Comparison of Prognostic Value Between Stimulated and Nonstimulated Thyroglobulins in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

Purpose: The growing incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) demands dependable prognostic factors to guide follow-up and treatment plans. This study investigated the prognostic value of response to therapy (RTT) assessment using TSH stimulated-thyroglobulin (sti-Tg) and nonstimulated-thyroglobulin (nonsti-Tg) and evaluates whether RTT using nonsti-Tg (nonstiRTT) can replace RTT using sti-Tg (stiRTT) in clinical practice to improve patients' quality of life during assessment. Methods: We enrolled 419 DTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, and Tg assessment. Patients with structural incomplete responses were excluded. Initial RTT assessments based on the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines (excellent response; ER, indeterminate response, biochemical incomplete response) were performed 6-24 months after RAI therapy. The second RTT assessments were performed 6-24 months after the first assessment. Statistical analysis for recurrence-free survival (RFS) was done with the log-rank test for stiRTT and nonstiRTT. Results: Although initial stiRTT and nonstiRTT were significant predictors for RFS (p < 0.0001), stiRTT provided better RFS prediction than nonstiRTT. The RFS analysis of the second RTT assessment demonstrated statistical significance only for stiRTT (p < 0.0001). In 116 patients classified as ER on initial stiRTT, there was no RFS difference between patients classified as ER on either second stiRTT or nonstiRTT. Conclusion: The prognostic power of stiRTT surpasses that of nonstiRTT in both the initial and second RTT assessment. Nevertheless, among patients classified as ER on initial stiRTT, a second stiRTT may not be required for those classified as ER on the second nonstiRTT. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13139-023-00811-8.

Ultrasensitive probeless capacitive biosensor for amyloid beta (Aß1-42) detection in human plasma using interdigitated electrodes.

Progressive aggregation and protein misfolding are the initial fundamental indicators of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, a highly sensitive and novel method to detect amyloid beta (Aß) biomarkers, which are a hallmark of AD, using an immunoassay platform-based interdigitated capacitive biosensor, has been explored. For several decades, aptamers have classified as a novel class of molecular recognition probes comprising single-stranded complementary DNA sequences that bind to their identified targets with high specificity and affinity by an in vitro technique called SELEX (systematic evolution of exponential and enrichment). Aptamers, often referred to as "chemical antibodies", possess several highly obvious features for clinical use. The proposed sensing bio-device was fabricated and glazed with oligomeric Aß (oAß) aptamer and anti-oAß antibody, functionalized onto a Pt/Ti-featured SiO2 substrate. Subsequently, analytical studies were conducted to confirm that the specificity, sensitivity, and selective detection of the oAß-based bioengineered surfaces facilitate a label-free approach. The bionic capacitive sensor achieved real-time detection within 5 s (faster response than ELISA) under the femto-molar range concentrations of oAß peptide in plasma using anti-oAß antibody and oAß aptamer with ultra-high affinity. Furthermore, the prepared capacitive biochip was selective against plasma-borne antigens and standby for 100 days at 4 °C. The developed biosensor is suitable for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic applications owing to its portability and scalability. Furthermore, the superior efficacy of oAß in identifying AD has huge potential for biomedical applications.

Effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation with novel in-ear electrodes on anxiety and resting-state brain activity: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES) is a promising non-invasive brain stimulation technique with the potential to alleviate anxiety. We examined the effectiveness of home-based CES with novel, headphone-like, in-ear electrodes on anxiety-related symptoms and resting-state brain activity. METHODS: This study spanned 3-weeks, with randomized, double blind, and active-controlled design. Nonclinical volunteers experiencing daily anxiety were randomly assigned to either the active or the sham groups. CES provides an alternating current (10 Hz frequency, 500 µA intensity), connected to smartphone recording treatment logs. Participants treated themselves with 20 trials of CES at home. We evaluated the effectiveness using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST), and resting-state electroencephalography (EEG). RESULTS: The active group showed a significant improvement in state-anxiety compared to sham, while there was a statistical trend in the WCST-Category Completed (p = .061) and no change in depression. In EEG analysis, the active group showed significantly increased relative power for theta in the left frontal region compared with the sham, and this significantly correlated with the changes in state-anxiety. The active group exhibited significantly increased high-beta source activity in cuneus and middle occipital gyrus after intervention compared with the baseline. LIMITATIONS: This study had a relatively short treatment period and small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide the first electrophysiological evidence for CES for novel in-ear electrodes to improve anxiety. The modulatory effects of CES on resting-state oscillations of EEG imply that CES could beneficially affect functional brain activity.

