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Background/Aims Hyperuricemia plays an essential role in the gout. Despite the clinical significance of hyperuricemia, a direct relationship between oral health and hyperuricemia has not been established. We aim to investigate the association between oral health and hyperuricemia. Methods We selected 17,557 subjects from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database for the years 2016–2019. Oral health-related variables included the number of dental caries, regular tooth brushing, use of secondary oral products, and regular dental examinations. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hyperuricemia were calculated using a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model. Results Oral health status with dental caries and oral health behaviors, including tooth brushing, secondary oral products, and regular dental examination, were significantly associated with hyperuricemia in all participants. The adjusted OR and 95% CIs for hyperuricemia comparing more than three dental caries with no dental caries were 1.28 (1.08–1.52). The adjusted OR and 95% CIs for hyperuricemia in regular tooth brushing, use of secondary oral products, and regular dental examination were 0.78 (0.67–0.91), 0.91 (0.83–1.00), and 0.86 (0.78–0.95), respectively. Notably, the association between oral health and hyperuricemia was more prominent in male subjects. In addition, when subjects were grouped by the oral health scoring system, the prevalence of hyperuricemia was lower in groups with better oral health scores. Conclusions We demonstrated that oral health status and behaviors are associated with hyperuricemia, particularly in males. Further studies are necessary to confirm the association between oral health and hyperuricemia.

Abstract Although several studies showed a correlation between weight perception and depression, the association between weight perception and perceived stress is unclear. This study explored this association using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with 37,022 participants. Participants were grouped based on how they perceived their body versus real body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference: accurate, underperception, or overperception. Stress was assessed through a questionnaire. The logistic regression analysis was performed, and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was presented. The results showed a correlation between overperception and higher perceived stress. This correlation was especially apparent in women with significant OR and 95% CIs of 1.15 (1.07–1.23) for BMI and 1.15 (1.07–1.23) for waist circumference. In the subgroup analysis according to the real obese status, all misperceptions were associated with higher perceived stress in normal participants. In comparison, underperception showed a correlation with lower perceived stress in obese participants. The results suggest weight perception as a potential marker for many stress-related diseases and an important factor in treating mental disorders. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between stress and weight perception.

Abstract Background Conflicting evidence exists regarding the effects of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study investigates the association between UDCA administration and COVID-19 infection and its related outcomes in individuals with chronic liver disease (CLD). Methods A customized COVID-19 research database (n = 3,485,376) was created by integrating data from the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s COVID-19 databases. The study focused on patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in 2021, using the NHIS data from 365 days before diagnosis. To create comparable groups with and without UDCA administration before COVID-19, we used propensity score matching. The primary endpoint was the first confirmed positive result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. In addition, we identified severe COVID-19-related outcomes. Subgroup analysis were conducted based on the dose of UDCA exposure. Results Data from 74,074 individuals with CLD was analyzed. The participants’ average age was 57.5 years, and 52.1% (19,277) of those in each group were male. Those with prior UDCA exposure had a significantly lower risk of COVID-19 infection (adjusted OR: 0.80, 95% CI [0.76–0.85]) compared to the non-UDCA group. Additionally, the UDCA group had a lower risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes (adjusted OR: 0.67, 95% CI [0.46–0.98]). Subgroup analyses indicated that there was a decrease in COVID-19 infection and its related outcomes with increasing UDCA exposure dose. Conclusions Our large observational study highlights the potential use of readily available UDCA as an adjunctive therapy for COVID-19 in individuals with CLD.

Context: Isotretinoin is commonly prescribed for the treatment of acne. However, its association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) could not be confirmed due to inconsistencies in the literature. Furthermore, no related study has been conducted on an Asian population. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between isotretinoin and inflammatory bowel disease. Methods and Material: A nationwide, population-based, case-control study using the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea was conducted. The case group comprised 107,434 patients with IBD, while the control group comprised 393,830 patients who were matched using a 1:4 propensity score. Data on isotretinoin exposure within the previous 5 years were extracted, and a multivariable-adjusted, conditional, logistic, regression analysis was performed. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, underlying disease, the Charlson co-morbidity index, and tetracycline use, a significant association between isotretinoin exposure and IBD was found, with an odds ratio of 1.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.10–1.30). Furthermore, the association appeared to become stronger with longer exposure, more of a cumulative dose, and a longer time since the first exposure. When analyzed separately for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, isotretinoin exposure was significantly associated with both diseases. Conclusions: Our study reveals a dose–response relationship between isotretinoin exposure and IBD risk in an Asian population. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the association and consider alternative medications for acne treatment, particularly in patients who are at a higher risk of developing IBD.

