Background: The medial temporal region is the earliest affected structure in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and its atrophy is known as the hallmark of AD. This study aimed to investigate the value of medial temporal atrophy (MTA) for detecting 18F-florbetaben positron emission tomography (PET)-proven AD pathology. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 265 subjects complaining of cognitive decline at a dementia outpatient clinic from March 2015 to December 2017. All subjects underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and 18F-florbetaben PET at baseline. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses on variables including age, sex, years of education, white matter hyperintensities, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, and memory composite scores in various combinations to investigate whether MTA was indicative of underlying AD pathology. Results: Our sample population of 265 patients comprised 121 with AD-related cognitive impairment, 42 with Lewy bodies-related cognitive impairment, 32 with vascular cognitive impairment, and 70 with other or undetermined pathologies. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, MTA was not an independent predictor of underlying AD pathology (P>0.200). The predictive power of underlying AD-related cognitive impairment significantly increased when multiple variables including APOE genotype and memory composite scores were considered together (area under the curve >0.750). Conclusion Our results suggest that MTA alone may be insufficient to accurately predict the presence of AD pathology. It is necessary to comprehensively consider various other factors such as APOE genotype and a detailed memory function to determine whether the patient is at high risk of AD.

Previous studies have shown that testosterone activates the GPRC6A-Duox1 axis, resulting in the production of H 2O 2 which leads to the apoptosis of keratinocytes and ultimately hair loss. Here, we elucidated a molecular mechanism by which the non-genomic action of testosterone regulates cellular redox status in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Building upon this molecular understanding, we conducted a high-throughput screening assay of Nox inhibitors from a natural compounds library. This screening identified diterpenoid compounds, specifically Tanshinone I, Tanshinone IIA, Tanshinone IIB, and Cryptotanshinone, derived from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. The IC50 values for Nox isozymes were found to be 2.6-12.9 μM for Tanshinone I, 1.9-7.2 μM for Tanshinone IIA, 5.2-11.9 μM for Tanshinone IIB, and 2.1-7.9 μM for Cryptotanshinone. Furthermore, 3D computational docking analysis confirmed the structural basis by which Tanshinone compounds inhibit Nox activity. These compounds were observed to substitute for NADPH at the π-π bond site between NADPH and FAD, leading to the suppression of Nox activity. Notably, Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA effectively inhibited Nox activity heightened by testosterone, consequently reducing the production of intracellular H2O2 and preventing cell apoptosis. In an animal study involving the application of testosterone to the back skin of 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice to inhibit hair growth, subsequent treatment with Tanshinone I or Tanshinone IIA alongside testosterone resulted in a substantial increase in hair follicle length compared to testosterone treatment alone. These findings underscore the potential efficacy of Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA as therapeutic agents for AGA by inhibiting Nox activity.

Previous studies have shown that testosterone activates the GPRC6A-Duox1 axis, resulting in the production of H 2O 2 which leads to the apoptosis of keratinocytes and ultimately hair loss. Here, we elucidated a molecular mechanism by which the non-genomic action of testosterone regulates cellular redox status in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Building upon this molecular understanding, we conducted a high-throughput screening assay of Nox inhibitors from a natural compounds library. This screening identified diterpenoid compounds, specifically Tanshinone I, Tanshinone IIA, Tanshinone IIB, and Cryptotanshinone, derived from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. The IC50 values for Nox isozymes were found to be 2.6-12.9 μM for Tanshinone I, 1.9-7.2 μM for Tanshinone IIA, 5.2-11.9 μM for Tanshinone IIB, and 2.1-7.9 μM for Cryptotanshinone. Furthermore, 3D computational docking analysis confirmed the structural basis by which Tanshinone compounds inhibit Nox activity. These compounds were observed to substitute for NADPH at the π-π bond site between NADPH and FAD, leading to the suppression of Nox activity. Notably, Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA effectively inhibited Nox activity heightened by testosterone, consequently reducing the production of intracellular H2O2 and preventing cell apoptosis. In an animal study involving the application of testosterone to the back skin of 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice to inhibit hair growth, subsequent treatment with Tanshinone I or Tanshinone IIA alongside testosterone resulted in a substantial increase in hair follicle length compared to testosterone treatment alone. These findings underscore the potential efficacy of Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA as therapeutic agents for AGA by inhibiting Nox activity.

