A Customized Deep Sleep Recommender System Using Hybrid Deep Learning.

This paper proposes a recommendation system based on a hybrid learning approach for a personal deep sleep service, called the Customized Deep Sleep Recommender System (CDSRS). Sleep is one of the most important factors for human life in modern society. Optimal sleep contributes to increasing work efficiency and controlling overall well-being. Therefore, a sleep recommendation service is considered a necessary service for modern individuals. Accurate sleep analysis and data are required to provide such a personalized sleep service. However, given the variations in sleep patterns between individuals, there is currently no international standard for sleep. Additionally, service platforms face a cold start problem when dealing with new users. To address these challenges, this study utilizes K-means clustering analysis to define sleep patterns and employs a hybrid learning algorithm to evaluate recommendations by combining user-based and collaborative filtering methods. It also incorporates feedback top-N classification processing for user profile learning and recommendations. The behavior of the study model is as follows. Using personal information received through mobile devices and data, such as snoring, sleep time, movement, and noise collected through AI motion beds, we recommend sleep and receive user evaluations of recommended sleep. This assessment reconstructs the profile and, finally, makes recommendations using top-N classification. The experimental results were evaluated using two absolute error measurement methods: mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The research results regarding the hybrid learning methods show 13.2% fewer errors than collaborative filtering (CF) and 10.2% fewer errors than content-based filtering (CBF) on an MSE basis. According to the MAPE, the methods are 14.7% more accurate than the CF model and 9.2% better than the CBF model. These results demonstrate that CDSRS systems can provide more accurate recommendations and customized sleep services to users than CF, CBF, and combination models. As a result, CDSRS, a hybrid learning method, can better reflect a user's evaluation than traditional methods and can increase the accuracy of recommendations as the number of users increases.

A Hybrid Deep Learning Emotion Classification System Using Multimodal Data.

This paper proposes a hybrid deep learning emotion classification system (HDECS), a hybrid multimodal deep learning system designed for emotion classification in a specific national language. Emotion classification is important in diverse fields, including tailored corporate services, AI advancement, and more. Additionally, most sentiment classification techniques in speaking situations are based on a single modality: voice, conversational text, vital signs, etc. However, analyzing these data presents challenges because of the variations in vocal intonation, text structures, and the impact of external stimuli on physiological signals. Korean poses challenges in natural language processing, including subject omission and spacing issues. To overcome these challenges and enhance emotion classification performance, this paper presents a case study using Korean multimodal data. The case study model involves retraining two pretrained models, LSTM and CNN, until their predictions on the entire dataset reach an agreement rate exceeding 0.75. Predictions are used to generate emotional sentences appended to script data, which are further processed using BERT for final emotion prediction. The research result is evaluated by using categorical cross-entropy (CCE) to measure the difference between the model's predictions and actual labels, F1 score, and accuracy. According to the evaluation, the case model outperforms the existing KLUE/roBERTa model with improvements of 0.5 in CCE, 0.09 in accuracy, and 0.11 in F1 score. As a result, the HDECS is expected to perform well not only on Korean multimodal datasets but also on sentiment classification considering the speech characteristics of various languages and regions.

A Smart Recommender Based on Hybrid Learning Methods for Personal Well-Being Services.

The main focus of the paper is to propose a smart recommender system based on the methods of hybrid learning for personal well-being services, called a smart recommender system of hybrid learning (SRHL). The essential health factor is considered to be personal lifestyle, with the help of a critical examination of various disciplines. Integrating the recommender system effectively contributes to the prevention of disease, and it also leads to a reduction in treatment cost, which contributes to an improvement in the quality of life. At the same time, there exist various challenges within the recommender system, mainly cold start and scalability. To effectively address the inefficiencies, we propose combined hybrid methods in regard to machine learning. The primary aim of this learning method is to integrate the most effective and efficient learning algorithms to examine how combined hybrid filtering can help to improve the cold star problem efficiently in the provision of personalized well-being in regard to health food service. These methods include: (1) switching among content-based and collaborative filtering; (2) identifying the user context with the integration of dynamic filtering; and (3) learning the profiles with the help of processing and screening of reflecting feedback loops. The experimental results were evaluated by using three absolute error measures, providing comparable results with other studies relative to machine learning domains. The effects of using the hybrid learning method are gathered with the help of the experimental results. Our experiments also show that the hybrid method improves accuracy by 14.61% of the average error predicted in the recommender systems in comparison to the collaborative methods, which mainly focus on the computation of similar entities.

