Neuropeptide FF Promotes Neuronal Survival and Enhances Synaptic Protein Expression Following Ischemic Injury.

This study explores the neuroprotective effects of neuropeptide FF (NPFF, FLFQPQRFamide) in the context of ischemic injury. Based on transcriptomic analysis in stroke models treated with 5-Aza-dC and task-specific training, we identified significant gene expression changes, particularly involving NPFF. To further explore NPFF's role in promoting neuronal recovery, recombinant NPFF protein (rNPFF) was used in primary mixed cortical cultures subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation.

Ensemble approach for predicting the diagnosis of osteoarthritis using physical activity factors.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disease of the joints. Risk factors for OA include non-modifiable factors such as age and sex, as well as modifiable factors like physical activity.

Objectives: this study aimed to construct a soft voting ensemble model to predict OA diagnosis using variables related to individual characteristics and physical activity and identify important variables in constructing the model through permutation importance.

Biological, Antifungal, and Physical Efficacy of a Denture Cleanser Formulated with Extracts.

Background/objectives: We aimed to assess the antifungal efficacy and impact of a denture cleanser containing extract on the surface characteristics of denture base materials, as well as its physical and biological properties.

Methods: The experimental denture cleansers were formulated with at concentrations of 100 and 150 μg/mL, combined with 1% cocamidopropyl betaine as a natural surfactant. Antifungal efficacy was evaluated using zone-of-inhibition assays against , revealing inhibition zones of 20 ± 1.

Role of NADPH Oxidases in Stroke Recovery.

Stroke is one of the most significant causes of death and long-term disability globally. Overproduction of reactive oxygen species by NADPH oxidase (NOX) plays an important role in exacerbating oxidative stress and causing neuronal damage after a stroke. There is growing evidence that NOX inhibition prevents ischemic injury and that the role of NOX in brain damage or recovery depends on specific post-stroke phases.

Development of a practical framework and indicators for monitoring integrated long-term health and care needs and service use.

This case study presents an evidence-building approach to support policy planning for integrated health and care delivery for older adults. We developed an integrated needs-assessment framework to monitor the complex long-term medical and care needs of older individuals, using routinely collected, standardized needs-assessment and utilization data from the public health and long-term care (LTC) insurance systems in South Korea. We also developed a set of misuse indicators and analyzed service utilization patterns, while accounting for their varying types of needs.

Myopia trends among children and adolescents: a nationwide study in South Korea.

Purpose: To evaluate gender disparities in the progression of myopia among children and adolescents in South Korea.

Methods: Nationwide cross-sectional data of 1,190 subjects aged 10-18 years was obtained for the years of 2011 (baseline) and 2021 using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. The prevalence of myopia, as well as data regarding age, household income, height, weight, body mass index, and age of menarche, were evaluated.

In vitro antifungal and physicochemical properties of polymerized acrylic resin containing strontium-modified phosphate-based glass.

Acrylic resins are widely used as the main components in removable orthodontic appliances. However, poor oral hygiene and maintenance of orthodontic appliances provide a suitable environment for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, strontium-modified phosphate-based glass (Sr-PBG) was added to orthodontic acrylic resin at 0% (control), 3.

Ten-year incidence of keratoconus in relation to sex, age, and thyroid gland dysfunction: a nationwide population-based cohort study (2009-2018).

Background: Keratoconus is a corneal ectatic disorder that often leads to visual impairment and may require corneal transplantation. However, its age and gender-based incidence and potential association with thyroid gland dysfunction (TGD) remain poorly understood. This study aims to clarify these aspects and investigate the possible connection between keratoconus and TGD.

Assessing the Risk of Normal Weight Obesity in Korean Women across Generations: A Study on Body Composition and Physical Fitness.

Normal weight obesity (NWO) refers to a condition in which the body mass index falls within the normal range, but the percent of body fat is excessive. Although there are reports of a high prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases in NWO, analyses regarding physical fitness have been lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the age-related prevalence of NWO and to examine physical fitness across generations.

Assistive technology on upper extremity function for stroke patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: In stroke rehabilitation, the selection of appropriate assistive devices is of paramount importance for patients. Specifically, the choice of device can significantly influence the functional recovery of the upper limb, impacting their overall activities or functional tasks.

Objectives: This review aimed to comprehensively analyze and summarize the clinical evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding the therapeutic effects of commonly used assistive devices on upper extremity function in patients with stroke.

The application of graphic language personalized emotion in graphic design.

Emotion Recognition is the experience of attitude in graphic language expression and composition. People use both verbal and non-verbal behaviours to communicate their emotions. Visual communication and graphic design are always evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly affluent and culturally conscious populace.