BackgroundSeveral previous studies found a positive relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and thyroid cancer (TC) risk. However, there is no research that has studied the relationship between the metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR), a novel surrogate marker for IR, and TC incidence. Thus, we designed this retrospective cohort study to evaluate the relationship between the incidence of TC and METS-IR.MethodWe analyzed a cohort of 314,321 Korean adults aged over 40 years who participated in the National Health Screening Program from 2009 to 2010. The individuals were divided into four groups based on METS-IR quartiles. Follow-up was until the diagnosis of TC or death, or until December 31, 2019, if neither. The relationship between METS-IR and TC incidence was analyzed using the Cox proportional-hazards model with multi-variable adjustments.ResultsA total of 4,137 participants (1.3%) were diagnosed with TC during a mean follow-up of 9.5 ± 1.5 years. The population with Q1 METS-IR scores showed higher disease-free probabilities than those with Q4 METS-IR scores (p

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of integral membrane proteins that selectively transport water and glycerol across the cell membrane. Because AQPs are involved in a wide range of physiological functions and pathophysiological conditions, AQP-based therapeutics may have the broad potential for clinical utility, including for disorders of water and energy balance. However, AQP modulators have not yet been developed as suitable candidates for clinical applications. In this study, to identify potential modulators of AQPs, we screened 31 natural products by measuring the water and glycerol permeability of mouse erythrocyte membranes using a stopped-flow light scattering method. None of the tested natural compounds substantially affected the osmotic water permeability. However, several compounds considerably affected the glycerol permeability. Stichoposide C increased the glycerol permeability of mouse erythrocyte membranes, whereas rhizochalin decreased it at nanomolar concentrations. Immunohistochemistry revealed that AQP7 was the main aquaglyceroporin in mouse erythrocyte membranes. We further verified the effects of stichoposide C and rhizochalin on aquaglyceroporins using human AQP3-expressing keratinocyte cells. Stichoposide C, but not stichoposide D, increased AQP3-mediated transepithelial glycerol transport, whereas the peracetyl aglycon of rhizochalin was the most potent inhibitor of glycerol transport among the tested rhizochalin derivatives. Collectively, stichoposide C and the peracetyl aglycon of rhizochalin might function as modulators of AQP3 and AQP7, and suggests the possibility of these natural products as potential drug candidates for aquaglyceroporin modulators.

BackgroundHypertension (HTN) is linked to an enhanced risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. While sodium and potassium intake affect blood pressure (BP) control, the urine sodium-to-potassium (Na/K) ratio, which reflects dietary balance and renal regulation of these electrolytes, could be associated with BP. This study aimed to evaluate the independent association between urine Na/K and uncontrolled HTN.MethodsData were collected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016 to 2021. A total of 5,770 participants diagnosed with HTN were enrolled in this study. Uncontrolled HTN was characterized by a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between urine Na/K and the risk of uncontrolled HTN.ResultsThe urine Na/K was positively correlated with both SBP and mean arterial pressure. Higher urine Na/K was significantly associated with an increased risk of uncontrolled HTN using both continuous (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.13 [1.09-1.16], P ConclusionUrine Na/K ratio is independently associated with uncontrolled HTN in the general population and in patients with CKD. Our findings suggest that monitoring the urine Na/K could serve as an effective tool for identifying subjects at risk of uncontrolled HTN.