A 12-Week, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial for Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of DKB114 on Reduction of Uric Acid in Serum.

This study sought to investigate the antihyperuricemia efficacy and safety of DKB114 (a mixture of Chrysanthemum indicum Linn flower extract and Cinnamomum cassia extract) to evaluate its potential as a dietary supplement ingredient. This clinical trial was a randomized, 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. A total of 80 subjects (40 subjects with an intake of DKB114 and 40 subjects with that of placebo) who had asymptomatic hyperuricemia (7.0-9.0 mg/dL with serum uric acid) was randomly assigned. No significant difference between the DKB114 and placebo groups was observed in the amount of uric acid in serum after six weeks of intake. However, after 12 weeks of intake, the uric acid level in serum of subjects in the DKB114 group decreased by 0.58 ± 0.86 mg/dL and was 7.37 ± 0.92 mg/dL, whereas that in the placebo group decreased by 0.02 ± 0.93 mg/dL and was 7.67 ± 0.89 mg/dL, a significant difference (p = 0.0229). In the analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP) change, after 12 weeks of administration, the DKB114 group showed an increase of 0.05 ± 0.27 mg/dL (p = 0.3187), while the placebo group showed an increase of 0.10 ± 0.21 mg/dL (p = 0.0324), a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0443). In the analysis of amount of change in apoprotein B, after 12 weeks of administration, the DKB114 group decreased by 4.75 ± 16.69 mg/dL (p = 0.1175), and the placebo group increased by 3.13 ± 12.64 mg/dL (p = 0.2187), a statistically significant difference between the administration groups (p = 0.0189). In the clinical pathology test, vital signs and weight measurement, and electrocardiogram test conducted for safety evaluation, no clinically significant difference was found between the ingestion groups, confirming the safety of DKB114. Therefore, it may have potential as a treatment for hyperuricemia and gout. We suggest that DKB114 as a beneficial and safe food ingredient for individuals with high serum uric acid. Trial registration (CRIS.NIH. go. Kr): KCT0002840.

Rubi Fructus Water Extract Alleviates LPS-Stimulated Macrophage Activation via an ER Stress-Induced Calcium/CHOP Signaling Pathway.

Despite the availability of antibiotics and vaccines, many intractable infectious diseases still threaten human health across the globe. Uncontrolled infections can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the excessive production of inflammatory cytokines, known as a cytokine storm. As cytokines also play necessary and positive roles in fighting infections, it is important to identify nontoxic and anti-inflammatory natural products that can modulate cytokine production caused by infections. Rubi Fructus, the unripe fruits of Rubus coreanus Miquel, are known to possess antioxidative properties. In this study, the effect of the water extract of Rubi Fructus (RF) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in RAW 264.7 macrophages was investigated using biochemical and cell biology techniques. Our data indicated that RF inhibits p38 phosphorylation, intracellular calcium release, and the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemotactic activating factor (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1ß, MIP-2, and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) in LPS-treated macrophages. In addition, we observed decreasing mRNA expression of Chop, Camk2a, Stat1, Stat3, Jak2, Fas, c-Jun, c-Fos, Nos2, and Ptgs2 without cytotoxic effects. We concluded that RF demonstrated immunoregulatory activity on LPS-stimulated macrophages via an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced calcium/CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) pathway and the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) pathway.

Anti-Obesity Effect of DKB-117 through the Inhibition of Pancreatic Lipase and α-Amylase Activity.

