Comparative Efficacy of Glucosamine-Based Combination Therapies in Alleviating Knee Osteoarthritis Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

The lack of definitive scientific evidence sustains uncertainty about the efficacy of glucosamine and its combination therapies for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), contributing to an ongoing debate among clinical practice guidelines and healthcare practitioners. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to identify the most effective glucosamine combination therapy for KOA patients. Frequentist random-effects models were employed for this NMA, with standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated for primary outcomes.

Predictors of Post-Hepatectomy Liver Failure in Klatskin Tumors: The Role of Preoperative Glucose, Future Liver Remnant to Spleen Ratio, and Early Bilirubin Monitoring.

: Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious complication following hepatic resection for Klatskin tumors, significantly affecting patient prognosis. Identifying reliable preoperative and early postoperative predictors of PHLF can help optimize patient outcomes and guide surgical planning. : We conducted a retrospective review of 34 patients who underwent hemi-hepatectomy for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma at Kosin University Gospel Hospital between April 2019 and April 2024, and at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital between September 2017 and April 2024.

Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions - a narrative review.

Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system.

Effects of Botulinum Toxin-A for Spasticity and Nociceptive Pain in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the protective effects of botulinum toxin-A (Botox-A) on spasticity and nociceptive pain in individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to July 2023. The primary outcome of interest was spasticity and nociceptive pain.

Association between clinical risk factors and severity of dysphagia after extubation based on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study.

Background/aims: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between clinical risk factors of post-extubation dysphagia (PED) and the severity of impaired pharyngeal swallowing function assessed via videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs).

Methods: This study was a retrospective review of medical records. Of 116 patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit and underwent VFSS, 32 who had non-neurologic disorders and experienced prolonged intubation (for more than 48 hours) were diagnosed with PED.

Optimal placement of electrodes for treatment of post-stroke dysphagia by neuromuscular electrical stimulation combined with effortful swallowing.

Introduction: We aimed to determine the optimal placement of electrodes for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for post-stroke dysphagia therapy.

Methods: 31 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomised to three groups according to NMES electrode placement. In Group A (n = 10), two pairs of electrodes were attached horizontally on the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles.

Effect of Family Caregiving on Depression in the First 3 Months After Spinal Cord Injury.

Objective: To investigate the effect of family caregiving on depression in the first 3 months after spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on 76 patients diagnosed with an SCI from January 2013 to December 2016 at the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation of Kyungpook National University Hospital, Korea. Clinical characteristics including age, gender, level of injury, completeness of the injury, time since injury, caregiver information, etiology, and functional data were collected through a retrospective review of medical records.

Validity of the Buttoning Test in Hand Disability Evaluation of Patients With Stroke.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the buttoning test and Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), and to determine the validity of using the buttoning test as a tool to evaluate hand disability in patients with stroke.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of the medical records of 151 ischemic stroke patients affecting the dominant hand. Patients underwent the buttoning test and JTHFT for their affected hand.