The flavonoid hesperidin exerts anti-photoaging effect by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression via mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Hesperidin is a flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulatory activities. Photoaging is a consequence of chronic exposure to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of hesperidin against photoaging of dorsal skin in hairless mice. METHODS: Hairless male mice (6-week-old) were divided into three groups (n = 7): control, UVB-treated vehicle, and UVB-treated hesperidin groups. UVB-irradiated mice from hesperidin group were orally administered 0.1 mL of water containing 100 mg/kg body weight per day hesperidin. RESULTS: The mean length and depth of wrinkles in the UVB-treated hesperidin group significantly improved after the oral administration of hesperidin, which significantly inhibited the increase in epidermal thickness and epidermal hypertrophy (P < 0.05). UVB irradiation of mice induced epidermal barrier dysfunction including an increase in the transepidermal water loss (TEWL); however, hesperidin decreased the TEWL. UVB irradiation increased the expression of MMP-9 and pro-inflammatory cytokines whereas UVB-treated hesperidin group showed reduced expression. These results indicate that hesperidin showed anti-photoaging activity in the UVB-irradiated hairless mice. In conclusion, hesperidin inhibited the UVB-induced increase in skin thickness, wrinkle formation, and collagen fiber loss in male hairless mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that hesperidin shows potent anti-photoaging activity by regulating MMP-9 expression through the suppression of MAPK-dependent signaling pathways.

Liver enzyme abnormalities of inpatients with rheumatic diseases: A 10-year retrospective study in a Korean medicine hospital.

Herbal medicines have been used as a treatment option for rheumatic disease (RD), but they often produce liver enzyme abnormality. This study examines the incidence of herb-induced liver injury (HILI) and the relationship between risk factors and liver enzyme abnormality (LEA) in inpatients with RD. HILI was analyzed using the Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method liver injury criteria and causality assessment. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess the relationship between patient characteristics and LEA in RD. The features of LEA were also examined in each RD. Among 352 patients included in this study, 105 patients showed LEA on admission, of which 6 had fulfilled the Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method criteria. The incidence risks of LEA and HILI were 12.55% and 0.58%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that LEA on admission and occasional use of alcohol could be risk factors for LEA on follow-up. In an additional analysis with each RD, all rheumatoid arthritis patients with LEA were taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, and 4 out of 5 gout patients with LEA were taking steroids. The use of herbal medicine in RD is relatively safe. However, regular monitoring of liver enzyme tests and examination of alcohol consumption are required.

Anti-hepatofibrosis effect of Allium senescens in activated hepatic stellate cells and thioacetamide-induced fibrosis rat model.

CONTEXT: Allium senescens Linn. (Liliaceae) (ASL) has been traditionally used in Korea and other Asian countries for improving digestive and liver functions. OBJECTIVE: The anti-hepatofibrosis effect of ASL ethanol extract in cellular and experimental fibrosis rat model was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were studied using MTT assay, flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Thioacetamide (TAA; 200 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced liver fibrosis model using Sprague Dawley rats (n = 10) was developed in vivo by injecting TAA twice per week for 13 weeks. ASL (25 and 100 mg/kg) and silymarin (50 mg/kg) were administered through oral gavage 2 times per week from 7th to 13th week. Specific fibrotic-related biomarkers such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), glutathione and hydroxyproline levels in serum were analyzed by spectrophotometer using commercial kits. Morphological, histopathological and fibrotic-related gene expression such as TGF-ß, Col1α1 and α-SMA in liver tissues was estimated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Picrosirius red stain and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS: ASL (0.1 mg/mL) and silymarin (0.05 mg/mL) treatment induced apoptosis (4.06% and 8.67%) in activated HSC-T6 cells, compared with control group (3.7%). The altered morphology in activated primary HSCs was also restored by ASL (0.1 mg/mL) treatment. Further, ASL (100 and 25 mg/kg) ameliorated the TAA-induced altered fibrotic-related biomarkers, histopathological changes and fibrotic-related gene expression significantly (p < 0.05 ∼ p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ASL can potentially be developed as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Anti-fibrotic effects of Cuscuta chinensis with in vitro hepatic stellate cells and a thioacetamide-induced experimental rat model.