This study sought to evaluate the effects of Phaseolus multiflorus var. albus Bailey extract (PM extract) and Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae extract (PF extract) on the inhibition of digestive enzymes and to confirm the anti-obesity effect of DKB-117 (a mixture of PM extract and PF extract) in digestive enzyme inhibition in a mouse model of obesity induced by a high-fat diet. In in vitro studies, PM extract and PF extract have increased dose-dependent inhibitory activity on α-amylase (Inhibitory concentration (IC50 value: 6.13 mg/mL)) and pancreatic lipase (IC50 value; 1.68 mg/mL), respectively. High-fat diet-induced obese mice were orally administered DKB-117 extracts at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg/day, while a positive control group was given orlistat (pancreatic lipase inhibitor) and Garcinia cambogia (inhibiting the enzymes needed to synthesize carbohydrates into fat) at concentrations of 40 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively, for eight weeks. As a result, body weight, fat mass (total fat mass, abdominal fat, and subcutaneous fat) detected with microcomputed tomography, fat mass (abdominal fat and inguinal fat) after an autopsy, and liver triglyceride levels were decreased significantly in the DKB-117 (300 mg/kg/day) group compared to those in the HFD control group. Additionally, we obtained results indicating that the presence of carbohydrates was found more in the DKB-117-300 (300 mg/kg/day) group than in the HFD control group. These data clearly show that DKB-117 extracts are expected to have an anti-obesity effect through a complex mechanism that promotes carbohydrate release through the inhibition of carbohydrate-degrading enzymes while blocking lipid absorption through lipase inhibition.

Comparison of High-Dose Rosuvastatin Versus Low-Dose Rosuvastatin Plus Ezetimibe on Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque Inflammation in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome.

We compared the effects of ezetimibe/rosuvastatin 10/5 mg versus rosuvastatin 20 mg on carotid atherosclerotic plaque inflammation measured by 18FDG PET/CT. Fifty patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were randomly assigned to the ezetimibe/rosuvastatin 10/5 mg and rosuvastatin 20 mg groups. The primary outcome was the percent change in the target-to-background ratio (TBR) of the index vessel in the most diseased segment (MDS), as assessed by 18FDG PET/CT at baseline and at 6 months. Forty-eight patients completed follow-up PET/CT. MDS TBR was - 6.2 ± 13.9% for patients in the ezetimibe/rosuvastatin group and - 10.8 ± 17.7% for those in the rosuvastatin group (difference, 4.6 percentage points; upper limitation of one-sided confidence interval = 13.8; p = 0.60 for noninferiority). In conclusion, combination therapy with ezetimibe 10 mg and rosuvastatin 5 mg compared with rosuvastatin 20 mg did not meet the criterion for non-inferiority for primary outcome, and the present study was not conclusive on whether the former was non-inferior to the latter. Graphical Abstract.

Protective Mechanisms of Avocado Oil Extract Against Ototoxicity.

Despite the excellent antimicrobial activity of aminoglycoside antibiotics, permanent inner ear damage associated with the use of these drugs has resulted in the need to develop strategies to address the ototoxic risk given their widespread use. In a previous study, we showed that avocado oil protects ear hair cells from damage caused by neomycin. However, the detailed mechanism by which this protection occurs is still unclear. Here, we investigated the auditory cell-protective mechanism of enhanced functional avocado oil extract (DKB122). RNA sequencing followed by pathway analysis revealed that DKB122 has the potential to enhance the expression of detoxification and antioxidant genes associated with glutathione metabolism (Hmox4, Gsta4, Mgst1, and Abcc3) in HEI-OC1 cells. Additionally, DKB122 effectively decreased ROS levels, resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis in HEI-OC1 cells. The expression of the inflammatory genes that encode chemokines and interleukins was also downregulated by DKB122 treatment. Consistent with these results, DKB122 significantly inhibited p65 nuclear migration induced by TNF-α or LPS in HEI-OC1 cells and THP-1 cells and the expression of inflammatory chemokine and interleukin genes induced by TNF-α was significantly reduced. Moreover, DKB122 treatment increased LC3-II and decreased p62 in HEI-OC1 cells, suggesting that DKB122 increases autophagic flux. These results suggest that DKB122 has otoprotective effects attributable to its antioxidant activity, induction of antioxidant gene expression, anti-inflammatory activity, and autophagy activation.

Teaching Clinical Trials in Korean Medicine: Novel Modules and Student Perceptions of Importance and Achievement.

Introduction: The teaching of evidence-based medicine (EBM) is currently acknowledged to be an important aspect of the medical-education curriculum. Most programs that teach focus on knowledge transfer and skill acquisition in relation to the principle of EBM, as well as the critical appraisal. We established a 12-week elective course to teach clinical studies for undergraduate students at a Korean Medicine (KM) college, evaluating student perceptions to assess the feasibility of key teaching modules. Methods: From March 2019 to June 2019, a course was conducted, with 19 students enrolled. The course consisted of 12 modules; the last 3 classes included hands-on exercises involving a simulated clinical crossover trial. The students' perceptions of the need for and learning achieved during each teaching module were evaluated using a survey on the last day of class. Results: In student assessments of the need for each module, the median score was >4 on a 5-point Likert scale. Among student self-achievement ratings for each module, the simulated clinical trial received the highest score (a median value of 5) among all modules. Conclusion: This novel class was perceived as feasible by undergraduate KM students. The findings show the importance of teaching clinical trials to improve students' critical appraisal skills; more appropriate programs and curricula should be developed in future.

