The Impact of COVID-19 on Admissions and In-hospital Mortality of Patients with Stroke in Korea: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on admission rates and in-hospital mortality among patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods: We constructed a dataset detailing the monthly hospitalizations and mortality rates of inpatients with stroke from January 2017 to December 2021. Employing an interrupted time series analysis, we explored the impact of COVID-19 on hospitalizations and 30-day in-hospital mortality among stroke patients.

Modulating Expression as a Promising Approach to Enhance Skin Brightness and Reduce Dark Spots.

The oculocutaneous albinism II () gene encodes a melanosomal transmembrane protein involved in melanogenesis. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms within genes that are involved in skin pigmentation. Nevertheless, there have been no attempts to modulate this gene to improve skin discoloration.

The Transformation of Acupuncture Practice Using Ultrasonography: Expert Opinions.

Importance: The rapidly growing use of ultrasound in South Korea has revolutionized the real-world application of acupuncture, making it a safer, more accurate treatment. However, little is known about the challenges Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) encounter, as well as the procedures and resources necessary for hygienic, safe ultrasound-guided acupuncture.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the purpose, indications, and procedure for ultrasound-guided acupuncture in Korean medicine (KM) practice and the challenges KMDs encounter in using ultrasonography.

Effectiveness of a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet program for weight loss: a randomized controlled trial in South Korea.

Introduction: Weight-loss strategies through meal replacements are effective and sustainable options. However, few studies have assessed their effects on weight loss including body composition through protein-supplemented meal replacements targeting the Asian population, including Koreans. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of a protein-supplemented very-low-calorie diet (PSVLCD) for weight reduction and changes in body composition in individuals with obesity over a 12-month long-term period.

Therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects of Bojungikki-tang on cancer: a scoping review.

Background: Cancer remains a major global health concern, with conventional treatments often limited by side effects and resistance. Bojungikki-tang (BJIKT), a traditional herbal formula, has shown promise in alleviating cancer-related symptoms and enhancing anti-cancer effects when combined with conventional treatments. As immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard for cancer treatment, a combination of BJIKT and ICIs may exhibit immune-mediated anti-cancer effects.

Safety of herbal medicine in the postpartum period of a Korean Medicine hospital and postpartum care centre: protocol of a registry study (SAFEHERE-PC).

Introduction: Herbal medicines (HMs) are commonly used during the postpartum period in South Korea. However, the safety concerns associated with these medicines remain unresolved. This study aims to establish a registry of patients receiving HM treatment during the postpartum period and collect clinical data on treatments and adverse reactions to build evidence evaluating the safety of HM use.

Barriers and future improvements of workplace-based learning in Korean medicine clinical clerkship: perspectives of graduates.

Background: Workplace-based learning (WPBL) has emerged as an essential practice in healthcare education. However, WPBL is rarely implemented in Korean medicine (KM) due to the passive attitude of teachers and possible violation of medical laws that limit the participation of trainees in medical treatment. In this study, we implemented WPBL in the clinical clerkship of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Medicine at a single College of KM and explored the barriers and future improvements of WPBL.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Medical Use of Elderly Patients with Hypertension: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted healthcare services, including chronic disease management, for vulnerable groups, such as older individuals with hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate hypertension management in South Korea's elderly population during the pandemic using treatment consistency indices such as the continuity of care (COC), modified, modified continuity index (MMCI), and most frequent provider continuity (MFPC).

Methods: This study used the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency-COVID-19-National Health Insurance Service cohort (K-COV-N cohort) from the National Health Insurance Service between 2017 and 2021.

Association between smoking status and handgrip strength in Korean male adults: based on Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2019.

Background: Smoking is a well-known risk factor of frailty. Handgrip strength (HGS) is highly representative of muscular strength and is used in the diagnosis of frailty; however, the relationship between smoking and HGS is not clear. We evaluated the relationship between smoking status and HGS.

Health Inequities in Cancer Incidence According to Economic Status and Regions Are Still Existed Even under Universal Health Coverage System in Korea: A Nationwide Population Based Study Using the National Health Insurance Database.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the level of health equity in relation to cancer incidence.

Materials And Methods: We used the National Health Insurance claims data of the National Health Insurance Service between 2005 and 2022 and annual health insurance and medical aid beneficiaries between 2011 and 2021 to investigate the disparities of cancer incidence. We calculated age-sex standardized cancer incidence rates by cancer and year according to the type of insurance and the trend over time using the annual percentage change.

Ratiometric measurement of MAM Ca dynamics using a modified CalfluxVTN.

Mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) is a structure where these calcium-regulating organelles form close physical contact sites for efficient Ca crosstalk. Despite the central importance of MAM Ca dynamics in diverse biological processes, directly and specifically measuring Ca concentrations inside MAM is technically challenging. Here, we develop MAM-Calflux, a MAM-specific BRET-based Ca indicator.

