Clinical and Prognostic Value of VHL in Korean Patients with Rectal Cancer.

: Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is caused by mutations in the VHL gene and can develop various cancers. Hypoxia-inducible factors 1 and 2 alphas, regulated by the VHL gene, can increase the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby activating cancer progression. Here, we demonstrated clinical and prognostic values of VHL expression in rectal cancer (RC).

The Beneficial Effects of Alpha-Blockers, Antimuscarinics, Beta 3-Agonist, and PDE5-Inhibitors for Ureteral Stent-Related Discomfort: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis from KSER Update Series.

: Ureteral stents are widely used in the field of urology but can cause varying degrees of side effects. This study utilized a network meta-analysis to evaluate stent-related discomfort (SRD) in patients with alpha-blockers (alfuzosin, tamsulosin, and silodosin), antimuscarinics (solifenacin), beta 3-agonists (mirabegron), and phosphodiesterase 5-inhibitors (tadalafil) versus a placebo. : Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2006 to 2021 were identified from electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library.

Functional Disability and Psychological Impact in Headache Patients: A Comparative Study Using Conventional Statistics and Machine Learning Analysis.

: Recent research has focused on exploring the relationships between various factors associated with headaches and understanding their impact on individuals' psychological states. Utilizing statistical methods and machine learning models, these studies aim to analyze and predict these relationships to develop effective approaches for headache management and prevention. : Analyzing data from 398 patients (train set = 318 and test set = 80), we investigated the influence of various features on outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and headache intensity using machine learning and linear regression.

Effect of a Healing Program Using Marine Resources on Reducing Pain and Improving Physical Function in Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study.

: Chronic low back pain is a widespread condition, particularly in older populations, contributing to physical, mental, and social burdens. Traditional treatments, such as medications and surgery, carry long-term risks, including dependency, side-effects, and complications from invasive procedures. Additionally, healthcare accessibility is limited due to high costs, long waiting times, and geographic disparities in healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.

Male-Specific Effects of β-Carotene Supplementation on Lipid Metabolism in the Liver and Gonadal Adipose Tissue of Healthy Mice.

Biological sex is a fundamental determinant of physiological differences, including metabolic processes and disease susceptibility. β-carotene (BC), a provitamin A carotenoid, is known for its health benefits, but its sex-specific effects on its metabolism remain largely unexplored. This study investigated male and female BALB/c mice receiving BC or vehicle control via oral gavage for 11 weeks.

Biosynthesis of a Novel Ginsenoside with High Anticancer Activity by Recombinant UDP-Glycosyltransferase and Characterization of Its Biological Properties.

UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) contribute to catalyzing the glycosylation of numerous functional natural products and novel derivatives with improved bioactivities. UDP-glucose sterol glucosyltransferase (SGT) is normally involved in the synthesis of sterol glycosides in a variety of organisms. SGT was derived from CNB-440 and heterologously expressed in BL21 (DE3).

In Vitro and In Silico Studies of Maculosin as a Melanogenesis and Tyrosinase Inhibitor.

The investigation of melanogenesis and tyrosinase inhibitors is essential for developing safe and effective natural compounds to treat pigmentation disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maculosin, a cyclic dipeptide composed of tyrosine and proline, on melanin production and tyrosinase activity using the B16F10 melanoma cell model, while elucidating its mechanism of action through molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Experimental results demonstrated that maculosin inhibited intracellular melanin content and tyrosinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner in B16F10 melanoma cells.

Rocaglamide Suppresses Allergic Reactions by Regulating IL-4 Receptor Signaling.

Rocaglamide (Roc-A), a natural phytochemical isolated from Aglaia species, is known to exert anticancer effects. Allergic inflammation can enhance the tumorigenic potential of cancer cells. We hypothesized that Roc-A could regulate allergic inflammation.

Green Extraction of Antioxidant-Rich Flavonoids from Using Deep Eutectic Solvents.

This study optimized the extraction of flavonoids from using deep eutectic solvents (DESs), focusing on key factors such as the type of DES used, molar ratio, water content, solid/liquid ratio, extraction temperature, and time. Among six DESs tested, the betaine-acetic acid combination exhibited the highest extraction efficiency, attributed to its low viscosity (4.98 mPa·s).

Sustainable MXene Synthesis via Molten Salt Method and Nano-Silicon Coating for Enhanced Lithium-Ion Battery Performance.

MXenes, a family of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have attracted significant attention due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and electrochemical performance, making them highly promising for diverse applications, particularly in energy storage. Despite notable advancements, MXene synthesis remains a critical challenge, as conventional methods often rely on hazardous hydrofluoric acid-based processes, posing substantial environmental and safety risks. In this study, we present an eco-friendly synthesis approach for MXenes using molten salt processes, which offer a safer, sustainable alternative while enabling scalable production.

Antioxidant and Tyrosinase-Inhibitory Activities and Biological Bioactivities of Flavonoid Derivatives from Pollen.

Flavonoids, present in plants as enriched secondary metabolites, prevent various stresses such as temperature fluctuations, acidity, and insect predation, are commonly found in leaves, stems, and flowers, and serve as important bioactive components. In this study, a total of eighteen different flavonoids, including one newly identified flavonoid glycoside, were successfully isolated from the pollen of . The structure of the novel compound was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, and infrared spectroscopy.

Augmenting Cognitive Function in the Elderly with Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Probiotic CBT-LR5: A 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Non-Comparative Study.

Background: Probiotics have been shown to enhance cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), but their efficacy varies, depending on the strain and dosage.

