and Its Compounds as Complementary Therapy for Dyslipidemia: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Efficacy and In Silico Mechanistic Insights.

Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a leading cause of death worldwide. Burge is widely used in East Asia for cardiovascular health, showing potential benefits in lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation. This study systematically reviewed and conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the clinical effectiveness of in treating dyslipidemia.

Identifying Herbal Candidates and Active Compounds for Psoriasis Through Multiscale Network Analysis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by the hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and immune system dysregulation, with significant needs due to the limitations and adverse effects of current treatments. In this study, we sought to discover novel herbal candidates and their active compounds for psoriasis by leveraging a multiscale network analysis. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of data from 348 medicinal herbs and their active compounds, identifying , , , and as top candidates without reported evidence.

The Immobilization of an FGF2-Derived Peptide on Culture Plates Improves the Production and Therapeutic Potential of Extracellular Vesicles from Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

The skin is an essential organ that protects the body from external aggressions; therefore, damage from various wounds can significantly impair its function, and effective methods for regenerating and restoring its barrier function are crucial. This study aimed to mass-produce wound-healing exosomes using a fragment of the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-derived peptide (FP2) to enhance cell proliferation and exosome production. Our experiments demonstrated increased cell proliferation when Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ MSCs) were coated with FP2.

A combination of red and processed meat intake and polygenic risk score influences the incidence of hyperuricemia in middle-aged Korean adults.

Background/objectives: The high consumption of purine-rich meat is associated with hyperuricemia. However, there is limited evidence linking the consumption of red and processed meat to the genetic risk of hyperuricemia. We investigated the relationship between various combinations of red and processed meat consumption and the polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and the incidence of hyperuricemia in middle-aged Koreans.

Pathogenicity of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Viruses Isolated from Cats in Mice and Ferrets, South Korea, 2023.

The prevalence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses has increased in wild birds and poultry worldwide, and concomitant outbreaks in mammals have occurred. During 2023, outbreaks of HPAI H5N1 virus infections were reported in cats in South Korea. The H5N1 clade 2.

First Nationwide Mpox Vaccination Program in the Republic of Korea: Implications for an Enhanced Public Health Response.

On May 1, 2024, the Republic of Korea lifted the infectious disease crisis alert for mpox, almost two years after the first case was reported. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has led the response, which included diagnosis, epidemiological investigations, treatment, and vaccination. This article particularly reviews the vaccination strategy implemented and proposes suggestions for enhancing future response efforts.

Examining aid fragmentation and collaboration opportunities in Cambodia's health sector.

Background: Cambodia's health sector faces significant challenges exacerbated by aid fragmentation, where development aid is dispersed among numerous small, uncoordinated projects. This study examines the distribution of health sector aid among Cambodia's principal donors to identify priorities, overlaps, and potential collaboration opportunities, addressing the urgent need for aid efficiency and alignment with national health priorities.

Methods: Utilizing OECD datasets and the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for the years 2010-2021, this study quantifies aid fragmentation within Cambodia's health sector.

Anti-obesity effects of a standardized ethanol extract of by regulating the AMPK signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 cells and HFD-induced mice.

Obesity requires treatment to mitigate the potential development of further metabolic disorders, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, tumor growth, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We investigated the anti-obesity effect of a 30% ethanol extract of (Kjellman) Setchell (EEB) on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese C57BL/6 mice. Adipogenesis transcription factors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-alpha (C/EBPα), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) were ameliorated through the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway by EEB treatment in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells.

Using quality improvement to address social determinants of health needs in perinatal care.

There are unacceptable racial inequities in perinatal outcomes in the United States. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with health outcomes and contribute to disparities in maternal and newborn health. In this article, we (1) review the literature on SDOH improvement in the perinatal space, (2) describe the SDOH work facilitated by the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC) in the Birth Equity quality improvement initiative, (3) detail a hospital's experience with implementing strategies to improve SDOH screening and linkage to needed resources and services and (4) outline a framework for success for addressing SDOH locally.

Implementation of perinatal quality collaborative statewide initiative improves obstetrical opioid use disorder care and outcomes.