CONTEXT: Cuscuta chinensis Lam. (Convolvulaceae) has been used as a traditional herbal remedy for treating liver and kidney disorders. OBJECTIVE: Anti-fibrotic effects of C. chinensis extract (CCE) in cellular and experimental animal models were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HSC-T6 cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis were analysed using MTT assay, flow cytometry and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining techniques. Thioacetamide (TAA)-induced fibrosis model was established using Sprague Dawley rats (n = 10). Control, TAA, CCE 10 (TAA with CCE 10 mg/kg), CCE 100 (TAA with CCE 100 mg/kg) and silymarin (TAA with silymarin 50 mg/kg). Fibrosis was induced by TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p.) twice per week for 13 weeks. CCE and silymarin were administered orally two times per week from the 7th to 13th week. Fibrotic related gene expression (α-SMA, Col1α1 and TGF-ß1) was measured by RT-PCR. Serum biomarkers, glutathione (GSH) and hydroxyproline were estimated by spectrophotometer using commercial kits. RESULTS: CCE (0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL) and silymarin (0.05 mg/mL) treatment significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) induced apoptosis (11.56%, 17.52% for CCE; 16.50% for silymarin, respectively) in activated HSC-T6 cells, compared with control group (7.26%). Further, rat primary HSCs showed changes in morphology with CCE 0.1 mg/mL treatment. In in vivo studies, CCE (10 and 100 mg/kg) treatment ameliorated the TAA-induced altered levels of serum biomarkers, fibrotic related gene expression, GSH, hydroxyproline significantly (p < 0.05-0.001) and rescued the histopathological changes. CONCLUSIONS: CCE can be developed as a potential agent in the treatment of hepatofibrosis.

Protective effects of Ampelopsis brevipedunculata against in vitro hepatic stellate cells system and thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis rat model.

