Impact of obesity on renal function in elderly Korean adults: a national population-based cohort study.

Background: Obesity is a well-known risk factor for chronic kidney disease and its progression. However, the impact of obesity on the renal function of the elderly population is uncertain. We investigated the association between obesity and renal outcomes in the elderly.

Security Comparison of Various Surgical Knots Using Nylon Suture.

Objective: To evaluate the strengths of various surgical knot techniques, including square knot, surgeon's knot, granny knot, and random knot with the same three throws.

Methods: The authors tested each of the four knot techniques using four different gauges of nylon (polyamide [Ethicon]): 4-0, 5-0, 6-0, and 7-0. Each knot type was tested 20 times per nylon gauge, for a total of 320 knots tested.

Neuroprotective effects of methanolic extract from Chuanxiong Rhizoma in mice with middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced ischemic stroke: suppression of astrocyte- and microglia-related inflammatory response.

Background: In traditional Asian medicine, dried rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Chuanxiong Rhizoma [CR]) have long been used to treat pain disorders that affect the head and face such as headaches. Furthermore, they have been used primarily for blood circulation improvement or as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory medicine.

Methanol extract of Hort. Rhizome ameliorates bilateral common carotid artery stenosis-induced cognitive deficit in mice by altering microglia and astrocyte activation.

In traditional Asian medicine, Hort also known as "Chuanxiong", is mainly used for improving blood circulation or for analgesic and anti-inflammatory purposes, but they also have a long history of use for pain disorders in the head and face, such as headache. Despite the possibility that the plant is effective for diseases such as cerebral infarction and vascular dementia (VaD), the mechanism of action is not well understood. To determine if the dried rhizomes of (Chuanxiong Rhizoma, CR) methanol extract (CRex) has activity in a VaD mice model.

A Pragmatic Randomized clinical trial: twice-weekly vs. thrice-weekly Incident hemoDialysis in Elderly patients (PRIDE): study protocol.

Background: The optimal frequency for hemodialysis in older adults with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) has not been established. This study aims to investigate whether a twice-weekly dialysis schedule using an incremental approach can reduce hospitalization rates in the elderly with incident dialysis, compared with conventional thrice-weekly dialysis.

Methods: We have designed a pragmatic randomized controlled trial to compare the effects of twice-weekly versus thrice-weekly hemodialysis in 428 ESKD individuals (dropout rate 20%) aged 60 years or older with residual kidney function (urine output, >500 mL/ day).

Electroacupuncture for abdominal pain relief in patients with acute pancreatitis: A three-arm randomized controlled trial.

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) may reduce the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) and provide additional pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis. However, the ability of EA to relieve pain in patients with AP has not been well documented.

Objective: This study was undertaken to compare the pain-relieving effects of EA and conventional treatment in patients with AP.

Tooth-Cutting-Induced Maxillary Malocclusion Exacerbates Cognitive Deficit in a Mouse Model of Vascular Dementia.

Treatments to restore the balance of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are performed in the field of complementary and alternative medicine; however, evidence supporting this approach remains weak. Therefore, this study attempted to establish such evidence. Bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) operation, which is commonly used for the establishment of a mouse model of vascular dementia, was performed, followed by tooth cutting (TEX) for maxillary malocclusion to promote the imbalance of the TMJ.

Amelioration of Brain Damage after Treatment with the Methanolic Extract of in Mice.

(GR) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in Asian countries. GR was the most frequently used medicine among stroke patients in Donguibogam, the most representative book in Korean medicine. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of the GR methanolic extract (GRex) on an ischemic stroke mice model.

Association between physical activity and risk of renal function decline and mortality in community-dwelling older adults: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

Background: Physical activity (PA) is an important risk factor associated with health outcomes. However, the relationship between PA and kidney function decline in older adults remains unclear. We examined the influence of PA on kidney function decline and mortality in community-dwelling older adults.

Systemic Analgesic Effects of Electroacupuncture in Healthy Individuals: Thermal Threshhold, Acupuncture Sensation Intensity and De-qi on Quantitative Sensory Test.

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been known to exert analgesic effects according to several reports, but studies investigating the analgesic effect of EA using the quantitative sensory test (QST) are rare.

Primary Study Objective: To investigate the analgesic effects of electroacupuncture through changes in thermal thresholds measured using the QST.

Design: Pilot, randomized, single-blind, parallel design.

Effects of Daehwang-Hwanglyoun-Sasim-Tang on brain injury and cognitive function in mice caused by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis.

Among geriatric diseases, cerebrovascular disease ranks fourth according to the Causes of Death Statistics in 2019, Korea, and is the most common cause of acquired disorders in adults. Daehwang-Hwanglyoun-Sasim-Tang (DHST), a herbal prescription consisting of two herbal medicines, Rhei Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. This study was conducted to confirm the anti-inflammatory mechanism of DHST treatment in ischemic brain injury and to confirm the role of DHST in cognitive function improvement.

Efficacy and safety of EXOWALK® on electromechanical-assisted gait training: study protocol for randomized controlled trial.

Background: High-intensity repetitive task-specific practice might be the most effective strategy to promote motor recovery after stroke, and electromechanical-assisted gait training represents one of the treatment options. However, there is still difficulty in clarifying the difference between conventional gait training and electromechanically assisted gait training.

Methods: The study is a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial for stroke patients.

Development of an Interoperable and Easily Transferable Clinical Decision Support System Deployment Platform: System Design and Development Study.

Background: A clinical decision support system (CDSS) is recognized as a technology that enhances clinical efficacy and safety. However, its full potential has not been realized, mainly due to clinical data standards and noninteroperable platforms.

