Search Results (164)

Background/Objectives: Banhasasim-tang (BHSST) is a traditional herbal formula commonly used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been considered a potential therapeutic option for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This study aimed to explore the molecular targets and underlying mechanisms of BHSST in IBS using a combination of network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vivo validation. Methods: Active compounds in BHSST were screened based on drug-likeness and oral bioavailability. Potential targets were predicted using ChEMBL, and IBS-related targets were obtained from GeneCards and DisGeNET. A compound–target–disease network was constructed and analyzed via Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment. Compound–target interactions were further assessed using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The in vivo effects of eudesm-4(14)-en-11-ol, elemol, and BHSST were evaluated in a zymosan-induced IBS mouse model. Results: Twelve BHSST-related targets were associated with IBS, with enrichment analysis identifying TNF signaling and apoptosis as key pathways. In silico simulations suggested stable binding of eudesm-4(14)-en-11-ol to TNF-α and kanzonol T to PIK3CD, whereas elemol showed weak interaction with PRKCD. In vivo, eudesm-4(14)-en-11-ol improved colon length, weight, stool consistency, TNF-α levels, and pain-related behaviors—effects comparable to those of BHSST. Elemol, however, showed no therapeutic benefit. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary mechanistic insight into the anti-inflammatory potential of BHSST in IBS. The integrated in silico and in vivo approaches support the contribution of specific components, such as eudesm-4(14)-en-11-ol, to its observed effects, warranting further investigation. Full article

This study presents an analysis of the electromagnetic noise and vibration in a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous machine (SPMSM), focusing on their excitation sources. To investigate this, the excitation sources were identified through an analytical approach, and their effects on electromagnetic noise and vibration were evaluated using a finite element method (FEM)-based analysis approach. Additionally, an equivalent curved-beam model based on three-dimensional shell theory was applied to determine the deflection forces on the stator yoke, accounting for the tooth-modulation effect. The stator’s natural frequencies were derived through the characteristic equation in free vibration analysis. Modal analysis was performed to validate the analytically derived natural frequencies and to investigate stator deformation under the tooth-modulation effect across various vibration modes. Furthermore, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) analysis via FEM reveals that major harmonic components align closely with the natural frequencies, identifying them as primary sources of elevated vibrations. A comparative study between 8-pole–9-slot and 8-pole–12-slot SPMSMs highlights the impact of force variations on the stator teeth in relation to vibration and noise characteristics, with FEM verification. The proposed method provides a valuable tool for early-stage motor design, enabling the rapid identification of resonance operating points that may induce severe vibrations. This facilitates proactive mitigation strategies to enhance motor performance and reliability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Senior-Loken syndrome (SLS) is a rare autosomal recessive renal–retinal disease caused by mutations in 10 genes. This study aimed to review the ophthalmic findings, renal function, and genotypes of Korean SLS cases. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 17 genetically confirmed SLS patients in Korea, including 9 newly identified cases and 8 previously reported. Comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluations and renal assessments were conducted. Genetic testing was performed using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), whole-exome sequencing (WES), or Sanger sequencing. Results: Among the 17 patients, patients with NPHP1 mutations were most common (35.3%), followed by those with NPHP4 (29.4%), IQCB1 (NPHP5, 29.4%), and SDCCAG8 (NPHP10, 5.9%) mutations. Patients with NPHP1 mutations showed retinitis pigmentosa (RP) sine pigmento and preserved central vision independent of renal deterioration. Patients with NPHP4 mutations showed early renal dysfunction. Two patients aged under 20 maintained relatively good visual function, but older individuals progressed to severe retinopathy. Patients with IQCB1 mutations were generally prone to early and severe retinal degeneration, typically manifesting as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) (three patients), while two patients exhibited milder RP sine pigmento with preserved central vision. Notably, two out of five (40.0%) maintained normal renal function at the time of diagnosis, and both had large deletions in IQCB1. The patient with SDCCAG8 mutation exhibited both end-stage renal disease and congenital blindness due to LCA. Wide-field fundus autofluorescence (AF) revealed perifoveal and peripapillary hypoAF with a perifoveal hyperAF in younger patients across genotypes. Patients under 20 years old showed relatively preserved central vision, regardless of the underlying genetic mutation. Conclusions: The clinical manifestation of renal and ocular impairment demonstrated heterogeneity among Korean SLS patients according to causative genes, and the severity of renal dysfunction and visual decline was not correlated. Therefore, simultaneous comprehensive evaluations of both renal and ocular function should be performed at the initial diagnosis to guide timely intervention and optimize long-term outcomes. Full article