Objectives: Clinical investigations are crucial to confirm their safety, efficacy, and mechanism of action. This study was designed to assess the effective dosage, safety, and efficacy of MH-Pro, a test product containing CBT-LR5 (LR5) and skim milk (non-fat dry milk), in improving cognitive function and related physiological changes in older adults suspected of MCI over 12 weeks.

The Influence of Dietary Patterns on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Management in Women: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials with and Without an Isocaloric Dietary Design.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that causes cardiometabolic and reproductive disorders in women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS are more likely to have obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. There is an inconclusive consensus on which dietary modification could be most effective in PCOS prevention and treatment.

Five-Day Treatment with Along with Classical Vancomycin Treatment Was Effective in Preserving Gut Microbiota in Patients with Infection.

infection (CDI) is an important nosocomial diarrheal disease. The benefits of the probiotic () in the preservation of intestinal microbiota have not been studied in patients with CDI to date. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of in preserving the intestinal microbiota in patients with CDI.

National Trends and Disparities in Complementary Food Diversity Among Infants: A 12-Year Cross-Sectional Birth Cohort Study.

The complementary food introduction and consumption guidelines for atopic dermatitis and food allergy prevention have evolved; however, their impact on infant feeding practices remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze complementary food diversity trends in infants, identify vulnerable infants with limited food diversity, and examine the trends in infants with or without vulnerable factors over time. This study analyzed infants aged 9-12 months who participated in the food diversity survey, conducted as part of the National Health Screening Program in Korea from 2009 to 2020.

Discovering Vitamin-D-Deficiency-Associated Factors in Korean Adults Using KNHANES Data Based on an Integrated Analysis of Machine Learning and Statistical Techniques.

: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is a global health concern associated with metabolic disease and immune dysfunction. Despite known risk factors like limited sun exposure, diet, and lifestyle, few studies have explored these factors comprehensively on a large scale. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify VDD-associated factors in South Korea via an integrative approach of machine learning and statistical analyses using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) IX-1 data.

Factors Associated with Driving Ability and Changes After Immobilization of the Right Lower Limb: A Driving Simulator Study.

Patients with orthopedic injuries often require cast immobilization therapy using casts. Driving with a cast on the right lower limb restricts many things. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with driving capacity after orthopedic fixation of the right lower limb in healthy adult volunteers.

Trends of Pediatric Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery in Korea: Nationwide Population-Based Study.

/: The rise in sports participation among children and adolescents has led to an increase in ACL injuries in skeletally immature individuals. This study analyzed nationwide trends in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgeries in pediatric and adolescent populations, addressing concerns about growth plate disturbances with surgery and risks of secondary injuries with nonoperative treatment. : We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using the National Health Insurance Corporation database in South Korea, analyzing ACL reconstruction trends from 2011 to 2018.

Non-Contrast Computed Tomography-Based Triage and Notification for Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke: A Before and After Study Utilizing Artificial Intelligence on Treatment Times and Outcomes.

: The clinical impact of automated large vessel occlusion (LVO) detection tools using non-contrast CT (NCCT) is still unknown. We evaluated whether the implementation of Heuron ELVO, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven software for triage and notification of LVO stroke using NCCT, can reduce treatment times and improve clinical outcomes in a real-world setting. : We compared patients with LVO stroke before (pre-AI cohort, 84 patients) and after (post-AI cohort, 48 patients) the implementation of Heuron ELVO at a comprehensive stroke center.

Chronic Periodontitis as a Risk Factor for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Cohort Study.

: The association between periodontitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been controversial. This study aimed to estimate the association between recurrent periodontitis episodes and the occurrence of BPH in an adult male population in Korea. : This study analyzed data from 79,497 matched cases and controls to examine the relationship between periodontitis and BPH, using Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort data.

Insulin Sensitivity and Muscle Loss in the Absence of Diabetes Mellitus: Findings from a Longitudinal Community-Based Cohort Study.

: Muscle loss is a serious complication in chronic disease patients, yet studies on long-term changes in muscle mass based on insulin sensitivity in the absence of diabetes mellitus are scarce. This community-based cohort study analyzed the longitudinal association between insulin sensitivity and muscle loss in middle-aged South Korean adults. : This study included 6016 subjects (aged 40-65 years) from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, conducted between 2001 and 2016.

Parenteral Nutrition-Induced Liver Function Complications: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prognosis.

: Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Liver Disease (PNALD) is a significant complication in patients undergoing parenteral nutrition (PN). This study aims to explore the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with PNALD, including abnormal liver function tests, in patients receiving parenteral nutrition, even in short-term PN recipients. : A retrospective analysis of 500 patients receiving PN for at least 3 days at a tertiary medical center was conducted.

Treatment Strategy for Posterior Malleolar Fractures: Different Operative Strategies Are Needed for Each Morphological Type.

The operative indication for posterior malleolar fracture (PMF) remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the midterm outcomes of PMF treatment for developing a treatment strategy for each morphological type. In this retrospective analysis, patients undergoing operative treatment for an unstable ankle fracture involving PMF were included after at least 3 years of follow-up.

Comparative Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological and Pharmacological Treatments for Non-Acute Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Multicenter, Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled, Parallel-Grouped Pilot Study.

We aimed to compare non-pharmacological (non-PHM) and pharmacological (PHM) treatment for patients with non-acute lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and determine the feasibility of a large-scale study. This was a two-armed, parallel, multicenter, pragmatic controlled trial performed in South Korea. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans both at the screening stage and the last follow-up.

Increased Mortality Associated with Amiodarone Compared to Other Antiarrhythmic Drugs in New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation.

Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are the primary treatment for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). While amiodarone is mainly used in patients with structural heart disease, its effects on all-cause mortality compared to other AADs remain unclear. This study utilized nationwide healthcare insurance data involving patients with new-onset AF from 2013 to 2019.