Objective: In this paper, we introduce the common data model-based intelligent algorithm network environment (CANE) platform that supports the implementation and deployment of a CDSS.

Comparison between polynomial regression and weighted least squares regression analysis for verification of analytical measurement range.

Objectives: Recently, the linearity evaluation protocol by the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) has been revised from EP6-A to EP6-ED2, with the statistical method of interpreting linearity evaluation data being changed from polynomial regression to weighted least squares linear regression (WLS). We analyzed and compared the analytical measurement range (AMR) verification results according to the present and prior linearity evaluation guidelines.

Methods: The verification of AMR of clinical chemistry tests was performed using five samples with two replicates in three different laboratories.

Neuroprotective effects of Korean White ginseng and Red ginseng in an ischemic stroke mouse model.

Background: Stroke is a neurological disorder characterized by brain tissue damage following a decrease in oxygen supply to brain due to blocked blood vessels. Reportedly, 80% of all stroke cases are classified as cerebral infarction, and the incidence rate of this condition increases with age. Herein, we compared the efficacies of Korean White ginseng (WG) and Korean Red Ginseng (RG) extracts (WGex and RGex, respectively) in an ischemic stroke mouse model and confirmed the underlying mechanisms of action.

Efficacy of electromechanical-assisted gait training on clinical walking function and gait symmetry after brain injury of stroke: a randomized controlled trial.

Electromechanical-assisted gait training may be an effective intervention to promote motor recovery after brain injury. However, many studies still have difficulties in clarifying the difference between electromechanical-assisted gait training and conventional gait training. To evaluate the effectiveness of electromechanical-assisted gait training compared to that of conventional gait training on clinical walking function and gait symmetry of stroke patients.

Effectiveness and safety of electric heating moxibustion for perennial allergic rhinitis: A pilot, randomized, assessor-blind trial.

Background: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR), an inflammatory disease, is gradually increasing. Studies have reported that moxibustion is effective for treating AR. Electric heating moxibustion (EM) was developed to offer adaptable heat stimulation without the generation of smoke.

BAP1 Downregulates NRF2 Target Genes and Exerts Anti-Tumorigenic Effects by Deubiquitinating KEAP1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

KELCH-ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) is an adaptor protein of Cullin 3 (CUL3) E3 ubiquitin ligase that targets a redox sensitive transcription factor, NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2). BRCA1-associated protein 1 (BAP1) is a tumor suppressor and deubiquitinase whose mutations increase the risk of several types of familial cancers. In the present study, we have identified that BAP1 deubiquitinates KEAP1 by binding to the BTB domain.

The principles of presenting statistical results using figures.

Tables and figures are commonly adopted methods for presenting specific data or statistical analysis results. Figures can be used to display characteristics and distributions of data, allowing for intuitive understanding through visualization and thus making it easier to interpret the statistical results. To maximize the positive aspects of figure presentation and increase the accuracy of the content, in this article, the authors will describe how to choose an appropriate figure type and the necessary components to include.

Considerations for crossover design in clinical study.

This article introduces a crossover design that is often used in clinical studies, with the advantage of comparing treatment effects within one study subject. In particular, the advantages and disadvantages of the two-period, two-sequence crossover design (2 × 2 or AB/BA crossover design), which is widely used in clinical practice, are identified, and the elements necessary for analysis are introduced. This article explains the carryover effect, period effect, sequence effect, and period-by-treatment interaction in a crossover design and examines the analysis commands of SAS along with example data.

Effectiveness and safety of Korean medicine for treating women with unexplained infertility: A multi-center observational study.

Background: This study was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment in unexplained infertile females.

Methods: One hundred patients were recruited from 3 Korean Medicine hospitals in Korea and they voluntarily signed informed consent agreements. Participants took the (120cc) twice daily between menstrual cycle day (MCD) 3 and 12, and (120cc) twice daily between MCD 13 and 28.

Effects of the methanol fraction of modified Seonghyangjeongki-san water extract on transient ischaemic brain injury in mice.

Context: Recently in Korean medicine, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Seonghyangjeongki-san (SHJKS) were reported. However, studies on the specific mechanisms of action of SHJKS for the treatment of ischaemic stroke are still lacking.

Objective: This study investigates the mechanism of action of the water extract methanol fraction of modified SHJKS (SHJKSmex) on cerebral ischaemic injury.

root ameliorates ischaemic stroke-induced brain injury in mice by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways.

Context: Traditionally, the root of Nakai (Umbelliferae), has long been used to treat ischaemic diseases and is considered safe in humans.

Objective: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of a methanol extract of root (AGmex) on the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced brain injury in mice, and the underlying mechanisms.

Materials And Methods: Two hours of transient MCAO (tMCAO) was induced in C57BL/6 mice (MCAO control group and AGmex groups), AGmex was administered to the AGmex group at 300-3,000 mg/kg bw at 1, 1, and 24 h before tMCAO or at 1000 mg/kg bw at 1 h before and after tMCAO.

Analysis of Cancer Patient Decision-Making and Health Service Utilization after Enforcement of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision-Making Act in Korea.

Purpose: This study aimed to confirm the decision-making patterns for life-sustaining treatment (LST) and analyze medical service utilization changes after enforcement of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision-Making Act.

Materials And Methods: Of 1,237 patients who completed legal forms for life-sustaining treatment (hereafter called the LST form) at three academic hospitals and died at the same institutions, 1,018 cancer patients were included. Medical service utilization and costs were analyzed using claims data.