The Preventive Effect of Parotid Gland Massage on Salivary Gland Dysfunction During High-Dose Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the preventive effect of parotid gland (PG) massage for PG damage during the I therapy, we prospectively investigated the serum amylase value and salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) after I therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients with thyroidectomized differentiated thyroid cancer who underwent high-dose I therapy were enrolled in the clinical trial and randomized into 2 groups (PG massage group and nonmassage group). The serum amylase value was obtained before and 24 hours after I therapy, and the SGSs were also taken just before and at 8 months after the I therapy. Change in serum amylase value and SGS was compared between PG massage and nonmassage groups. RESULTS: The difference value of serum amylase was significantly lower in PG massage group than in nonmassage group (P = 0.0052). Worsening of PG function on SGS was observed in 43 (45.3%) of the 95 patients. The incidence rate of PG abnormality on F/U SGS was significantly lower in PG massage group than in nonmassage group (odds ratio, 0.3704; P = 0.0195). In the multiple regression analysis, PG massage significantly affected the abnormality on the 8-month F/U SGS (rpartial = -0.2741, P = 0.0090) after adjusting for clinical variables (age, sex, TNM stage, TSH preparation methods for the I therapy, and I dose). CONCLUSIONS: PG gland massage significantly reduced the incidence rates of salivary gland dysfunction on the 8-month F/U SGS and the level of the serological marker of salivary gland destruction after I therapy. Therefore, PG gland massage could alleviate salivary gland damage related to I therapy.

Avocado Oil Extract Modulates Auditory Hair Cell Function through the Regulation of Amino Acid Biosynthesis Genes.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is one of the most common causes of disability, affecting over 466 million people worldwide. However, prevention or therapy of SNHL has not been widely studied. Avocado oil has shown many health benefits but it has not yet been studied in regards to SNHL. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of avocado oil on SNHL in vitro and in vivo and elucidate its mode of action. For the present study, we used enhanced functional avocado oil extract (DKB122). DKB122 led to recovery of otic hair cells in zebrafish after neomycin-induced otic cell damage. Also, DKB122 improved auditory sensory transmission function in a mouse model of noise induced-hearing loss and protected sensory hair cells in the cochlea. In addition, RNA sequencing was performed to elucidate the mechanism involved. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes showed that DKB122 protected House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells against neomycin-related alterations in gene expression due to oxidative stress, cytokine production and protein synthesis.

Valerian extract alters functional brain connectivity: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.

Valerian root is the most commonly used herbal supplement for sedation and anxiolysis, but it is unknown whether it may affect functional brain connectivity. Our goal was to use electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate whether valerian root extract (VRE) affects resting-state connectivity changes and whether such changes are associated with clinical symptoms. This 4-week, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted with 64 nonclinical volunteers suffering psychological stress. The participants received VRE (100 mg) or a placebo thrice daily. We examined VRE's therapeutic effects on anxiety and stress-related psychological constructs. Functional brain connectivity changes were measured as EEG coherence in the alpha and theta frequency bands. The VRE and placebo groups both exhibited significant postintervention improvements on all clinical scales, but no significant between-group differences in these changes were noted. Compared with the placebo group, the VRE group exhibited significantly greater increases in frontal brain region alpha coherence across four electrode pairs, and these changes were significantly correlated with anxiolysis. The VRE group also exhibited significantly greater decreases in theta coherence across another four electrodes pairs. Our findings indicate that VRE alters functional brain connectivity in relation to anxiety. Further EEG studies are needed to confirm VRE's neurophysiological effects.

Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the risk of frailty syndrome: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency and frailty are common with aging. Previous studies examining vitamin D status and frailty have produced mixed results, and in particular, the shape of the association has not been well established. We examined the association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) serum levels and frailty by performing a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases of Elsevier through February 2017. Cross-sectional and cohort studies that reported adjusted risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for frailty with ≥3 categories of 25OHD serum levels were selected. Data extraction was performed independently by two authors. The reported risk estimates for 25OHD categories were recalculated, employing a comprehensive trend estimation from summarized dose-response data. RESULTS: The pooled risk estimate of frailty syndrome per 25 nmol/L increment in serum 25OHD concentration was 0.88 (95% CI = 0.82-0.95, I2 = 86.8%) in the 6 cross-sectional studies and 0.89 (95% CI = 0.85-0.94, I2 = 0.0%) in the 4 prospective cohort studies. Based on the Akaike information criteria (AIC), a linear model was selected (AIC for the nonlinear model: - 5.4, AIC for the linear model: - 6.8 in the prospective cohort studies; AIC for the linear model: - 13.6, AIC for the nonlinear model: - 1.77 in the cross-sectional studies). CONCLUSIONS: This dose-response meta-analysis indicates that serum 25OHD levels are significantly and directly associated with the risk of frailty. Further studies should address the underlying mechanisms to explain this relationship and to determine whether vitamin D supplementation is effective for preventing frailty syndrome.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels Water Extract on RAW 264.7 Induced with Lipopolysaccharide.

The dry root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, also known as “female ginseng”, is a popular herbal drug amongst women, used to treat a variety of health issues and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the detailed molecular mechanism for anti-inflammatory effects of Angelica sinensis root water extract (ASW). The anti-inflammatory effect of ASW on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages was evaluated by the tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay (MTT), Griess reagent assay, multiplex cytokine assay, real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Fluo-4 calcium assay. ASW restored cell viability in RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 200 µg/mL. ASW showed notable anti-inflammatory effects. ASW exhibited IC50 = 954.3, 387.3, 191.7, 317.8, 1267.0, 347.0, 110.1, 573.6, 1171.0, 732.6, 980.8, 125.0, and 257.0 µg/mL for interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemotactic activating factor (MCP)-1, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), lipopolysaccharide-induced CXC chemokine (LIX), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, MIP-2, IL-10, and intracellular calcium, respectively. Additionally, ASW inhibited the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide and the LPS-induced mRNA expression of CHOP (GADD153), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1), first apoptosis signal receptor (FAS), and c-Fos, NOS2, and PTGS2 (COX2) in RAW 264.7 significantly (p < 0.05). Data suggest that ASW exerts an anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 via NO-bursting/calcium-mediated JAK-STAT pathway.

The moderating effect of religiosity on caregiving burden and depressive symptoms in caregivers of patients with dementia.

OBJECTIVES: This study explored whether religiosity/spirituality has a protective role against negative caregiving outcomes, in a large multicenter nationwide sample of caregivers of patients with dementia in South Korea. Additionally, this study was the first to examine whether religiosity/spirituality could affect caregiving outcomes according to the various religious affiliations of caregivers. METHODS: The study was conducted on a sample of 476 caregivers of patients with dementia participated in the Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS). We examined the moderating effect of each of the three dimensions of religiosity/spirituality (organizational religious activity, ORA; non-organizational religious activity, NORA; intrinsic religiosity, IR) on the relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) of patients with dementia and caregiving burden and depressive symptoms of caregivers, using a series of hierarchical regression analyses. In addition, these analyses were conducted according to the religious affiliations of the caregivers. RESULTS: ORA, NORA, and IR of religiosity/spirituality alleviated the effect of ADL of patients on caregiving burden. ORA and IR moderated the relationship between ADL of patients and depressive symptoms of caregivers. These moderating effects of religiosity on caregiving outcomes were different according to various religious groups. CONCLUSION: We have identified religiosity/spirituality as a protective factor for caregivers of patients with dementia. The sub-dimensions of religiosity as moderators were different by religious affiliations of caregivers. Further studies are needed to investigate the specific religiosity-related factors which could positively impact the mental health of the caregivers of patients with dementia by religions.

Moxibustion Therapy in Traditional Mongolian Medicine.

From the medical history of traditional Eastern Asian and Tibetan medicine, the origin and development of moxibustion seems to be closely related to Mongolia. To explore the current clinical practice of moxibustion in Mongolia, we visited a teaching hospital, the Traditional Medical Science, Technology and Production Corporation of Mongolia, in February 2014. Many types of moxibustion are found to be used, and various modalities and methods are practiced based on the principles of traditional Mongolian medicine. In particular, Mongolian drug moxibustion, which uses small butter-warmed bags packed with powdered aromatic herbs instead of moxa cones, is a unique moxibustion technique not found in other countries. In this paper, we introduce the clinical practice of moxibustion, specifically Mongolian drug moxibustion in Mongolia.