CONTEXT: Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Maxim (Vitaceae) is a traditional medicinal herb used for treating liver disorders. OBJECTIVE: The hepatoprotective effects of A. brevipedunculata ethanol extract (ABE) was investigated in experimental models of fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) system in vitro and thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis rat model in vivo were used. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups of eight each (control, TAA, TAA with ABE 10 mg/kg, ABE 100 mg/kg and silymarin 50 mg/kg groups, respectively). Fibrosis was induced except to the control group by TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p.) twice per week for 13 weeks. ABE and silymarin was administered orally six times per week from the 7th week to the 13th week. RESULTS: In HSC-T6 cells, ABE (0.1 mg/mL) and silymarin (0.05 mg/mL) significantly (p < 0.01) induced apoptosis (12.94 ± 5.72% and 14.9 ± 3.8%, respectively) compared with control group (7.51 ± 1.26%). The expression of fibrosis related genes (TGF-ß, α-SMA and Col1A1) in HSC-T6 cells were significantly (p < 0.01) downregulated in ABE-treated groups compared with control group. In in vivo studies, ABE (10 and 100 mg/kg) treatment ameliorated the altered levels of serum biomarkers significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) in TAA-induced groups. Further, ABE (10 and 100 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.01) attenuated the altered histopathological findings, glutathione content and the accumulation of hydroxyproline. CONCLUSION: These results collectively indicate that ABE can potentially be developed as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Acupuncture and related interventions for symptoms of chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience a range of symptoms and often have complex comorbidities. Many pharmacological interventions for people with CKD have known risks of adverse events. Acupuncture is widely used for symptom management in patients with chronic diseases and in other palliative care settings. However, the safety and efficacy of acupuncture for people with CKD remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the benefits and harms of acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion and other acupuncture-related interventions (alone or combined with other acupuncture-related interventions) for symptoms of CKD. In particular, we planned to compare acupuncture and related interventions with conventional medicine, active non-pharmacological interventions, and routine care for symptoms of CKD. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register up to 28 January 2016 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. We also searched Korean medical databases (including Korean Studies Information, DBPIA, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Research Information Centre for Health Database, KoreaMed, the National Assembly Library) and Chinese databases (including the China Academic Journal). SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that investigated the effects of acupuncture and related point-stimulation interventions with or without needle penetration that involved six sessions or more in adults with CKD stage 3 to 5, regardless of the language and type of publication. We excluded studies that used herbal medicine or co-interventions administered unequally among the study groups. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We calculated the mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for continuous outcomes and risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes. Primary outcomes were changes in pain and depression, and occurrence of serious of adverse events. MAIN RESULTS: We included 24 studies that involved a total of 1787 participants. Studies reported on various types of acupuncture and related interventions including manual acupuncture and acupressure, ear acupressure, transcutaneous electrical acupuncture point stimulation, far-infrared radiation on acupuncture points and indirect moxibustion. CKD stages included pre-dialysis stage 3 or 4 and end-stage kidney disease on either haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.None of the included studies assessed pain outcomes, nor formally addressed occurrence of serious adverse events, although three studies reported three participant deaths and three hospitalisations as reasons for attrition. Three studies reported minor acupuncture-related harms; the remainder did not report if those events occurred.All studies were assessed at high or unclear risk of bias in terms of allocation concealment. Seventeen studies reported outcomes measured for only two months.There was very low quality of evidence that compared with routine care, manual acupressure reduced scores of the Beck Depression Inventory score (scale from 0 to 63) (3 studies, 128 participants: MD -4.29, 95% CI -7.48 to -1.11, I(2) = 0%), the revised Piper Fatigue Scale (scale from 0 to 10) (3 studies, 128 participants: MD -1.19, 95% CI -1.77 to -0.60, I(2) = 0%), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (scale from 0 to 21) (4 studies, 180 participants: MD -2.46, 95% CI -4.23 to -0.69, I(2) = 50%).We were unable to perform further meta-analyses because of the paucity of data and problems with clinical heterogeneity, such as different interventions, comparisons and timing of outcome measurements. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There was very low quality of evidence of the short-term effects of manual acupressure as an adjuvant intervention for fatigue, depression, sleep disturbance and uraemic pruritus in patients undergoing regular haemodialysis. The paucity of evidence indicates that there is little evidence of the effects of other types of acupuncture for other outcomes, including pain, in patients with other stages of CKD. Overall high or unclear risk of bias distorts the validity of the reported benefit of acupuncture and makes the estimated effects uncertain. The incomplete reporting of acupuncture-related harm does not permit us to assess the safety of acupuncture and related interventions. Future studies should investigate the effects and safety of acupuncture for pain and other common symptoms in patients with CKD and those undergoing dialysis.

Clinical outcomes of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib: a retrospective study of routine clinical practice in multi-institutions.

BACKGROUND: Sorafenib is an orally administered multikinase inhibitor with antiangiogenic and antiproliferative properties. The results of large clinical trials demonstrate that sorafenib prolongs survival and the time to progression of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of the present study was to determine the outcomes of such patients who were routinely treated with sorafenib at multi-institutions in Korea, in contrast to formal clinical trials. METHODS: Between August 2007 and March 2012, patients with advanced HCC in seven referral medical centers in Daejeon-Chungcheong Province of Korea were retrospectively enrolled to evaluate treatment response, survival, and tolerability following administration of sorafenib. The treatment response was assessed in accordance with the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor 1.1 guidelines. RESULTS: Among 116 patients, 66 (57%) had undergone treatment for HCC, and 77 (66%) were accompanied with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis. The median duration of sorafenib treatment was 67 days (range 14-452 days). Median overall survival and median time to progression were 141 days and 90 days, respectively. Complete response, partial response, and stable disease were achieved for 0%, 2%, and 29% of patients, respectively. Overall median survival, but not the median time to progression, was significantly shorter for patients with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis compared with those with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis (64 days vs 168 days, P = 0.004). Child-Pugh B cirrhosis (P = 0.024) and a high level of serum alpha-fetoprotein (P = 0.039) were independent risk factors for poor overall survival. Thirty-nine (34%) patients experienced grade 3/4 adverse events such as hand-foot skin reactions and diarrhea that required dose adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical outcomes of sorafenib-treated patients with advanced HCC were comparable to those reported by formal clinical trial conducted in the Asia-Pacific region. Underlying hepatic dysfunction was the most important risk factor for shorter survival.

