ≥65 years who were residents of LTCFs in 2018, using the KNHIS-SC database. The 2019 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers criteria was used for PIM identification. The prevalence of PIM use was defined as the proportion of LTCF residents who received PIM prescriptions at least once. We evaluated the frequency of prescriptions, including PIMs, and determined the most frequently used PIMs. We also conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with PIM use.Results: The prevalence of PIM among the LTCF residents was 81.6%. The prevalence of PIM was 74.9% for LTC grades 1 or 2 (high dependence) and 85.2% for LTC grades 3–5 (low dependence). Quetiapine was the most frequently prescribed PIM, followed by chlorpheniramine. The low dependence level was significantly associated with PIM use (odds ratio of LTC grades 3–5: 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.32–1.68, reference: LTC grades 1 or 2); moreover, the number of medical institutions visited, and medications emerged as primary influencing factors.Conclusion: Most LTCF residents were vulnerable to PIM exposure. Furthermore, exposure to PIMs is associated with LTC grade. This result highlights the need for comprehensive medication management of LTCF residents.

Excessive endogenous or exogenous levels of the stress hormone cortisol have negative effects on various tissues, including the skin. Iris pallida (IP), used in traditional medicine and perfumes, exhibits biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of IP extract (IPE) on cortisol activity in human skin cells. We found that IPE alleviated the cortisol-induced decrease in the levels of procollagen type 1 and hyaluronic acid (HA), which were significantly recovered by 106% and 31%, respectively, compared with cortisol-induced reductions. IPE also rescued the suppression of the gene expression of COL1A1 and the HA synthases HAS2 and HAS3 in cortisol-exposed cells. Moreover, IPE blocked the cortisol-induced translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus as effectively as the GR inhibitor mifepristone. Analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography–diode-array detector system revealed that irigenin, an isoflavone, is the main component of IPE, which restored the cortisol-induced reduction in collagen type 1 levels by 82% relative to the cortisol-induced decrease. Our results suggest that IPE can act as an inhibitor of cortisol in human skin cells, preventing cortisol-induced collagen and HA degradation by blocking the nuclear translocation of the GR. Therefore, IPE may be used as a cosmetic material or herbal medicine to treat stress-related skin changes.