The Clinical Impact of Intravascular Imaging-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients with High Thrombus Burden.

Despite the established clinical efficacy following intravascular imaging (IVI)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) than angiography-guided PCI, evidence regarding prognostic benefits of IVI-guided PCI in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with high thrombus burden remains limited. Using the nationwide registries of KAMIR-NIH and KAMIR-V, we evaluated the prognostic impact of IVI-guided PCI in AMI patients with high thrombus burden. A total of 4,074 patients with AMI and TIMI thrombus grades 4 or 5 who underwent aspiration thrombectomy were selected, of whom 892 patients (21.

Bilateral Thinning of the Temporal bone: A Case Report.

Bone mass is maintained by a balance between bone formation by osteoblasts and resorption by osteoclasts. Calvarial thinning can occur because of various factors. However, no previous studies have described bilateral temporal thinning (BTT) of the skull.

Evolving Strategies for the Optimal Management of Common Bile Duct Stones.

Management of common bile duct (CBD) stones has evolved substantially with the advent of endoscopic techniques and dedicated high-end devices. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become a widespread essential technique for managing CBD stones, with high success rates in standard cases. However, for patients with large stones, stones in an impacted state, and stones in anatomically challenging regions, advanced strategies using various dedicated devices may be needed.

OM-85 and Respiratory Symptoms in Korean COPD: A Multicenter Observational Study.

Background: Although OM-85 may lessen respiratory symptoms and reduce acute exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its overall effectiveness remains incompletely proven.

Methods: This prospective, observational, single-arm study was conducted at four university hospitals in South Korea from June 2022 to December 2023. Adults with spirometry-confirmed COPD who were prescribed OM-85 were enrolled and followed for six months (3-months treatment, 3-months observation).

Current status of the use of validated home blood pressure monitoring devices among Korean patients with hypertension.

The implementation of Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM) has improved the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Current clinical guidelines advocate the use of validated HBPM devices. However, few studies have examined the current use of validated HBPM devices.

Harnessing Natural Compounds in Psoriasis: Targeting Cellular Pathways for Effective Therapy.

Psoriasis is a persistent inflammatory dermatological condition, predominantly influenced by genetic factors, immune system dysfunction, and environmental stimuli. It presents as red papules and silvery-white scales, resulting in physical discomfort and contributing to various comorbidities, including mental health disorders, arthritis, and cardiovascular complications, which collectively impose considerable medical and socioeconomic burdens. Conventional treatments, such as immunosuppressants and biologics, may alleviate symptoms but frequently entail significant side effects and the potential for dependency.

Modified Saengmaeksan, an herbal formula containing six herbs, improves hypertension through RhoA/Rho kinase-mediated vasorelaxation.

Background: Saengmaeksan is a traditional herbal formula used in Korean medicine. We composed a modified formula based on Saengmaeksan (mSMS) with Puerariae Radix, Platycodonis Radix, Liriopis seu Ophiopogonis Tuber, Schisandrae Fructus, Coicis Semen, and Dioscoreae Rhizoma to investigate its in vivo and ex vivo antihypertensive effects and underlying mechanisms.

Methods: The antihypertensive efficacy of mSMS was assessed using l-NAME-induced hypertensive mice and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Therapeutic effects of Gunryeong-tang on the cardio-renal axis in an animal model of pulmonary hypertension.

In the realm of cardiovascular and renal health, the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation within the cardio-renal axis plays a pivotal role. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Gunryeong-tang (GRT), a traditional Korean herbal formula combining Oryeongsan (Wulingsan) and Sagunza-tang (Sijunzi-tang), specifically in addressing cardio-renal axis dysfunction induced by pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH-r). PAH-r models were induced through intraperitoneal injection of monocrotaline (MCT) at a daily dose of 50 mg/kg for 5 days to simulate pulmonary hypertension, a common cause of cardio-renal syndrome.

Bacterial and fungal microbiome dataset from holobionts of CP4-EPSPS-containing hybrids and wild-type in South Korea.

This dataset provides comprehensive profiles of bacterial and fungal communities associated with the holobionts of CP4-EPSPS-containing hybrids and wild-type in a natural roadside habitat. The hybrids were genetically consistent with × origin and possible backcrossing with , though the site and mechanism of hybridization are unclear. A total of 120 holobiont samples, including flowers, leaves, dead leaves, roots, and surrounding soil, were collected from twelve wild-type and twelve hybrid individuals (60 samples per group), in a natural roadside environment.

Development of a Prediction Model for Acute Exacerbation in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Study of the Korea IPF Cohort Registry.

Background: Acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has the most disastrous impact on prognosis as a major cause of morbidity and mortality. However, there is no proven treatment, and the occurrence of AE is unpredictable. This study aimed to develop a prediction model for AE in patients with IPF using the nationwide Korea IPF Cohort (KICO) registry.

Long-Term Anticoagulation Discontinuation After Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: The ALONE-AF Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Data from randomized clinical trials on a long-term anticoagulation strategy for patients after catheter-based ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) are lacking.

Objective: To evaluate whether discontinuing oral anticoagulant therapy provides superior clinical outcomes compared with continuing oral anticoagulant therapy in patients without documented atrial arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation for AF.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A randomized clinical trial including 840 adult patients (aged 19-80 years) who were enrolled and randomized from July 28, 2020, to March 9, 2023, at 18 hospitals in South Korea.