IntroductionAlthough most patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) have a history of prolonged and heavy drinking, there is no clear threshold defining the level of alcohol consumption that leads to ALD. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between average alcohol consumption and the risk of liver disease and to determine the threshold for clinically significant alcohol consumption.Materials and methodsUsing the Korean National Health Insurance database, we identified participants who underwent a health-screening program in 2010 and 2011 and retrospectively analyzed their data until 2019. To diagnose and categorize the extracted participants, we used the International Classification of Diseases version 10 and Fatty Liver Index. The primary outcome was to determine the incidence of newly diagnosed liver-related diseases during the observation period and compare the incidence of liver-related diseases among non-drinkers and drinkers based on the amount of alcohol consumption.ResultsA total of 53,006 patients were enrolled and followed-up for a median of 8.4 years, during which 1,509 cases of liver-related diseases occurred. The participants were divided into five groups: no alcohol consumption (n = 31,359), 1st quartile (n = 5,242), 2nd quartile (n = 5,704), 3rd quartile (n = 5,337), and 4th quartile (n = 5,364). The corresponding number of glasses of alcohol consumed per week for each quantile (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) was labeled 2.5 ± 1.1 standard units (1 standard unit = 8 g alcohol), 5.4 ± 1.9 standard units, 11.5 ± 3.3 standard units, and 27.9 ± 18.2 standard units, respectively. Compared with non-drinkers, the risk of liver-related disease was found to be higher in Q1 drinkers (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.09; 95% CI, 0.90–1.33), Q2 drinkers (aHR, 1. 10; 95% CI, 0.91–1.32), Q3 drinkers (aHR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11–1.59), and Q4 drinkers (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.24–1.75).ConclusionWe report that our study has shown that drinking more than 11.5 ± 3.3 standard units/week (92 ± 26.4 g/week) significantly increases the risk of developing liver-related diseases. Therefore, as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of developing liver disease, alcohol consumption should be limited beyond traditionally recommended levels.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine whether the development of chronic periodontitis is more likely among patients who have been newly diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) through an analysis of representative data from the general population. METHODS A nationwide, population-based, retrospective cohort study was conducted using patient records from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. For the period 2004-2019, patient data were categorized into 2 groups: a diagnosis of OSA (747 subjects) and no diagnosis of OSA (1,494 subjects). Subsequently, 1:2 propensity score matching was performed to ensure the homogeneity of the 2 groups. To analyze the risk of incident chronic periodontitis, a Cox proportional-hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS In the Kaplan-Meier curve, the disease-free probability was significantly lower in the OSA group than in the non-OSA group (p for log-rank test=0.001). The crude HR for the association between OSA and chronic periodontitis was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.16 to 1.43). The multivariable-adjusted HR was calculated at 1.28 (95% CI, 1.15 to 1.42). CONCLUSIONS This study confirmed a relationship between OSA and chronic periodontitis. Therefore, OSA patients require oral care to prevent the progression of chronic periodontitis from mild to severe.

Background/Aims The impact of liver cirrhosis (LC) on the clinical outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains elusive. This study evaluated the association between LC and the development of severe complications from COVID-19. Methods We used the National Health Insurance claims data of Korea. We included 234,427 patients older than 19 years who tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Patients with LC who were infected with COVID-19 (n = 67, LC+ COVID+) were matched with those with cirrhosis only (n = 332, LC+ COVID−) and those with COVID-19 only (n = 333, LC− COVID+) using a propensity score in a 1:5 ratio. The primary outcome was the development of severe complications. Results Of the matched patients, the mean age was 60 years and 59.7% were male. Severe complications occurred in 18, 54, and 60 patients in the LC+ COVID+, LC+ COVID−, and LC− COVID+ groups, respectively. After adjusting for comorbidities, there was no significant difference in the risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19 between the LC+ COVID+ and LC− COVID+ groups but significant difference exists between the LC+ COVID+ and LC+ COVID−. Older age, hypertension, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a higher Charlson comorbidity index were associated with a higher risk of severe complications in patients with cirrhosis and COVID-19. Conclusions Our study suggests that LC was not independently associated with the development of severe complications, including mortality, in patients with COVID-19. Our results need to be evaluated through a large, prospective study.

OBJECTIVES We investigated the risk of dementia in older adults with chronic periodontitis according to the severity of periodontitis. METHODS Data on patients with chronic periodontitis were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort database from 2002 to 2014. Among 52,728 subjects eligible for inclusion, 11,953 subjects had newly diagnosed mild chronic periodontitis (MCP), and 40,775 subjects had newly diagnosed severe chronic periodontitis (SCP). Two 1:1 propensity score matched cohorts were created with 8,624 patients each in the MCP and SCP groups. To analyze the risk of dementia, a Cox proportional-hazard model was used to calculate hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS In the Kaplan-Meier curve, the disease-free probability was significantly lower in the SCP group than in the MCP group (p for log-rank=0.001). In the multivariable-adjusted model, the HR for the occurrence of dementia in the SCP group compared to the MCP group was 1.15 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.27; p=0.009). A subgroup analysis revealed a significant association between dementia and the severity of periodontitis, especially in subjects who were male, aged ≥70 years, and had comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS Reducing the severity of chronic periodontitis can help to reduce the risk of dementia. Therefore, it is necessary to aggressively conduct early dementia-prevention programs for males under the age of 70 that include dental health to prevent the progression of periodontitis from mild to severe.