Previous studies have shown that testosterone activates the GPRC6A-Duox1 axis, resulting in the production of H 2O 2 which leads to the apoptosis of keratinocytes and ultimately hair loss. Here, we elucidated a molecular mechanism by which the non-genomic action of testosterone regulates cellular redox status in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Building upon this molecular understanding, we conducted a high-throughput screening assay of Nox inhibitors from a natural compounds library. This screening identified diterpenoid compounds, specifically Tanshinone I, Tanshinone IIA, Tanshinone IIB, and Cryptotanshinone, derived from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix. The IC50 values for Nox isozymes were found to be 2.6-12.9 μM for Tanshinone I, 1.9-7.2 μM for Tanshinone IIA, 5.2-11.9 μM for Tanshinone IIB, and 2.1-7.9 μM for Cryptotanshinone. Furthermore, 3D computational docking analysis confirmed the structural basis by which Tanshinone compounds inhibit Nox activity. These compounds were observed to substitute for NADPH at the π-π bond site between NADPH and FAD, leading to the suppression of Nox activity. Notably, Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA effectively inhibited Nox activity heightened by testosterone, consequently reducing the production of intracellular H2O2 and preventing cell apoptosis. In an animal study involving the application of testosterone to the back skin of 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice to inhibit hair growth, subsequent treatment with Tanshinone I or Tanshinone IIA alongside testosterone resulted in a substantial increase in hair follicle length compared to testosterone treatment alone. These findings underscore the potential efficacy of Tanshinone I and Tanshinone IIA as therapeutic agents for AGA by inhibiting Nox activity.

Purpose: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify factors affecting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination intention. Methods: For an anonymous online survey, recruitment notices were posted on an anonymous community by each university, and an online survey was conducted through online form from June to July 2021. COVID-19 knowledge and health-protective behavior were measured using a questionnaire based on previous literature and reflecting the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Response Guidelines. The psychological antecedents of vaccination were measured by 5C scale. Results: Two-hundred and ninety-four college students (women 67.3%) answered the survey; 179 (60.9%) reported that they would accept a COVID-19 vaccine. The mean scores for COVID-19 knowledge and health-protective behavior were 22.97 ± 5.33 (out of 35) and 9.92 ± 2.22 (out of 12), respectively. For the psychological antecedents of vaccination, the mean scores for confidence, collective responsibility, calculation, complacency, and constraints were 4.45 ( ± 1.24), 5.61 ( ± 1.09), 5.09 ( ± 1.18), 2.42 ( ± 1.11), and 2.37 ( ± 1.19) out of 5 points, respectively. The confidence, calculation, and collective responsibility were associated with vaccination intention. Additionally, the top reason for those who were less prone to accept vaccination against COVID-19 was concern about vaccine safety. Conclusion The higher the confidence in the vaccine and the higher the collective responsibility, the higher the vaccination intention. As it is a factor related to an individual’s perception of COVID-19 information, it is necessary to increase confidence in the vaccines through obtaining accurate information on the safety, effectiveness, and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination.

Background: Hypertrophic scarring represents an aberrant response to wounds in certain individuals, manifesting with symptoms such as itching, tenderness, pain, and pigmentation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a silicone-based gel on the healing of hypertrophic scars, particularly those originating from deep tissue wounds. Methods: A rat model of wound healing and scarring was established, and 12 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Dermatix Ultra group, SFG-100 silicone-gel group, and non-treated group. Rats in the treated groups (Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel) received twice-daily applications for 8 weeks. Histologic analysis, including biopsy, was conducted to evaluate the scar elevation index, epidermis thickness, and the number of granulation veins. Results: Overall, both the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups exhibited improvements in hypertrophic scar healing, accompanied by a significant reduction in skin pigmentation. Histopathologically, scars in both treated groups displayed a notable decrease in scar elevation index, epithelial thickness, and collagen disorganization compared to the non-treated group. However, no significant difference was observed between the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups. Conclusion The results suggest that SFG-100 silicone-gel is an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its efficacy and to optimize its application for clinical use.