Background: Implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) is a widely adopted technique following mastectomy in breast cancer patients. However, the impact of chemotherapy type and duration on the development of capsular contracture remains unclear. Methods: This nationwide, retrospective, cohort study used Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data to identify breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy and underwent immediate IBBR between January 2015 and December 2018. Follow-up continued until January 2024, with a median follow-up of 5.2 years. A total of 4303 patients (direct-to-implant [DTI], n = 2083; tissue expander insertion [TEI], n = 2220) were included. Results: Chemotherapy type and duration were not significantly associated with capsular contracture risk in either the DTI or TEI groups. In the DTI cohort, no significant difference in contracture incidence was found between neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy before or after matching (p = 0.056 and p = 0.121, respectively). In the TEI cohort, an initially significant difference (p = 0.019) was no longer observed after matching (p = 0.213). Similarly, chemotherapy duration (≤12 weeks vs. >12 weeks) did not impact contracture risk in either cohort. Multivariate analysis identified age, radiotherapy, lymphedema, and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) as independent risk factors for contracture (p < 0.005). Comorbidities, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases, also showed no significant association with contracture risk. Conclusions: These findings suggest that chemotherapy decisions should not be guided by contracture concerns. Instead, optimizing reconstruction outcomes should focus on modifiable factors, such as radiotherapy, lymphedema, and ALND. Full article

With the growing integration of electronic systems into modern infrastructure, the need for effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials has intensified. This study explores the development of electroless Ni-plated fiber composites and systematically investigates the effects of post-heat treatment on their electrical, structural, and interfacial performance. Both carbon fibers (CFs) and glass fibers (GFs) were employed as reinforcing substrates, chosen for their distinct mechanical and thermal characteristics. Ni plating enhanced the electrical conductivity of both fibers, and heat treatment facilitated phase transformations from amorphous to crystalline Ni₃P and Ni₂P, leading to improved EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI-SE). NGF-based composites achieved up to a 169% increase in conductivity and a 116% enhancement in EMI-SE after treatment at 400 °C, while NCF-based composites treated at 800 °C attained superior conductivity and shielding performance. However, thermal degradation and reduced interfacial shear strength (IFSS) were observed, particularly in GF-based systems. The findings highlight the importance of material-specific thermal processing to balance functional performance and structural reliability. This study provides critical insights for designing fiber-reinforced composites with optimized EMI shielding properties for application-driven use in next-generation construction materials and intelligent infrastructure. Full article

