Immunostimulatory activity of the aqueous extract from the leaves of subsp. through TLR4‑dependent JNK activation in RAW264.7 cells.

subsp. (SRP) is an endemic plant of Korea, exclusively found on Ulleungdo Island. SRP is widely used as both a traditional medicine and food source.

Strain-invariant stretchable radio-frequency electronics.

Wireless modules that provide telecommunications and power-harvesting capabilities enabled by radio-frequency (RF) electronics are vital components of skin-interfaced stretchable electronics. However, recent studies on stretchable RF components have demonstrated that substantial changes in electrical properties, such as a shift in the antenna resonance frequency, occur even under relatively low elastic strains. Such changes lead directly to greatly reduced wireless signal strength or power-transfer efficiency in stretchable systems, particularly in physically dynamic environments such as the surface of the skin.

Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of great saphenous venous insufficiency using a newly developed VENISTAR catheter: A preliminary study.

Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the preliminary outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a newly developed catheter (VENISTAR) for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins (GSVs).

Methods: In this prospective observational study, endovenous RFA using a VENISTAR catheter was performed on 16 saphenous veins in 12 patients between August and November 2019. Patients' pre- and post-procedural data were recorded.

Thiazide-associated hyponatremia in arterial hypertension patients: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

Objective: Thiazides are the first-line treatment for hypertension, however, they have been associated with hospitalizations for thiazide-associated hyponatremia (TAH). The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of TAH and other drug-associated hyponatremia in a Korean population.

Methods: The study used big data from the National Health Insurance Sharing Service of 1,943,345 adults treated for hypertension from January 2014 to December 2016.

In CKD, empagliflozin reduced kidney disease progression at a median 2 y, regardless of primary kidney disease type.

EMPA-KIDNEY Collaborative Group. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024;12:51-60.

Metal-Organic Frameworks Marry Sponge: New Opportunities for Advanced Water Treatment.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered attention across various fields due to their noteworthy features like high specific surface area, substantial porosity, and adjustable performance. In the realm of water treatment, MOFs exhibit great potential for eliminating pollutants such as organics, heavy metals, and oils. Nonetheless, the inherent powder characteristics of MOFs pose challenges in terms of recycling, pipeline blockage, and even secondary pollution in practical applications.

De Novo ANCA-Negative Pauci-Immune Crescentic Glomerulonephritis After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination: A Case Report.

To prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, vaccines have been authorized for emergency use and implemented worldwide. We present a case of de novo glomerulonephritis (GN) after use of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2. A 48-year-old man with no relevant medical history was referred for sudden and persistent worsening of renal insufficiency 1.

Comparison of the performance of currently used estimated glomerular filtration rate equations with 24-hour urine creatinine clearance: sample analysis of randomised controlled trial participants.

Objective: There are several equations for estimating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and each method has its limitations. We compared various estimated GFR (eGFR) equations with 24 hours urine creatinine clearance (24u-CCr).

Design: Sample analysis of randomised controlled trial participants.

Prediction of renal recovery following sepsis-associated acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography.

Background: Microcirculatory dysfunction plays a critical role in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) development; however, its impact on renal recovery remains uncertain. We investigated the association between cortical microcirculatory function assessed using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and renal recovery after S-AKI needing renal replacement therapy (RRT).

Methods: This retrospective study included 23 patients who underwent CEUS among those who underwent acute RRT for S-AKI.

Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of Quick-Soluble Gelatin Sponge Particles for Genicular Artery Embolization for Chronic Knee Pain Associated with Osteoarthritis.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of genicular artery embolization (GAE) using quick-soluble gelatin sponge particles (QS-GSPs) to alleviate chronic knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study included 71 patients (97 procedures, including 26 patients for both knees) who underwent GAE to treat osteoarthritic knee pain between August 2019 and January 2022. QS-GSPs were used for all the procedures.

Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome: a case report.

Background: Idiopathic systemic capillary leak syndrome (ISCLS) is a rare disease characterized by recurrent episodes of acute life-threatening attacks of shock, hemoconcentration, and hypoalbuminemia. Increase in capillary permeability results in reversible plasma movement into the interstitial spaces followed by appearance of related symptoms or complications, including renal failure. This condition can be potentially life-threatening; however, it is easily misdiagnosed.