Cross-Cultural Validation and the Psychometric Properties of the Korean Version of the Brief Religious Coping Scale.

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Brief Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE) among Korean Protestant Christians to determine its reliability and validity in South Korea considering the unique characteristics of Korean Protestant Christianity. Exploratory Factor Analysis (n = 251) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 268) identified the original two-factor structure of the positive and negative religious coping subscales. Also, the scale exhibited robust reliability and construct validity.

Comparison of lifestyle, cognitive function, mental health, and quality of life between hospitalized older adults with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 in South Korea: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly impacted older adults, resulting in many deaths. The impact of lifestyle and mental health on vulnerable groups, such as older adults, can be large and long lasting. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 confirmation on cognition, lifestyle, mental health, and quality of life in adults aged 55 years.

Rehabilitative effects of electrical stimulation on gait performance in stroke patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: Electrical stimulation techniques are widely utilized for rehabilitation management in individuals with stroke patients.

Objectives: This review aims to summarize the rehabilitative effects of electrical stimulation therapy on gait performance in stroke patients.

Methods: This review included randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating the therapeutic effects of electrical stimulation in stroke patients throughout five databases.

Reduction of Edema and Pain in Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Treated-Arthritic Rat.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been used to reduce pain or improve motor function in musculoskeletal and neurological disorders in the clinic. Although some studies have suggested electrotherapy as an intervention for edema, the effects and mechanisms of TENS on inflammation-induced edema remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of TENS on arthritic pain with edema.

The effects of the cholinergic system on carrageenan-induced arthritis.

The cholinergic system has been found to make an anti-inflammatory effect through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAIP), which suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by secreting acetylcholine, a major neurotransmitter. However, no studies have been conducted on the effects of CAIP on joint pain and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effects of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in knee arthritis.

Health-related quality of life of premenopausal young breast cancer survivors undergoing endocrine therapy.

Purpose: The incidence of breast cancer in premenopausal women in South Korea is higher compared to the West. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among survivors with premenopausal young breast cancer undergoing endocrine therapy by examining the effects of menopausal symptoms, social support, and resilience on HRQoL.

Methods: Cross-sectional study was used to select survivors with breast cancer undergoing endocrine therapy.

Prediction model of subacromial pain syndrome in assembly workers using shoulder range of motion and muscle strength based on support vector machine.

Subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS) is the most common upper-extremity musculoskeletal problem among workers. In this study, a machine learning model was built to predict and classify the presence or absence of SAPS in assembly workers with shoulder joint range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength data using support vector machine (SVM). Permutation importance was used to determine important variables for predicting workers with or without SAPS.

Comparing Three Wearable Brassiere Braces Designed to Correct Rounded Posture.

Rounded shoulder posture (RSP) causes shoulder pain and can lead to shoulder impingement and thoracic outlet syndromes, ultimately resulting in a frozen shoulder. Altered scapular positions in RSP patients affect muscle activity. Many studies have explored methods to correct and prevent RSP, including shoulder braces, muscle strengthening, stretching, and inhibition techniques.

Mechanical properties and sustainable bacterial resistance effect of strontium-modified phosphate-based glass microfiller in dental composite resins.

Dental composite resins are widely used in dental restorations. However, their clinical application is limited by the occurrence of secondary caries. Strontium-modified phosphate-based glass (Sr-PBG) is a material known to have a sustainable bacterial resistance effect.

Association between diet quality and untreated dental caries: results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Background/objectives: Few studies have provided evidence of the association between diet quality and dental caries. This study aimed to examine the association between diet quality and untreated dental caries in a Korean representative population.

Subjects/methods: The study population included a sample of 13,815 participants, aged ≥ 19 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2013-2015.

A novel orthodontic adhesive containing zinc-doped phosphate-based glass for preventing white spot lesions.

Objectives: This study aimed at demonstrating the remineralization effect of the enamel around the brackets to aid reduction in white spot lesions (WSLs) with use of zinc-doped phosphate-based glass (Zn-PBG) containing orthodontic adhesives.

Methods: Zn-PBG powder was synthesized, and particle morphology, size, and density were evaluated. Orthodontic adhesives with increasing loading percentage of Zn-PBG powder were prepared: ZnPG3 (3 wt.

Assistive Technology Involving Postural Control and Gait Performance for Adults with Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This study aimed to comprehensively summarize assistive technology devices for postural control and gait performance in stroke patients. In the study, we searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until 31 December 2022 in four electrical databases. The most frequently applied assistive technology devices involving postural stability and gait function for stroke patients were robot-assistive technology devices.