After the transition of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from a pandemic to an endemic phase, data on respiratory viral infections remain limited. This study compared the clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus (INFV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections and investigated how underlying medical conditions influence disease severity. During Omicron subvariant dominant periods, we conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study including laboratory-confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2, INFV, and RSV infections in hospitalized patients aged ≥ 19 years. We compared demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes and analyzed the association between underlying comorbidities and severity of infection. A total of 1850 cases with SARS-CoV-2, 98 with INFV, and 63 with RSV infections were analyzed. Notable differences in the occurrence of fever, cough, sputum, and dyspnea were observed among patients with the three different viral infections. Pneumonia was diagnosed more frequently in patients with RSV infection (65.6%) compared to those with INFV infection (42.9%) and SARS-CoV-2 (34.4%) (p < 0.01). For patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, the risk of pneumonia increased by 47% in the moderate-risk group and 37% in the high-risk group. Among hospitalized patients, pneumonia was more frequently identified in patients with RSV infection, with statistical significance. Furthermore, the presence of medical conditions significantly increased the risk of developing pneumonia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Parkinson’s disease (PD) and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) are both prevalent in the geriatric population. While dizziness is a common non-motor symptom in PD, the relationship between PD and incident BPPV remains unclear. Limited data suggest potential shared mechanisms, including mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, but large-scale epidemiological evidence is lacking. This investigation focused on assessing the incidence of BPPV in patients with PD compared to matched controls using a nationwide cohort. Methods: Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service–Health Screening Cohort were used to perform a retrospective cohort analysis. We identified 8232 newly diagnosed PD patients and matched them 1:4 with 32,928 controls based on age, sex, income, and residential region. Stratified Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident BPPV. Subgroup and Kaplan–Meier analyses were also performed. Results: Over 220,151 person-years of follow-up revealed a lower incidence of BPPV in the PD group relative to the control group (4.98 vs. 5.95 per 1000 person-years); the corresponding adjusted HR was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.66–0.90; p = 0.001), indicating a 23% reduced risk. The inverse association remained consistent across most subgroups, including older adults and rural residents. Kaplan–Meier analysis further illustrated a significant decline in the cumulative incidence of BPPV in PD patients (p = 0.007). Conclusions: PD may contribute to a lower incidence of BPPV, which could be explained by reduced mobility, altered vestibular function, or diagnostic challenges. Clinicians should consider BPPV in PD patients presenting with dizziness. Full article

This study investigated copy number variations (CNVs) in 2112 pigs from five populations: Korean Duroc (DUC), Korean Native Pig (KNP), and their crossbred offspring (F₁, F₂, and WRH). CNVs were detected using PennCNV and QuantiSNP, with CNVRuler identifying 698 CNV regions (CNVRs), covering 109 Mb (4.83%) of the porcine genome. Comparison with previous CNV studies on swine revealed CNVR overlap rates ranging from 31.12% (French Yorkshire) to 81.27% (Xiang), and 9.06% newly identified CNVRs. DUC showed the most CNVRs (n = 384), followed by WRH (n = 225). Meanwhile, F₁ and F₂ exhibited far fewer CNVRs (five and seven, respectively). Functional enrichment analysis highlighted various genes overlapping with the CNVRs, including 1236 genes in DUC and 572 genes in WRH, linked to biological processes. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs), overlapping with CNVRs, exhibited particular overlapping with traits such as average daily gain (4.24% of QTLs in DUC, 4.51% of QTLs in WRH). In contrast, KNP, F₁, and F₂ populations exhibited a higher frequency of CNVRs containing QTLs overlapped with drip loss. These findings indicate that WRH may inherit growth traits from DUC. This study provides a better understanding of CNVs in the pigs, which can potentially be used in improving genetic merits of pig populations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for acid-related gastrointestinal disorders, but their potential association with lung cancer risk and mortality remains underexplored and debated. This study sought to investigate the association between PPI use and lung cancer likelihood and mortality, focusing on the impact of PPI exposure history and duration. Methods: This study utilized data from 6795 lung cancer patients, 27,180 matched controls, and 4257 deceased and 2538 surviving lung cancer patients from the Korean National Health Insurance Service’s Health Screening Cohort (2002–2019). Propensity score overlap weighting and logistic regression models were applied to assess the correlations between PPI usage history and duration with lung cancer risk and mortality, while standardized differences ensured balanced baseline characteristics. Results: Overall, PPI use was modestly associated, with a 19% increased likelihood of lung cancer occurrence (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.12–1.26). Interestingly, prolonged PPI use (≥30 days) was linked to a 13% reduction in lung cancer incidence (95% CI: 0.80–0.94), particularly in subgroups such as older adults (≥70 years), individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or hypertension, and those with low alcohol consumption. Conversely, overall PPI usage was linked with a 36% increased mortality likelihood among lung cancer patients (95% CI: 1.20–1.55), with prolonged use further correlating with a 27% higher mortality risk (95% CI: 1.05–1.53), especially in high-risk subgroups, including smokers, underweight individuals, and those with hypercholesterolemia or GERD. Conclusions: These findings may suggest a complex and context-dependent relationship between PPI use and lung cancer outcomes, emphasizing the need for individualized risk assessments and careful prescribing practices. Full article