Efficacy of fermented grain using in reducing visceral fat among people with obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Obesity is a socioeconomic problem, and visceral obesity, in particular, is related to cardiovascular diseases or metabolic syndrome. Fermented grains and various microorganisms are known to help with anti-obesity effects and weight management. Studies on the relationship between and anti-obesity effects are not well known, and studies on the application of fermented grains and microorganisms to the human body are also insufficient.

Gcap14 is a microtubule plus-end-tracking protein coordinating microtubule-actin crosstalk during neurodevelopment.

Regulation of microtubule dynamics is required to properly control various steps of neurodevelopment. In this study, we identified granule cell antiserum-positive 14 (Gcap14) as a microtubule plus-end-tracking protein and as a regulator of microtubule dynamics during neurodevelopment. knockout mice exhibited impaired cortical lamination.

Comparison of Concordance between Chuna Manual Therapy Diagnostic Methods (Palpation, X-ray, Artificial Intelligence Program) in Lumbar Spine: An Exploratory, Cross-Sectional Clinical Study.

Before Chuna manual therapy (CMT), a manual therapy applied in Korean medicine, CMT spinal diagnosis using palpation or X-ray is performed. However, studies on the inter-rater concordance of CMT diagnostic methods, concordance among diagnostic methods, and standard CMT diagnostic methods are scarce. Moreover, no clinical studies have used artificial intelligence (AI) programs for X-ray image-based CMT diagnosis.

Impact of Sleep Duration on Decline in Kidney Function in Adult Patients with Hypertension: A Community-Based Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Sleep duration is associated with various health conditions, including chronic kidney disease. However, the association between sleep duration and decline in kidney function in the South Korean population remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the impact of sleep duration on kidney function decline in adult patients with hypertension.

Implementation of Objective Structured Clinical Examination on Diagnostic Musculoskeletal Ultrasonography Training in Undergraduate Traditional Korean Medicine Education: An Action Research.

This study aimed to report the specific methods and investigate the educational effects of diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound training and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for traditional medicine students. Scanning volar wrist and diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome were selected for musculoskeletal ultrasound to train students to use the basic functions of the ultrasound device and scan various structures including tendons, nerves, and arteries. The students were divided into two groups: one group had 8 weeks of training with mock OSCE experience and received feedback about their scan images, and the other group had 3 weeks of training with flipped learning.

Evaluation of facial skin age based on biophysical properties in vivo.

Objective: The evaluation of skin age, reflecting overall facial characteristics, has not been established. Previous studies focused on visual assessment or individual-specific feature such as wrinkles or skin color. We studied the evaluation model of skin age index (SAI) including the overall aging features including wrinkles, skin color, pigmentation, elasticity, and hydration.

Efficacy of ethyl ascorbyl ether-containing cosmetic cream on blue light-induced skin changes.

Background: Office workers are consistently exposed to blue light, mainly from sunlight and digital device. Recent studies report that blue light has various harmful effects, including cellular changes via reactive oxygen species. Studies on blue light-induced skin changes have only been conducted in vitro and have not been clinically confirmed.

In vivo method to evaluate antioxidative activity using UVA-induced carbonylated protein on human skin.

Background: Skin is continuously exposed to oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the ultraviolet (UV) light, and it is important to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Carbonylated proteins (CPs) are candidate markers of oxidative modification as a result from the ROS. We aimed to develop the CP-based method to assess the efficacy of antioxidants in human skin.

What is the source of pressure pain during abdominal examination in Korean medicine?

Background: This study aimed to observe which anatomical structures change in the abdominal cavity and are involved in pressure pain during the pressurization of CV12 by using an ultrasonic diagnostic device in healthy subjects.

Methods: We recruited 52 healthy people and performed ultrasound imaging by gradually pressurizing the subject's CV12. We analyzed ultrasound images to observe the changes in abdominal anatomical structures during pressurization.

Clinical evaluation method for blue light (456 nm) protection of skin.

Background: Blue light from electronic devices enriched with a peak at 456 nm affects circadian rhythm and antioxidant balance of skin, necessitating the study of photoprotection against the 456-nm blue light.

Aims: This study aims to report that blue light (456 nm) can cause skin pigmentation and proposes a new clinical evaluation method for blue light (456 nm) protection based on the skin pigmentation level.

Patients/methods: We developed a clinical device (ABC device ) that emits blue light (peak = 456 nm).

Age-related biophysical changes of the epidermal and dermal skin in Korean women.

Introduction: The clinical characteristics of skin were investigated to study the inter-relationship and changes in the biophysical properties of the epidermal and dermal layers associated with aging using noninvasive methods.

Methods: Our study included 100 healthy women aged between the early 20s and late 60s. Biophysical characteristics of skin such as color (brightness and spots), transparency, wrinkle on crow's feet, elasticity, hydration, sebum content, glossiness, and transepidermal water loss measured under controlled conditions.