The standardized BHH10 extract, a combination of Astragalus membranaceus, Cinnamomum cassia, and Phellodendron amurense, reverses bone mass and metabolism in a rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Jasin-hwan-gagambang (BHH10), a modified prescription of Jasin-hwan, contains Astragalus membranaceus, Cinnamomum cassia, and Phellodendron amurense, and it has been traditionally used to treat osteoporosis and other inflammatory diseases. In this study, we systematically investigated the protective effects of BHH10 in ovariectomy (OVX)-induced rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham and OVX subgroups. The rats in the OVX group were treated with vehicle, BHH10, alendronate (ALN), and 17ß-estradiol (E2). BHH10 treatment significantly inhibited OVX-induced increases in body weight and uterus atrophy. In addition, it significantly increased the bone mineral density (BMD) and prevented a decrease in trabecular bone volume, connectivity density, trabecular number, thickness, and separation at the total femur and femur neck. The OVX rats showed significant decreases in the serum levels of calcium and phosphorous and significant increases in the serum levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, C-telopeptide type 1 collagen, and bone morphogenetic protein-2. These changes were significantly reduced to near sham levels by administration of BHH10 to OVX rats. BHH10-treated rats had a greater bone mass, a better structural architecture of the bone, and higher levels of biochemical markers of the bone than did the ALN-treated or E2-treated rats. These results suggest that BHH10 reverses osteoporosis in OVX rats by stimulating bone formation or regulating bone resorption and is not associated with toxicity.

Pachymic Acid Induces Apoptosis of EJ Bladder Cancer Cells by DR5 Up-Regulation, ROS Generation, Modulation of Bcl-2 and IAP Family Members.

Pachymic acid (PA) is a lanostane-type triterpenoid derived from Poria cocos mushroom that possess various biological effects such as anti-cancer, antiinflammatory and anti-metastasis effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of PA in EJ bladder cancer cells. The results showed that PA significantly inhibited proliferation of EJ cells in a dose-dependent manner. PA induced accumulation of sub-G1 DNA content (apoptotic cell population), apoptotic bodies and chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation in EJ cells in a dose-dependent manner. PA also induces activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, and subsequent cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and significantly suppressed the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family proteins in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PA activates Bid and induced the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm ) with up-regulated pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and Bad), down-regulated anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) and cytochrome c release. In turn, PA increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); also, the ROS production was blocked by N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The expressions of TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand and death receptor 5 were up-regulated by PA in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting extrinsic pathway also involved in PA-induced apoptosis. This study provides evidence that PA might be useful in the treatment of human bladder cancer.

Formononetin attenuates osteoclastogenesis via suppressing the RANKL-induced activation of NF-κB, c-Fos, and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 signaling pathway.

Formononetin (1), a plant-derived phytoestrogen, possesses bone protective properties. To address the potential therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action of 1, we investigated its antiosteoclastogenic activity and its effect on nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Compound 1 markedly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in the absence of cytotoxicity, by regulating the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and RANKL in BMMs and in cocultured osteoblasts. Compound 1 significantly inhibited RANKL-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) in a concentration-dependent manner. These effects were accompanied by a decrease in RANKL-induced activation of the NF-κB p65 subunit, degradation of inhibitor κBα (IκBα), induction of NF-κB, and phosphorylation of AKT, extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK). NF-κB siRNA suppressed AKT, ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation. Furthermore, 1 significantly suppressed c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), key transcription factors during osteoclastogenesis. SP600125, a specific inhibitor of JNK, reduced RANKL-induced expression of phospho-c-Jun, c-Fos, and NFATc1 and inhibited osteoclast formation. These results suggested that 1 acted as an antiresorption agent by blocking osteoclast activation.