Background: Maternal deaths resulting from opioid use disorder have been increasing across the United States. Opioid use disorder among pregnant persons is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, along with racial disparities in optimal opioid use disorder care.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative implementation of the Mothers and Newborns affected by Opioids - Obstetric quality improvement initiative was associated with improvement in opioid use disorder identification, provision of optimal opioid use disorder care for birthing patients, and reduction in racial gaps in optimal opioid use disorder care.

Revealing the Nanoscopic Corrosive Degradation Mechanism of Nickel-Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes at Low State-of-Charge Levels: Corrosion Cracking and Pitting.

Ni-rich layered oxides have received significant attention as promising cathode materials for Li-ion batteries due to their high reversible capacity. However, intergranular and intragranular cracks form at high state-of-charge (SOC) levels exceeding 4.2 V (vs.

Association of Dietary Fiber and Measures of Physical Fitness with High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein.

Dietary fiber intake and physical fitness are independently associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Nevertheless, the association between dietary fiber intake, measures of physical fitness, and hs-CRP levels has not yet been fully evaluated. We investigated the influence of a combination of dietary fiber intake and measures of physical fitness, including hand grip strength, resistance training, and metabolic equivalents of tasks, on hs-CRP levels.

Vertical Ridge Augmentation with Customized Titanium Mesh Using a 3D-Printing Model: A Prospective Study in Humans.

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of ridge augmentation using a customized titanium mesh (CTM) that was preformed by trimming and bending the commercial titanium mesh on a virtually reconstructed 3D acrylic resin model using clinical, radiologic, histologic, and histomorphometric analyses.

Materials And Methods: This study was designed prospectively for patients who required vertical ridge augmentation using a staged approach before implant surgery. After installation of the CTM, grafting was performed using deproteinized porcine bone mineral covered with an absorbable membrane.

Clinical Features of Mpox Patients in Korea: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Background: Mpox is a viral illness with a characteristic skin rash caused by the monkeypox virus. In 2022, Mpox spread throughout the world, and an epidemic through domestic transmission started in South Korea in early 2023. This study aimed to summarize the clinical features of Mpox patients in South Korea.

Drain-Induced Multifunctional Ambipolar Electronics Based on Junctionless MoS.

Applying a drain bias to a strongly gate-coupled semiconductor influences the carrier density of the channel. However, practical applications of this drain-bias-induced effect in the advancement of switching electronics have remained elusive due to the limited capabilities of its current modulation known to date. Here, we show strategies to largely control the current by utilizing drain-bias-induced carrier type switching in an ambipolar molybdenum disulfide (MoS) field-effect transistor with Pt bottom contacts.

miR-616-3p alleviates inflammatory response by targeting C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5.

C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) is a key regulator in ER stress-mediated signaling pathway via PERK-dependent unfolded protein response. It has been known that microRNA-616 (miR-616) is produced from the intron of the human DDIT3 gene encoding CHOP and increased by ER stress. However, the role of miR-616 and its targets are not fully addressed yet.

Largely deformable torsional soft morphing actuator created by twisted shape memory alloy wire and its application to a soft morphing wing.

We present a new type of torsional soft morphing actuator designed and fabricated by twisted shape memory alloy (SMA) wires embedded in polydimethylsiloxane matrix. The design and fabrication process of the proposed soft morphing actuator are presented with investigations of its working mechanism. Actuation performance was evaluated with respect to the temporal response, the maximum torsional deformation under an applied electric current, and various design parameters including the twist direction, wire diameter, helical pitch of the SMA wire, and the actuator's thickness and length.

Targeted echogenic and anti-inflammatory polymeric prodrug nanoparticles for the management of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury is an inevitable pathological event occurring when blood is resupplied to the tissues after a period of ischemia. One of major causes of IR injury is the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydrogen peroxide (HO), which mediates the expression of various inflammatory cytokines to exacerbate tissue damages. The overproduced HO could therefore serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker of IR injury.

Optimizing accuracy of birth certificate data through a statewide quality improvement initiative in Illinois.

Objective: This study examines improvement in birth certificate accuracy during a statewide quality improvement initiative.

Study Design: Participating hospitals systematically sampled 10 delivery medical records per month and compared them to corresponding birth certificates for accuracy. Accuracy was computed before implementing the initiative (Aug-Oct 2014), end of phase 1 (July 2015) and end of phase 2 (Nov-Dec 2015).