PURPOSE: Candidiasis is an important morbidity among very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). There is a little data on the risk factors in VLBWI. This study was done to describe the incidence, treatment, and risk factors of candidiasis in VLBWI. METHODS: From September 2008 to December 2011, medical records of 130 infants with VLBWI in Inje University Ilsan Paik hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were reviewed retrospectively. Seventeen infants were diagnosed with candidiasis and treated with antifungal agent. Patients were divided into the candidiasis group (CAN, n=17), the bacterial sepsis group (BAC, n=34), and the non-sepsis group (Non-SEP, n=74). Demographic findings and factors associated with candidiasis were compared between these groups. RESULTS: The mean gestational age was significantly low in the CAN group, but birth weight was not significantly different between the groups. The maternal demographic findings were not significantly different between the groups. The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is higher in the CAN group compared to these groups (P<0.05). The durations of intubation and central venous line were significantly longer in the CAN group than in the other groups (P<0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, the duration of central venous line is the significant factor for candidiasis (P=0.003, odd ratio: 1.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.39-1.68). CONCLUSION: The incidence of candidiasis in VLBWI was 13.1 % and the risk factor for candidiasis was longer duration of central venous line in our study.
Birth Weight ; Candidiasis* ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Infant* ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight* ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Intubation ; Logistic Models ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Sepsis

AA amyloidosis is one of the most significant complications of rheumatoid arthritis characterized by the deposition of amyloid A (AA) in multiple organs and tissues in the body. This disorder displays variable clinical symptoms depending upon the involved organ and a diagnosis is rendered through a biopsy of the affected organ, followed by staining using Congo-red which reveals an apple-green birefringence. Fundamental disease control is critical in the treatment of AA amyloidosis. Anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti TNF-alpha) agents are promising in inducing clinical remission by suppressing systemic inflammation in AA amyloidosis. We report a case of AA amyloidosis in a 71 year old woman with rheumatoid arthritis that responded well to infliximab therapy.
Amyloid ; Amyloidosis ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Biopsy ; Birefringence ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Necrosis ; Infliximab

BACKGROUND: It is well-known that patients with chronic fatigue or frequent pain seek complementary and alternative medicine therapies (CAT) in Western countries. We conducted this study to determine the pattern of CAT use and the factors related to CAT use in patients with chronic fatigue or pain in Korea. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The participants (n = 143) with chronic fatigue or pain completed a self-reported questionnaire including demographic characteristics and lifestyle as well as disease-related and CAT-related items. RESULTS: The frequency of CAT use was 51.0& and 39.2& over the past 10 years and 1 year, respectively. The most common type of CAT used was herbal medicine. The therapeutic effects of the CAT were similar to physicians' prescriptions. CAT were most often used in combination with conventional medicine rather than alone. More than 70.0& of subjects did not consult their physicians for the use of CAT. The duration of illness, severity of fatigue and pain was signifi cantly related to the use of CAT. CONCLUSION: Many patients with chronic fatigue or pain use CAT. Most of these patients do not consult their physicians regarding CAT use.
Animals ; Cats ; Complementary Therapies ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Fatigue ; Herbal Medicine ; Humans ; Korea ; Life Style ; Prescriptions

PURPOSE: The impulse oscillometry (IOS) is applicable to young children because it requires minimal cooperation and a non-invasive method to measure the mechanics of respiratory system. This study aimed to develop the reference values in school-aged children in Korea, using IOS which is a modification of forced oscillation technique (FOT). METHODS: Measurements were performed in 92 previously untrained healthy children, aged 7 to 12 years old, using IOS. We analyzed the relationships between the data about their age, height, weight, body surface area (BSA), body mass index (BMI) and the result of IOS using the linear regression test. RESULTS: The success rate of IOS was 92.4%. Stepwise multiple regression of resistance of respiratory system (Rrs) and reactance of respiratory system (Xrs) in natural form for age, height, weight, BSA, BMI showed that height was the most significant predictor and altogether of 5 variables explained the Rrs and Xrs most. Our regression equations at multiple frequencys were comparable to published reference values, especially about the Rrs obtained at 5 Hz. CONCLUSION: IOS is a feasible method to measure the respiratory resistance in untrained children. We got the reference values using IOS and it seems to be useful to diagnose a variety of respiratory diseases.
Airway Resistance ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; Child* ; Electric Impedance* ; Humans ; Korea* ; Linear Models ; Mechanics ; Oscillometry* ; Reference Values* ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Respiratory System*