The effectiveness and safety of moxibustion for treating cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

PURPOSE: Among cancer patients, cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common symptoms and adversely affects physical ability and quality of life even several years after treatment. This study aims to evaluate the current evidence for moxibustion in patients with CRF. METHODS: Eighteen databases were searched from their inception to April 2013. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of moxibustion for treating CRF without language restriction were considered for inclusion. The risk of bias and reporting quality of each study were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), and Revised Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA). Risk ratio (RR) or mean difference (MD) was used to measure the treatment effect with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) in a random effects model. RESULTS: Four RCTs with a total of 374 subjects were included for the review. These four studies compared moxibustion plus routine care with routine care alone. Most studies were determined to have a moderate to high risk of bias with low reporting quality. An indirect moxa stick was used in two studies, an indirect ginger cake-separated moxa was used in one study, and in one remaining study, both moxibustion methods were used. Meta-analysis showed the favorable effects of moxibustion on the response rate (RR, 1.73; 95 % CI, 1.29 to 2.32; p=.0003; heterogeneity, I (2)=15 %, p=.32). Burning with a mild blister after moxibustion was reported in one study. CONCLUSIONS: Because of a high risk of bias and low reporting quality of the studies included in this review, it is difficult to draw the conclusion that moxibustion is an effective and safe treatment for patients with CRF. Further rigorous research will be necessary to evaluate whether moxibustion has beneficial effects on CRF. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO. Unique identifier: CRD42013004501.

A rhythm-based authentication scheme for smart media devices.

In recent years, ubiquitous computing has been rapidly emerged in our lives and extensive studies have been conducted in a variety of areas related to smart devices, such as tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, smart refrigerators, and smart media devices, as a measure for realizing the ubiquitous computing. In particular, smartphones have significantly evolved from the traditional feature phones. Increasingly higher-end smartphone models that can perform a range of functions are now available. Smart devices have become widely popular since they provide high efficiency and great convenience for not only private daily activities but also business endeavors. Rapid advancements have been achieved in smart device technologies to improve the end users' convenience. Consequently, many people increasingly rely on smart devices to store their valuable and important data. With this increasing dependence, an important aspect that must be addressed is security issues. Leaking of private information or sensitive business data due to loss or theft of smart devices could result in exorbitant damage. To mitigate these security threats, basic embedded locking features are provided in smart devices. However, these locking features are vulnerable. In this paper, an original security-locking scheme using a rhythm-based locking system (RLS) is proposed to overcome the existing security problems of smart devices. RLS is a user-authenticated system that addresses vulnerability issues in the existing locking features and provides secure confidentiality in addition to convenience.

DS-ARP: a new detection scheme for ARP spoofing attacks based on routing trace for ubiquitous environments.

Despite the convenience, ubiquitous computing suffers from many threats and security risks. Security considerations in the ubiquitous network are required to create enriched and more secure ubiquitous environments. The address resolution protocol (ARP) is a protocol used to identify the IP address and the physical address of the associated network card. ARP is designed to work without problems in general environments. However, since it does not include security measures against malicious attacks, in its design, an attacker can impersonate another host using ARP spoofing or access important information. In this paper, we propose a new detection scheme for ARP spoofing attacks using a routing trace, which can be used to protect the internal network. Tracing routing can find the change of network movement path. The proposed scheme provides high constancy and compatibility because it does not alter the ARP protocol. In addition, it is simple and stable, as it does not use a complex algorithm or impose extra load on the computer system.

Arginine enhances osteoblastogenesis and inhibits adipogenesis through the regulation of Wnt and NFATc signaling in human mesenchymal stem cells.

Arginine, an α-amino acid, has been reported to exert beneficial effects that ameliorate health problems and prevent excessive fat deposition. In this study, we investigated whether the activation of cell signaling by arginine can induce osteogenic differentiation and modulate excessive adipogenic differentiation in human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Arginine potently induced the expression of type Iα1 collagen, osteocalcin, and ALP in a dose-dependent manner without causing cytotoxicity. Arginine significantly increased the mRNA expression of the osteogenic transcription factors runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), DIx5, and osterix. Furthermore, arginine demonstrated its antiadipogenicity by decreasing adipocyte formation and triglyceride (TG) content in MSCs and inhibiting the mRNA expression of the adipogenic transcription factors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (Fabp4). This effect was associated with increased expression of Wnt5a, and nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFATc), and was abrogated by antagonists of Wnt and NFATc, which indicated a role of Wnt and NFATc signaling in the switch from adipogenesis to osteoblastogenesis induced by arginine. In conclusion, this is the first report of the dual action of arginine in promoting osteogenesis and inhibiting adipocyte formation through involving Wnt5a and NFATc signaling pathway.