INHIBITORY EFFECT OF EMODIN ON RAW 264.7 ACTIVATED WITH DOUBLE STRANDED RNA ANALOGUE POLY I:C.

BACKGROUND: Emodin (3-methyl-1, 6, 8-trihydroxyanthraquinone) is a compound which can be found in Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR). PMR is the root of Polygonum multiflorum. PMR is used to treat dizziness, spermatorrhea, sores, and scrofula as well as chronic malaria traditionally in China and Korea. The anti-tumor property of emodin was already reported. However, anti-viral activity of emodin on macrophages are not fully reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effects of emodin on RAW 264.7 mouse macrophages induced by polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA, were evaluated. RESULTS: Emodin restored the cell viability in poly I: C-induced RAW 264.7 at concentrations of up to 50 µM. Emodin significantly inhibited the production of nitric oxide, IL-1α, IL-Ιß, IL-6, GM-CSF, G-CSF, M-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1a, MIP-Ιß, MIP-2, RANTES, and IP-10 as well as calcium release and mRNA expression of signal transducer and activated transcription 1 (STAT1) in poly I:C-induced RAW 264.7 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows the inhibitory effect of emodin on poly I: C-induced RAW 264.7 via calcium-STAT pathway.

The Mini-Zygoma Reduction Surgery: A Simple and Reliable Approach for Mid-Face Narrowing.

Reduction of mid-face width is a major concern in Asian facial contouring surgery, and some patients want their mild or borderline problems to be improved in a minimally invasive manner. The authors' mini-zygoma reduction surgery technique is indicated for patients who seek both minimal invasiveness and reliability. Patients presenting with a wide mid-face and isolated zygomatic arch protrusion without severe zygomatic body prominence were included into the study. All surgeries are performed under local anesthesia and on an outpatient basis. Through temporal and sideburn incisions, complete osteotomy was performed on the temporal process of the zygomatic body and just in front of the anterior tubercle of the zygomatic arch. After transposition to a proper inward position, the osteotomized segment was rigidly fixed on the zygomatic arch with metal fixtures. All surgeries were successfully performed without excessive blood loss or any unpredicted events. Over the 6 to 18-month follow-up period, most patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results of the surgery, the rapid recovery, and the minimal postoperative swelling. Even with a 1-point fixation, the segment remained stable and did not show displacement of the bony segment. In patients showing a minimal zygomatic arch prominence and seeking minimally invasive surgery, the proposed technique can be a proper surgical option with reliable and predictable results. The surgery can be performed without general anesthesia and on an outpatient basis, thereby resulting in prompt postoperative recovery. Predictability and reliability is assured with rigid fixation with a metal fixture on the zygomatic arch.

Suicidal ideation among postmenopausal women on hormone replacement therapy: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V) from 2010 to 2012.

BACKGROUND: Suicide is a major public health problem around the world. Some studies have found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with depression in postmenopausal women. Depression is a well-known risk factor for suicide; therefore, we investigated the relationship between HRT and suicidal ideation in postmenopausal Korean women. METHODS: We included 2286 postmenopausal women with or without HRT from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2012. The use and duration of HRT and mental health status, including stress, depressive mood, and suicidal ideation and attempts, were assessed by self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: The proportion of participants with depressive mood and suicidal ideation was higher in the HRT group than the non-HRT group (all p values<0.05). As the duration of HRT increased, the percentage of participants with suicidal ideation increased (p for trend=0.006). After adjusting for all covariates, the odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for suicidal ideation was 1.742 (1.223-2.482) in the women with HRT, compared to women without HRT. HRT duration longer than 10 years was associated with suicidal ideation (odds ratio=2.089 and 95% confidence intervals=1.069-4.084). LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design, a possibility of incorrect answer about menopausal status, and no assessment of the type of HRT are the main limitations of this study. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women receiving HRT, especially for more than 10 years, showed increased suicidal ideation compared with postmenopausal women without HRT. Physicians should pay attention to mood symptoms and suicidal ideation in postmenopausal women with HRT.