OBJECTIVES We investigated the risk of stroke according to statin medication compliance in older people with chronic periodontitis. METHODS Chronic periodontitis patients were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service-Senior Cohort Database from 2002 to 2014. Among 255,056 chronic periodontitis patients, 41,412 patients with statin prescriptions for 28 days or more were included. The study population was divided into the top 25% of medication compliance group (TSG) and the lower 25% of medication compliance group (BSG). After 1:1 propensity score matching was performed, the final number of patients in the BSG and TSG was 6,172 each. To analyze the risk of stroke, a Cox proportional hazard model was performed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) after adjusting for age, sex, income level, hypertension, diabetes, and Charlson comorbidity index. RESULTS In the Kaplan-Meier curve, the disease-free probability was prominently lower in the BSG than in the TSG (p for log-rank= 0.001). The HR in the multivariable-adjusted model for stroke occurrence in the TSG compared to the BSG was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.92; p=0.002). Subgroup analyses showed significant associations between compliance to statin medication and stroke, especially in female, people 85 years or older, and patients with comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS Increasing compliance to statins may reduce stroke risk in older adults with chronic periodontitis. Therefore, in order to increase medication compliance among older people with chronic periodontitis, it is necessary for medical staff to make efforts to provide effective medication guidance.

Abstract Pneumonia is related to oral health of the elderly and intensive care unit patients. However, studies on the relationship between overall oral health and pneumonia in the general population have been limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between oral health and pneumonia using a nationwide population-based Korean cohort database. Data from 122,251 participants who underwent health screening and oral examinations in 2004 or 2005 were analyzed. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between oral health and pneumonia. The risk of pneumonia increased significantly in groups with a higher number of dental caries and missing teeth, with respective adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.265 (1.086–1.473; p = 0.0025) and 1.218 (1.113–1.332; p

Background/Aims Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there have been concerns about the association between exposure to renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors and the risk and severity of COVID-19. Methods We performed a case-control study that utilized up-to-date data on the South Korean population provided by the Korean National Health Insurance System. Of the 62,909 patients with hypertension or heart failure tested for COVID-19, there were 1,644 (2.6%) confirmed cases. After case-control matching, multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Comparison between patients exposed to RAAS inhibitors and those not exposed to RAAS inhibitors revealed that the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for COVID-19 infection and death were 0.981 (95% CI, 0.849 to 1.135) and 0.875 (95% CI, 0.548 to 1.396), respectively. Subgroup analysis for the major confounders, age and region of diagnosis, resulted in OR of 0.912 (95% CI, 0.751 to 1.108) and 0.942 (95% CI, 0.791 to 1.121), respectively. Conclusions The present study demonstrated no evidence of association between RAAS inhibitor exposure and risk and severity of COVID-19.

Purpose: On the basis that spironolactone is involved in ACE2 expression and TMPRSS2 activity, previous studies have suggested that spironolactone may influence the infectivity of COVID-19. Research has suggested that cell entry of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that induces COVID-19, is associated with the ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether spironolactone has a protective effect against COVID-19 and the development of associated complications in patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods: We conducted a nationwide case-control study on liver cirrhosis patients with or without COVID-19 from the population-based data acquired from the National Health Insurance Systems of Republic of Korea. After 1:5 case-control matching, multivariable adjusted conditional logistic regression analysis was performed.Results: Among the patients with liver cirrhosis, the case group with COVID-19 was found to be significantly less exposed to spironolactone compared with the control group without COVID-19. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between the two groups was 0.20 (0.07–0.54). In addition, regardless of cumulative dose of spironolactone, exposure to spironolactone was associated with lower COVID-19 infection. In terms of the development of complications due to COVID-19, spironolactone did not show any significant association between the patients with and without complications (P = 0.43). The adjusted OR and 95% CI between the two groups was 1.714 (0.246–11.938).Conclusion: We conclude that spironolactone may reduce susceptibility to COVID-19 but does not affect the development of its associated complications; however, further studies are needed to confirm the exact association between spironolactone and COVID-19 infection.

Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and Alsever’s solution (AS) are frequently used as media in blood-related studies, while 0.9% normal saline (NS) is frequently used in transfusion medicine. Despite the frequent use, the effects of these solutions on the shape and volume of red blood cells (RBCs) have not been reported. We collected blood samples from five healthy adults and used three-dimensional refractive index tomography to investigate the changes in the morphology of RBCs caused by changes in osmolality and solutes at the single-cell level. After diluting 2 μL of RBCs 200-fold with each solution (PBS, AS, and 0.9% NS), 40 randomly selected RBCs were microscopically observed. RBC shape was measured considering sphericity, which is a dimensionless quantity ranging from 0 (flat) to 1 (spherical). RBCs in plasma or AS showed a biconcave shape with a small sphericity, whereas those in 0.9% NS or PBS showed a spherical shape with a large sphericity. Moreover, we confirmed that sodium chloride alone could not elicit the biconcave shape of RBCs, which could be maintained only in the presence of an osmotic pressure-maintaining substance, such as glucose or mannitol. Although 0.9% NS solution is one of the most commonly used fluids in hematology and transfusion medicine, RBCs in 0.9% NS or PBS are not biconcave. Therefore, as the debate on the use of NS continues, future clinical studies or applications should consider the effect of glucose or mannitol on the shape of RBCs.

Cancer is a dynamic disease involving constant changes. With these changes, cancer cells become heterogeneous, resulting in varying sensitivity to chemotherapy. The heterogeneity of cancer cells plays a key role in chemotherapy resistance and cancer recurrence. Therefore, for effective treatment, cancer cells need to be analyzed at the single-cell level by monitoring various proteins and investigating their heterogeneity. We propose a microfluidic chip for a single-cell proteomics assay that is capable of analyzing complex cellular signaling systems to reveal the heterogeneity of cancer cells. The single-cell assay chip comprises (i) microchambers (n = 1376) for manipulating single cancer cells, (ii) micropumps for rapid single-cell lysis, and (iii) barcode immunosensors for detecting nine different secretory and intracellular proteins to reveal the correlation among cancer-related proteins. Using this chip, the single-cell proteomics of a lung cancer cell line, which may be easily masked in bulk analysis, were evaluated. By comparing changes in the level of protein secretion and heterogeneity in response to combinations of four anti-cancer drugs, this study suggests a new method for selecting the best combination of anti-cancer drugs. Subsequent preclinical and clinical trials should enable this platform to become applicable for patient-customized therapies.

OBJECTIVES:Despite the growing pieces of evidence linking hyperuricemia with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, the relationship between dyslipidemia and serum uric acid has not yet been established. This study aimed to investigate the association between individual components of dyslipidemia and serum uric acid by using the nationally representative Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2017. METHODS:A total of 8,722 participants (age ≥ 19 years) without missing values were analyzed for this study. Serum uric acid levels according to the presence of individual dyslipidemia components were calculated using multivariable-adjusted general linear models (GLM). Odds ratios of individual dyslipidemia components to hyperuricemia were calculated using unadjusted and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:A total of 1,061 participants were identified as having hyperuricemia, with a prevalence of 12.2%. Multivariable-adjusted GLM demonstrated a significant trend between individual dyslipidemia components and serum uric acid levels (P < 0.05). A positive association between the numbers of dyslipidemia components and the increments of serum uric acid levels was also observed (P < 0.001). In multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of all dyslipidemia components to hyperuricemia were shown to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). When further adjusted for the combined components themselves, each 10 mg/dL increments of total cholesterol (OR 1.053; 95% CI 1.028-1.079), triglycerides (OR 1.017; 95% CI 1.009-1.026) and HDL-C (OR 0.804; 95% CI 0.729-0.887), retained significant correlation with hyperuricemia. CONCLUSION:Our study demonstrated that the dyslipidemia components of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C levels are positively associated with serum uric acid levels, whereas serum HDL-C levels are inversely related. Further complementary studies regarding other lipid parameters are needed to confirm the accurate association between dyslipidemia and serum uric acid levels.

Electrical methods are among the primarily studied non-invasive glucose measurement techniques; however, various factors affect the accuracy of the sensors used. Of these, the temperature is a critical factor; hence, the effects of temperature on the electrical properties of blood components are investigated in this study. Furthermore, the changes in the electrical properties of blood according to the glucose level are corrected by considering the effects of temperature on the electrical properties. An impedance sensor is developed and used to measure whole blood impedance in 10 healthy participants at various temperatures and glucose levels. Subsequently, the conductivities of the plasma and cytoplasm were extracted. Changes in the electrical properties of the blood components are then analyzed using linear regression and repeated measures ANOVA. The electrical conductivities of plasma and cytoplasm increased with increasing temperatures (plasma: 0.0397 (slope), 0.7814 (R2), cytoplasm: 0.014 (slope), 0.694 (R2)). At three values of increasing glucose levels (85.4, 158.1, and 271.8 mg/dL), the electrical conductivities of the plasma and cytoplasm decreased. These tendencies are more significant upon temperature corrections (p-values; plasma: 0.001, 0.001, cytoplasm: 0.003, 0.002). The relationships between temperature and electrical conductivity changes can thus be used for temperature corrections in blood glucose measurement.