Background: During the 2023–2024 season, the influenza epidemic in South Korea peaked earlier, and the influenza vaccination rate among individuals aged ≥ 65 was high (82.2%). However, data on real-world vaccine effectiveness against influenza are lacking. Methods: From November 2023 to April 2024, we conducted a multicenter retrospective case–control study on adult patients aged ≥ 18 years who presented with influenza-like illness at seven medical centers as a part of a hospital-based influenza morbidity and mortality surveillance (HIMM) program in South Korea. Demographic and clinical data were collected from questionnaire surveys and electronic medical records. Using a test-negative design, we assessed the effectiveness of the 2023–2024 seasonal influenza vaccine, with age, sex, and comorbidities included as covariates. Results: A total of 3390 participants were enrolled through the HIMM system, including 1695 patients with either rapid antigen test (RAT) or real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positive results and controls matched for age, sex, and months of registration. Among the 1696 influenza-positive patients, 1584 (93.5%) underwent RAT, with 88.9% testing positive for influenza A and 11.1% for influenza B. During the study periods, the overall vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 24.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 11.5 to 35.2). The VE was insignificant when limited to older adults aged ≥ 65 years (13.5%; 95% CI, −17.9 to 36.6). In the subgroup analysis by subtype, the VE was 19.0% (95% CI, 5.0 to 31.0) for influenza A and 56.3% (95% CI, 35.3 to 70.6) for influenza B. Notably, influenza VE was 20.4% (95% CI, 2.9 to 34.8) in the early period (November to December) but decreased to 12.4% (95% CI, −14.9 to 33.2) in the late period (January to April). Conclusion: During the 2023–2024 season, the influenza vaccine showed a modest effectiveness (24.3%) against laboratory-confirmed influenza, which was particularly higher for influenza B. Because the VE was insignificant in older adults, particularly during the late period, better immunogenic influenza vaccines with longer-lasting protection should be considered. Full article

Objective: 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. Methods: 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. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for confounding factors. Results: The odds of BPH were significantly higher for participants with periodontitis ≥ 1 within 1 year (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.31–1.37), particularly in low-income individuals (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.38–1.48). Increased periodontitis frequency (≥2 or ≥3 within 1 year) and a CCI score ≥ 2 were associated with progressively higher odds of BPH, indicating that periodontitis may be a significant risk factor for BPH, with variations depending on socioeconomic and health status. Conclusions: The occurrence of BPH was higher in participants with a history of recurrent periodontitis episodes, with stronger associations observed in those with low income or multiple comorbidities. Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of BPH in patients with recurrent periodontitis episodes. This study’s retrospective design, reliance on ICD-10 codes without details on disease severity, and focus on Korean citizens over 40 limit its ability to establish causality and generalizability to other populations and age groups, which should be considered when interpreting the findings. Full article

In this study, a surface treatment process was introduced into the conventional dispersion process for preparing wet-laid nonwoven fabrics to improve their properties, using recycled carbon fibers (rCFs). The conventional binder solution was replaced with a solution containing different amounts of silane, and the changes in the fiber properties of the prepared nonwoven fabrics were examined after the addition of modified rCFs and polypropylene. FE-SEM analysis confirmed that a silane layer was formed on the rCF surface due to the formation of a siloxane network. FT-IR and XPS analyses further confirmed the presence of siloxane bonds and chemical modification of the rCF surface. When an optimal amount of silane content was used, the mechanical strength increased by 64% compared to untreated rCFs, owing to the improved molecular chain entanglement within the matrix. Our findings indicate that the simultaneous use of dispersion and a surface treatment can produce composites with excellent mechanical properties and improved processing and surface properties; thus, this method can be used to help upcycle rCFs, thereby expanding their applications. Full article