Mangiferin reduces the inhibition of chondrogenic differentiation by IL-1ß in mesenchymal stem cells from subchondral bone and targets multiple aspects of the Smad and SOX9 pathways.

Mangiferin is a natural immunomodulator found in plants including mango trees. The effects of mangiferin on chondrogenesis and cartilage repair have not yet been reported. This study was designed to determine the effect of mangiferin on chondrogenic differentiation in IL-1ß-stimulated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from subchondral bone and to explore the mechanisms underlying these effects. MSCs were isolated from the subchondral bone of rabbit and treated with mangiferin alone and/or interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Mangiferin induced chondrogenic differentiation in MSCs by upregulating transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2, and BMP-4 and several key markers of chondrogenesis, including sex-determining region Y-box (SRY-box) containing gene 9 (SOX9), type 2α1 collagen (Col2α1), cartilage link protein, and aggrecan. In IL-1ß-stimulated MSCs, mangiferin significantly reversed the production of TGF-ß, BMP-2, BMP-4, SOX9, Col2α1, cartilage link protein, and aggrecan, as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-13, and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS5). Mangiferin upregulated the phosphorylation of Smad 2, Smad 3, Smad 1/5/8, and SOX9 in IL-1ß-stimulated MSCs. In the presence of mangiferin, SOX9 siRNA suppressed the activation of Smad 2, Smad 3, Smad 1/5/8, aggrecan, and Col2α1 expression. In conclusion, mangiferin exhibits both chondrogenic and chondroprotective effects on damaged MSCs and mediates these effects by targeting multiple aspects of the Smad and SOX9 signaling pathways.

On the security of two remote user authentication schemes for telecare medical information systems.

The telecare medical information systems (TMISs) support convenient and rapid health-care services. A secure and efficient authentication scheme for TMIS provides safeguarding patients' electronic patient records (EPRs) and helps health care workers and medical personnel to rapidly making correct clinical decisions. Recently, Kumari et al. proposed a password based user authentication scheme using smart cards for TMIS, and claimed that the proposed scheme could resist various malicious attacks. However, we point out that their scheme is still vulnerable to lost smart card and cannot provide forward secrecy. Subsequently, Das and Goswami proposed a secure and efficient uniqueness-and-anonymity-preserving remote user authentication scheme for connected health care. They simulated their scheme for the formal security verification using the widely-accepted automated validation of Internet security protocols and applications (AVISPA) tool to ensure that their scheme is secure against passive and active attacks. However, we show that their scheme is still vulnerable to smart card loss attacks and cannot provide forward secrecy property. The proposed cryptanalysis discourages any use of the two schemes under investigation in practice and reveals some subtleties and challenges in designing this type of schemes.

The reporting quality of acupuncture-related traumatic adverse events: a systematic review of case studies in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture is known for a harmless treatment when administered by well-trained clinicians. However, multiple case reports of traumatic adverse events (AEs) related to acupuncture treatments continue to be published in literature. In this review, we evaluated the reporting quality and conducted causality assessments of case studies that have reported acupuncture-related traumatic AEs in Korea. METHODS: Eight databases were searched from their inception to January 2024. Only Korean case studies that reported traumatic AEs following acupuncture procedures were included without any language restrictions. Reporting quality was evaluated based on patient characteristics, AEs, and acupuncture practice. Causality was assessed using the modified WHO-UMC causality criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies were included from a total of 1,154 identified studies. The quality of reporting in the included studies was low overall. While the descriptions of patient characteristics and AEs were relatively well detailed, most information on acupuncture practice was not reported at all. During the causality assessment, only three (10.7%) studies were judged to be "certain". Twelve (42.9%) studies were "unassessable" because they inadequately described the information necessary for decision-making. It was practically difficult to establish the causality between acupuncture and AEs, as well as the appropriateness of acupuncture practice. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient and inappropriate reporting was observed in most case studies reporting acupuncture-related traumatic AEs in Korea. To overcome these limitations, we have suggested tentative guidelines in the form of a set of items that should be reported by future authors who plan to publish case studies on acupuncture-related traumatic AEs in a clinical setting.