Comparison of Frequency-Specific Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulations on Cognitive Function in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of theta and gamma transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on cognitive function and memory in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: The participants were assigned to one of three conditions: sham, theta (5 Hz), or gamma (40 Hz) tACS, targeting the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for approximately 30 min. Cognitive tasks were conducted before and after stimulation, including the Digit Span and Trail Making Test A (TMT-A).

Validation of Lyon 2.0 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Consensus: Limited Clinical Utility of Mean Nocturnal Basal Impedance in Koreans.

Background/aims: The Lyon Consensus 2.0 (Lyon 2.0) revised gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) definitions, incorporating Los Angeles (LA) grade B as diagnostic and mean nocturnal basal impedance (MNBI) as supplementary evidence.

Flexible self-powered MoS/LaVOphotodetector enhanced by graphene quantum dots interlayer.

High-performance self-powered photodetectors (PDs) have attracted significant interest as highly efficient optoelectronic devices capable of operating without an external power source. In this study, we demonstrate a flexible MoS/graphene quantum dots (GQDs)/LaVOheterojunction PD fabricated on a polyethylene terephthalate substrate. The device performance was systematically evaluated with and without the GQDs interlayer.

Distribution and Clinical Impact of Virulence Factors in Epstein-Barr-Virus-Associated Gastric Cancer.

: (HP) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) coinfection lead to chronic inflammation and contribute to the development of gastric cancer. However, studies examining the association between HP virulence factors and EBV infection in gastric cancer are limited. This study investigated the polymorphisms of HP virulence factors associated with EBV infection and their effects on clinical outcomes in EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC).

High-Dose Radioembolization Limited by Lung Shunt for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Supplied by the Inferior Phrenic Artery.

Purpose: To determine the safety and effectiveness of radioembolization with lung-shunt limited high dose via the inferior phrenic artery (IPA) supplying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials And Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 43 consecutive patients with HCC treated with radioembolization via the IPA between January 2017 and December 2023. Patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A or B, tumor size ranging from 4 to 12 cm, tumor numbers 1-3, and the primary target tumor supplied by the IPA were included.

Flexible self-rectifying synapse array for energy-efficient edge multiplication in electrocardiogram diagnosis.

Edge computing devices, which generate, collect, process, and analyze data near the source, enhance the data processing efficiency and improve the responsiveness in real-time applications or unstable network environments. To be utilized in wearable and skin-attached electronics, these edge devices must be compact, energy efficient for use in low-power environments, and fabricable on soft substrates. Here, we propose a flexible memristive dot product engine (f-MDPE) designed for edge use and demonstrate its feasibility in a real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring system.

Effect of Eradication on Metabolic Parameters and Body Composition including Skeletal Muscle Mass: A Matched Case-Control Study.

Background/aims: Findings on the impact of eradication on metabolic parameters are inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of eradication on metabolic parameters and body composition, including body fat mass and skeletal muscle mass.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the data of asymptomatic patients who underwent health screenings, including bioelectrical impedance analysis, before and after eradication between 2005 and 2021.

A Neuransistor with Excitatory and Inhibitory Neuronal Behaviors for Liquid State Machine.

A liquid state machine (LSM) is a spiking neural network model inspired by biological neural network dynamics designed to process time-varying inputs. In the LSM, maintaining a proper excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance among neurons is essential for ensuring network stability and generating rich temporal dynamics for accurate data processing. In this study, a "neuransistor" is proposed that implements the E/I neurons in a single device, allowing for the hardware implementation of the LSM.

Longitudinal Analysis of Amyloid PET and Brain MRI for Predicting Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease: Findings from the ADNI Cohort.

Background/objectives: This study aimed to investigate the predictive power of integrated longitudinal amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for determining the likelihood of conversion to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: We included 180 patients with MCI from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, with baseline and 2-year follow-up scans obtained using F-18 florbetapir PET and MRI. Patients were categorized as converters (progressing to AD) or nonconverters based on a 6-year follow-up.

Endoscopic features of cytomegalovirus disease of the upper gastrointestinal tract between transplant and non-transplant patients.

Background/aims: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) tract frequently occurs in immunocompromised patients. However, data regarding UGI CMV disease in non-transplant patients compared with those in transplant recipients are limited. Therefore, we compared the clinical characteristics, endoscopic findings, and outcomes of UGI CMV disease in non-transplant patients with those in transplant recipients.

Photo-responsive self-expanding catheter with photosensitizer-integrated silicone-covered membrane for minimally invasive local therapy in malignant esophageal cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using photosensitizer (PS)-integrated covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) is proposed a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of palliative malignancies; however, the currently hydrophobic PS reduces the photoreactive effect, which leads to aggregation with low water solubility. In here, an aluminum (III)-phthalocyanine chloride tetrasulfonic acid (Al-PcS4)-integrated silicone-covered self-expanding catheter was successfully fabricated to perform localized PDT. The ratio of MeOH and Al-PcS4 concentrations was optimized to achieve PS coating uniformity.

A nationwide survey on the curriculum and educational resources related to the Clinical Skills Test of the Korean Medical Licensing Examination: a cross-sectional descriptive study.

Purpose: The revised Clinical Skills Test (CST) of the Korean Medical Licensing Exam aims to provide a better assessment of physicians’ clinical competence and ability to interact with patients. This study examined the impact of the revised CST on medical education curricula and resources nationwide, while also identifying areas for improvement within the revised CST.