Oxiracetam and physical activity in preventing cognitive decline after stroke: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: This multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, commissioned by South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, evaluated the effect of oxiracetam for preventing post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) and explored potential interaction with physical activity using neuroimaging.

Patients And Methods: Patients at high risk of PSCI, reporting subjective cognitive decline ⩾3 months after stroke, were randomized 1:1 to receive oxiracetam or placebo for 36 weeks. Physical activity was tracked via wrist-worn actigraphy.

Prognostic Implication of LDL-C Variability and Its Association with Lipid-Lowering Strategies: Insights from the RACING and LODESTAR Trials.

Purpose: We aimed to compare the visit-to-visit variability in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) according to different lipid-lowering strategies and evaluate its prognostic implications using data from previous trials.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed two randomized clinical trials: the RACING trial and the LODESTAR trial. LDL-C variability was evaluated using standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation, and variation independent of mean.

Response to Korean medicine with acupotomy in patients with cognitive impairment in primary care: A multicenter registry protocol.

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are risk indicators for dementia and require ongoing management. Traditional Korean medicine (TKM) commonly employs acupuncture and herbal medicine for cognitive impairment; yet, clinical research on acupotomy is lacking. Although most TKM treatments occur in primary care, the research is largely hospital-based.

Effectiveness and Safety of Portable Ultrasound-Guided Pharmacopuncture for Cervical Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Observational Multi-Center Study.

: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided pharmacopuncture (UGP) in comparison to non-guided pharmacopuncture (NGP) for the treatment of acute cervical myofascial pain syndrome (C-MPS) in primary care settings. : This multi-center, prospective observational study included 97 patients diagnosed with acute C-MPS. Participants received a single session of either UGP or NGP at one of seven primary care institutions.

Comparison of Pulsed Radiofrequency and Endoscopic Piriformis Release for Refractory Piriformis Syndrome: A Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Cohort Study.

Piriformis syndrome (PS) causes sciatic nerve entrapment and chronic pain. In refractory cases, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and endoscopic piriformis release (EPR) are used, but comparative evidence is limited. This retrospective cohort study compared PRF and EPR in patients treated from 2018 to 2024 at a tertiary hospital using propensity score matching (PSM).

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases in Health and Disease.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase that serves as a central metabolic sensor and regulator of energy balance at both the cellular and organismal levels [...

LUNAR: Periodicity-aware time-series analysis framework for LUNg Auscultation Respiratory detection.

Accurate detection of respiratory cycles in lung sound auscultation is crucial for diagnosing respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia. Traditional auscultation methods rely heavily on clinician expertise, creating diagnostic inconsistencies particularly in resource-constrained settings where access to specialists varies. While recent artificial intelligence approaches have advanced abnormal breath sound classification and respiratory disease diagnosis, most systems depend on expert manual annotation to identify respiratory cycle boundaries.

Innovative Didactic Learning Formats: Have They Improved Dental Education? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: New learning methods require higher professor-to-student ratios, increased faculty preparation time, continuous professional development for educators, and expanded physical spaces within university settings.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to answer the following PICO question: In dental students (P), what is the effectiveness of innovative formats of learning (I) in comparison with traditional formats (C) in terms of educational outcomes and satisfaction (O)?

Methods: After PROSPERO protocol registration, a literature search was conducted using Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Selection of studies was performed in a three-step process: identification, screening and eligibility.

Injectable Thermosensitive Hydrogel Containing Bakuchiol Reduces Periodontal Inflammation and Alveolar Bone Loss in a Rat Model.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a bakuchiol-loaded thermosensitive hydrogel (BTH) as a novel local drug delivery system for the management of periodontitis. Bakuchiol, a natural phenolic compound extracted from , was incorporated into a hydrogel composed of poloxamers and carboxymethylcellulose. The gelation behavior, physicochemical properties, and drug release profile were analyzed.

Concurrence of clozapine-induced diabetic ketoacidosis and neuroleptic malignant syndrome: A case report.

Rationale: Clozapine is a unique antipsychotic drug used to treat treatment-resistant psychosis. Clozapine can induce metabolic complications and weight gain, and may lead to acute diabetic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Neurological side effects of clozapine are relatively rare compared with those of typical antipsychotics; however, several cases have been reported.

Exploring nursing students' experiences of normal vaginal delivery simulation using immersive virtual reality (IVR): a qualitative research.

Background: This study qualitatively explored the feasibility and effectiveness of immersive virtual reality (IVR) simulation as an educational tool to overcome the limitations experienced by nursing students during clinical practice in maternity settings. Many nursing students face restrictions in their practical experiences due to cultural and gender-related barriers in clinical settings, and traditional simulation methods often lack sufficient realism, thus diminishing their educational effectiveness. This study aimed to comprehend nursing students' perceptions and emotional responses regarding their experiences with IVR natural childbirth simulations.

Intravascular Imaging-Guided PCI vs Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Left Main or 3-Vessel Disease.

Background: Previous trials have shown that coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) has better clinical outcomes compared with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for patients with left main coronary artery or 3-vessel disease. However, it is unclear whether intravascular imaging (IVI)-guided PCI would reduce the difference in clinical events compared to CABG.

Objectives: The present study sought to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with left main or 3-vessel disease who underwent IVI-guided PCI with those who underwent CABG.