Endovenous radiofrequency ablation using a new bipolar electrode in a canine model: a new endovenous radiofrequency electrode.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of a newly developed endovenous radiofrequency (RF) catheter compared with that of the existing RF catheter in a canine model.

Methods: Seven dogs underwent ablation using 1 control catheter (ClosureFAST, CF; Covidien) and 1 experimental catheter (VENISTAR, VS; STARmed Co., Ltd.

Responsiveness to an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent is correlated with body composition in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Background: Resistance to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) is associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis. However, the impact of body composition on ESA response remains uncertain. This study retrospectively investigated whether there is an association between the ESA resistance index (ERI) and body composition in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

Modeling of microplastics discharged from a station in Marian Cove, West Antarctica.

Conspicuous amounts of microplastics have been discovered in bays near Antarctic research stations, including several types of microplastics in the water columns of Marian Cove. This study proposes an efficient operating strategy for a wastewater treatment plant to mitigate microplastic accumulations in the bay by assessing the transport and accumulation of microplastics using numerical simulations. Hence, microplastic particles were classified into falling and rising particles to find a mechanism for their vertical migration.

Phase angle as a marker for muscle health and quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Background & Aims: Sarcopenia is associated with adverse health outcomes in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD); hence, a convenient and reliable method for monitoring muscle health is required. This study investigated the utility of the phase angle (PhA) to estimate muscle health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with CKD.

Methods: Data were obtained from a multicenter randomized trial that examined the effect of AST-120 on sarcopenia and HRQoL.

Utility of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria for the nutritional assessment of patients with end-stage renal disease receiving chronic hemodialysis.

Background: Malnutrition is associated with adverse outcomes in patients on chronic haemodialysis. Thus, identifying accurate methods for diagnosing malnutrition is essential. The present retrospective study investigated the utility of the new Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria in patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis.

Hydrophilic guidewire usage under ultrasound guidance in facilitating catheter advancement during endovenous treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins.

Purpose: This study was performed To investigate the use of hydrophilic guidewires for facilitating catheter advancement during varicose vein treatment using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cyanoacrylate closure (CAC).

Methods: From March 2016 to April 2019, 463 limbs of 285 with incompetent great saphenous veins were subjected to RFA (321 limbs of 197 patients) or CAC (142 limbs of 88 patients). Procedure records were reviewed for the use of a hydrophilic guidewire, reason for the guidewire usage, and diameter of the guidewire.

MAX-Phase Films Overcome Scaling Limitations to the Resistivity of Metal Thin Films.

Metal thin films have been widely used as conductors in semiconductor devices for several decades. However, the resistivity of metal thin films such as Cu and TiN increases substantially (>1000%) as they become thinner (<10 nm) when using high-density integration to improve device performance. In this study, the resistivities of MAX-phase VAlC films grown on sapphire substrates exhibited a significantly weaker dependence on the film thickness than conventional metal films that resulted in a resistivity increase of only 30%, as the VAlC film thickness decreased from approximately 45 to 5 nm.

Impact of Downtime on Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Kidney Injury Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) downtime is considered a quality indicator; however, it remains uncertain whether downtime affects outcomes. This study retrospectively investigated the impact of downtime on clinical outcomes. Patients were classified as downtime <20% or ≥20% of potential operative time over 4 days from CRRT initiation.

Effects of intravenous iron therapy on mortality and hospitalization of hemodialysis patients: A prospective cohort study in Korea.

Iron replacement therapy is necessary for anemia treatment in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Intravenous (IV) iron therapy is an efficient method for iron replacement. However, there are concerns regarding its considerable side effects, including increased risks of infection or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Caffeine-induced hypokalemia: a case report.

Background: With an increase in the global popularity of coffee, caffeine is one of the most consumed ingredients of modern times. However, the consumption of massive amounts of caffeine can lead to severe hypokalemia.

Case Presentation: A 29-year-old man without a specific past medical history was admitted to our hospital with recurrent episodes of sudden and severe lower-extremity weakness.

Short-term Results of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Chronic Medial Epicondylitis Refractory to Conservative Treatment: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for chronic medial epicondylitis (ME) refractory to conservative treatments.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study included ten patients (14 procedures) who underwent TAE between May of 2018 and April of 2020 to treat chronic ME refractory to conservative treatments for at least 3 months. Imipenem/cilastatin sodium was used in 12 procedures, and quick-soluble gelatin sponge particles were used in the ensuing two procedures as an embolic agent.