Mechanochromic sensors are promising for structural health monitoring as they can visually monitor the deformation caused by discoloration. Most studies have focused on the large deformation problems over 100% strain; however, it is necessary to investigate the discoloration characteristics in a small deformation range to apply it to engineering structures, such as reinforced concrete. In this study, a photonic crystal-based discoloration sensor was investigated to determine the discoloration characteristics of the red, green, and blue (RGB) as well as hue, saturation, and value (HSV) color spaces according to displacement levels. B and S showed the highest sensitivity and linear discoloration at displacements < 1 mm, whereas R and H showed significant discoloration characteristics at displacements > 1 mm. The Vision Transformer model based on RGB and HSV channels was linearly predictable up to 4 mm displacement with an accuracy of R² 0.89, but errors were found at the initial displacement within 2 mm. Full article

Objectives: In this single-center retrospective study, we aimed to verify the extent of duodenal follicular lymphoma (DFL) and investigate the role and clinical significance of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in the treatment process. Methods: We analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 40 patients diagnosed with DFL. Results: Imaging workup and bone marrow biopsies revealed DFL only in the gastrointestinal tract (stage I) in 22 patients and in local lymph nodes (stage II₁), distant lymph nodes (stage II₂), pancreas (stage II₂E_pancreas), and extranodal regions (stage IV) in 1, 3, 1, and 13 patients, respectively. Fifteen of the 23 patients with localized (stages I and II₁) DFL underwent VCE for comprehensive small bowel evaluation, which revealed lesion extension beyond the duodenum in 10 patients (66.7%). A watch-and-wait strategy was implemented for one patient and systemic chemotherapy was administered to the remaining nine. Of the eight patients without VCE, seven and one received radiotherapy and observation, respectively. Nine of the 23 patients (39.1%) received systemic treatment based on positive VCE results. Only one of the 17 patients with advanced-stage DFL (stages II₂ and IV) accepted radiotherapy; 16 underwent systemic chemotherapy. During follow-up (median, 48.4 months), two relapse events occurred in the advanced stage, with no lymphoma-associated deaths. DFL tends to be indolent and has favorable outcomes. Conclusions: Proactive VCE for diagnosing DFL is recommended to determine small bowel involvement, which may influence subsequent treatment decisions. Full article

Peritonsillar abscesses and deep neck infection are potentially serious infections among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), posing risks for severe complications and drawing significant public health concern. This nationwide, population-based longitudinal study (2002–2019) assessed the extended relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the likelihood of peritonsillar abscess and deep neck infection in a Korean cohort. Using a 1:4 propensity score overlap-weighted matching, we included 16,879 individuals with CKD and 67,516 comparable controls, accounting for demographic variables and comorbidities to ensure balanced group comparisons. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for deep neck infection and peritonsillar abscesses in relation to CKD history were calculated with a propensity score overlap-weighted Cox proportional hazards model. Our results revealed no significant increase in the overall incidence of deep neck infections or peritonsillar abscesses in CKD patients compared to controls. Interestingly, CKD patients demonstrated a 50% reduced likelihood of developing peritonsillar abscesses (HR 0.50; 95% CI = 0.30–0.83; p = 0.007), particularly among subgroups aged 70 years or older, females, non-smokers, rural residents, overweight individuals, and those with lower comorbidity burdens (e.g., absence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, or hyperglycemia). In summary, the results suggest that lifestyle modifications and the effective management of comorbidities could reduce the risk of peritonsillar abscess in certain CKD subgroups. Our findings may help to alleviate public health concerns regarding peritonsillar abscesses and deep neck infections as CKD-related comorbidities. Full article