Methods: This study surveyed faculty responsible for clinical clerkships at 40 medical schools throughout Korea to evaluate the status and changes in clinical skills education, assessment, and resources related to the CST.

Hydrogel-Impregnated Robust Interlocking Nano Connector (HiRINC) for Noninvasive Anti-Migration of Esophageal Stent.

Migration of implanted self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) in the malignant or benign esophageal stricture is a common complication but not yet resolved. Herein, this research develops a hydrogel-impregnated robust interlocking nano connector (HiRINC) to ensure adhesion and reduce the mechanical mismatch between SEMSs and esophageal tissues. Featuring a network-like porous layer, HiRINC significantly enhances adhesion and energy dissipation during esophageal peristalsis by utilizing mechanical interlocking and increasing hydrogen bonding sites, thereby securing SEMS to tissues.

Endoluminal photodynamic therapy with a photoreactive stent-based catheter system to treat malignant colorectal obstruction.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using photosensitizer (PS)-embedded silicone membrane-covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMSs) can function in palliative therapeutic option for malignant gastrointestinal tract obstruction. However, stent-related complications should be considered, and accurate delivery of light sources is technically difficult. Here, a Chlorin e6 (Ce6)-an embedded stent-based catheter is developed to improve its therapeutic efficacy and safety.

Efficacy of Rifabutin-Based Helicobacter pylori Eradication Regimen in Korea With High Prevalence of Tuberculosis Infection.

Background: As the antibiotic resistance and treatment failure rates of Helicobacter pylori are rising, the need for rescue therapy with rifabutin for H. pylori eradication (HPE) is also increasing. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the efficacy, resistance status, and adverse events in patients receiving rifabutin-based HPE.

Sex Differences in Clinical Features and Survival Outcomes of Esophageal Cancer: A Comparative Study in the Korean Population.

Purpose: Esophageal cancer is a predominantly male disease. However, the sex differences associated with esophageal cancer have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the differences between esophageal cancer in males and females in the Korean population.

Effectiveness of Buspirone in Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms in Patients with Depressive Disorder: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study in Korea.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of buspirone as an adjunctive therapy for alleviating anxiety symptoms in patients with depressive disorders who are already taking antidepressants.

Methods: This was an open-label prospective multicenter non-interventional observational study conducted over 12 weeks. We enrolled 180 patients diagnosed with depressive disorders according to DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores ≥ 18.

Effects of Phytoncide Inhalation on Stroop Task Performance in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment: An fNIRS Pilot Study.

Objective: : Several studies have reported the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on various mental disorders. However, little is known about the therapeutic effects of phytoncides on mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of dementia. In this pilot study, we aimed to clarify the effect of inhaled phytoncides on the cognitive function of patients clinically diagnosed with MCI.

Reactive Oxygen Species-Sensitive Nanophotosensitizers Composed of Buthionine Sulfoximine-Conjugated Chitosan Oligosaccharide for Enhanced Photodynamic Treatment of Cancer Cells.

The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on traditional photosensitizers is generally limited by the cellular redox homeostasis system due to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging effect of glutathione (GSH). In this study, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a GSH inhibitor, was conjugated with the amine group of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) using a thioketal linker (COSthBSO) to liberate BSO and chlorine e6 (Ce6) under oxidative stress, and then, Ce6-COSthBSO NP (Ce6-COSthBSO NP), fabricated by a dialysis procedure, showed an accelerated release rate of BSO and Ce6 by the addition of hydrogen peroxide, indicating that nanophotosensitizers have ROS sensitivity. In the in vitro cell culture study using HCT116 colon carcinoma cells, a combination of BSO and Ce6 efficiently suppressed the intracellular GSH and increased ROS production compared to the sole treatment of Ce6.

Efficacy and safety of a novel multisegmented fully covered self-expanding metal stent for malignant esophageal obstruction: a prospective pilot study with historical control.

Background And Aims: Self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) are effective for symptom palliation in patients with esophageal obstruction. However, their placement can lead to adverse events such as stent migration and restenosis. A novel fully covered SEMS (FCSEMS) with antimigration properties has been developed to address these issues.

Concurrent immunotherapy and radiation in cisplatin-ineligible patients with HNSCC: a systematic review & meta-analysis.

Background: Head and squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the locally advanced setting is challenging to treat and remains an area of significant morbidity and mortality. For patients who are cisplatin-ineligible and considered unresectable, there is no clear standard of care including the choice of radiosensitizer.

Methods: OVID Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched.

Effect of Macrolide Exposure on Tailored Helicobacter pylori Eradication Therapy and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles: A Prospective Study Using the Drug Utilization Review System.

Background/aims: Determining antibiotic use history accurately is challenging due to its reliance on patient recall. By determining macrolide exposure using the Korean drug utilization review (DUR) system, we analyzed the impact of previous macrolide use on antibiotic resistance profiles and compared the eradication rate between tailored therapy based on macrolide exposure history and empirical therapy.

Methods: Patients with confirmed Helicobacter pylori (H.

Vortioxetine in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder Among Working Patients in Routine Clinical Practice: An Analysis of a Post-Marketing Surveillance Study in South Korea.

Background: Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) experience depressive symptoms such as anhedonia as well as cognitive dysfunction which can subsequently impair their work performance.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness and safety of vortioxetine in working patients with MDD in South Korea.

Patients And Methods: This was a subgroup analysis of a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional, non-comparative post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study.