Background/Aims The recently proposed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been put forth as a more accurate representation of the metabolic aspects of fatty liver disease. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the various subtypes of SLD and the subsequent development of atrial fibrillation. Methods We identified participants who underwent health screenings in 2009 and 2010 using the KNHIS database and conducted a retrospective analysis of their data through 2019. The subjects were classified into six categories: no SLD without risk factor, no SLD with risk factor, MASLD without alcohol, MASLD with alcohol, MASLD with increased alcohol intake (MetALD), and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Hepatic steatosis was defined as fatty liver index ≥30. The primary outcome was the occurrence of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke. Results There were 107,202 male (51.0%) and 102,751 female (49.0%). The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of the incidence of atrial fibrillation was derived as no SLD with risk factor 1.41 [95% CI: 1.24-1.60], MASLD with no alcohol 1.80 [95% CI: 1.57-2.06], MASLD with alcohol 1.93 [95% CI: 1.67-2.22], MetALD 2.21 [95% CI: 1.85-2.63], and ALD 1.88 [95% CI: 1.45-2.43] using No SLD without risk factor as a reference. The aHR of the incidence of Ischemic stroke was derived as no SLD with risk factor 1.59 [95% CI: 1.38-1.83], MASLD with no alcohol 2.04 [95% CI: 1.76-2.36], MASLD with alcohol 1.89 [95% CI: 1.62-2.21], MetALD 2.31 [95% CI: 1.91-2.79], and ALD 2.31 [95% CI: 1.78-2.98] using No SLD without risk factor as a reference. Conclusion We observed an increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke, a complication of atrial fibrillation, associated with the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors the presence of SLDs, and increased alcohol intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims A recent Delphi consensus proposed a new classification system for steatotic liver disease (SLD), replacing the previous terminology, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to examine the association between SLD subtypes and the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods We used the Korean National Health Insurance Service database to identify participants who underwent health screenings in 2009 and 2010 and retrospectively analysed their data through to 2019. The participants were grouped into four categories: no SLD, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), MASLD with increased alcohol intake (MetALD), and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Hepatic steatosis was defined as a fatty liver index ≥30. The primary outcome was the occurrence of newly diagnosed CRC according to the SLD classification. Results This analysis included 242,275 participants. The adjusted hazard ratios for CRC incidence were 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–1.25) for MASLD, 1.45 (95% CI: 1.28 –1.65) for MetALD, and 1.78 (95% CI: 1.48–2.14) for ALD, with no SLD as the reference group. All results were statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Individuals in Korea with MASLD, MetALD, or ALD are at an increased risk of developing CRC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims In June 2023, an international panel of experts put forth a proposal to introduce a new classification system for steatotic liver disease (SLD), which would replace the previous terminology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between the various subtypes of SLD and the subsequent development of esophageal and gastric cancers. Methods We identified participants who underwent health screenings in 2009 and 2010 using the KNHIS database and conducted a retrospective analysis of their data through 2019. The subjects were classified into four categories: no SLD, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), MASLD with increased alcohol intake (MetALD), and alcohol- related liver disease (ALD). Hepatic steatosis was defined as fatty liver index ≥30. The primary outcome was the occurrence of newly diagnosed esophageal and gastric cancers. Results There were 109,698 male (50.8%) and 105,868 female (49.2%). The prevalence of no SLD, MASLD, MetALD, and ALD was 63.3%, 31.9%, 3.7%, and 1.0%, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of the incidence of esophageal cancer was derived as MASLD 0.81 [95% CI: 0.61-1.08], MetALD 1.58 [95% CI: 1.00-2.51], and ALD 2.23 [95% CI: 1.20-4.14] using No SLD as a reference. The aHR of the incidence of stomach cancer was derived as MASLD 1.08 [95% CI: 1.01-1.60], MetALD 1.38 [95% CI: 1.19-1.60], and ALD 1.39 [95% CI: 1.09-1.76] using No SLD as a reference. Conclusion There is a notable correlation between esophageal cancer and ALD. Individuals with MASLD, MetALD, and ALD are at an elevated risk of developing gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]