1.Bidirectional Control of Emotional Behaviors by Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons in the Orbitofrontal Cortex
Jihoon KIM ; Mijung CHOI ; Jimin LEE ; Inah PARK ; Kyungjin KIM ; Han Kyoung CHOE
Experimental Neurobiology 2024;33(5):225-237
The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a crucial role in mood disorders; however, its specific role in the emotional behaviors of mice remains unclear.This study investigates the bidirectional control of emotional behaviors using population calcium dynamics and optogenetic manipulation of OFC neurons. Fiber photometry of OFC neurons revealed that OFC excitatory neurons consistently responded to the onset and offset of aversive conditions, showing decreased activation in response to anxiogenic and stressful stimuli, including tail suspension, restraint stress, and exposure to the center of the open field. The selective activation of excitatory neurons in the OFC reduced the time spent in the center of the open field, whereas optogenetic activation of inhibitory neurons in the OFC induced the opposite behavioral changes. We also provided a brain-wide activation map for OFC excitatory and inhibitory neuron activation. Our findings demonstrate that excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the OFC play opposing roles in the regulation of emotional behaviors. These results provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying emotional control and suggest that targeting these specific neuronal populations may offer novel therapeutic strategies for emotional disorders.
2.Effects of Individualized Exercise on Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome: A Scoping Review
Kyoung-Bae KIM ; Harim CHOE ; Hoyong SUNG
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome 2024;33(1):20-26
Exercise intervention is effective in alleviating the severity of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the results of previous studies on the effect of exercise on MetS have demonstrated considerable individual variability in response to a specific dose of exercise, which was attributed to the lack of a personalized approach to exercise prescription. It is essential to consider individual factors to enhance the effectiveness of exercise in addressing MetS.This scoping review assesses the effectiveness of individualized exercise on the risk factors associated with MetS.Various databases and articles were examined based on eligibility criteria and nine studies were chosen for this review. Personal and adjusted factors were predominantly analyzed to tailor exercise prescriptions to individual needs. This review proposes that personal factors can be classified into three categories: fixed factors, adaptation factors, and response factors, considering both clinical and exercise science perspectives. It also suggests that a two-way communication approach between specialists and individuals is more effective for prescribing exercise to address MetS compared to a one-way method. A one-way communication approach relies solely on an expert’s decision, even whether or not he or she fully considers a client’s lifestyle and preferences. If the individualized selection of exercise prescriptions is achieved through two-way communication between specialists and subjects, significant improvements can be expected in terms of both MetS severity and exercise adherence.
3.Bidirectional Control of Emotional Behaviors by Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons in the Orbitofrontal Cortex
Jihoon KIM ; Mijung CHOI ; Jimin LEE ; Inah PARK ; Kyungjin KIM ; Han Kyoung CHOE
Experimental Neurobiology 2024;33(5):225-237
The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a crucial role in mood disorders; however, its specific role in the emotional behaviors of mice remains unclear.This study investigates the bidirectional control of emotional behaviors using population calcium dynamics and optogenetic manipulation of OFC neurons. Fiber photometry of OFC neurons revealed that OFC excitatory neurons consistently responded to the onset and offset of aversive conditions, showing decreased activation in response to anxiogenic and stressful stimuli, including tail suspension, restraint stress, and exposure to the center of the open field. The selective activation of excitatory neurons in the OFC reduced the time spent in the center of the open field, whereas optogenetic activation of inhibitory neurons in the OFC induced the opposite behavioral changes. We also provided a brain-wide activation map for OFC excitatory and inhibitory neuron activation. Our findings demonstrate that excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the OFC play opposing roles in the regulation of emotional behaviors. These results provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying emotional control and suggest that targeting these specific neuronal populations may offer novel therapeutic strategies for emotional disorders.
4.Bidirectional Control of Emotional Behaviors by Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons in the Orbitofrontal Cortex
Jihoon KIM ; Mijung CHOI ; Jimin LEE ; Inah PARK ; Kyungjin KIM ; Han Kyoung CHOE
Experimental Neurobiology 2024;33(5):225-237
The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a crucial role in mood disorders; however, its specific role in the emotional behaviors of mice remains unclear.This study investigates the bidirectional control of emotional behaviors using population calcium dynamics and optogenetic manipulation of OFC neurons. Fiber photometry of OFC neurons revealed that OFC excitatory neurons consistently responded to the onset and offset of aversive conditions, showing decreased activation in response to anxiogenic and stressful stimuli, including tail suspension, restraint stress, and exposure to the center of the open field. The selective activation of excitatory neurons in the OFC reduced the time spent in the center of the open field, whereas optogenetic activation of inhibitory neurons in the OFC induced the opposite behavioral changes. We also provided a brain-wide activation map for OFC excitatory and inhibitory neuron activation. Our findings demonstrate that excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the OFC play opposing roles in the regulation of emotional behaviors. These results provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying emotional control and suggest that targeting these specific neuronal populations may offer novel therapeutic strategies for emotional disorders.
5.Effects of Individualized Exercise on Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome: A Scoping Review
Kyoung-Bae KIM ; Harim CHOE ; Hoyong SUNG
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome 2024;33(1):20-26
Exercise intervention is effective in alleviating the severity of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the results of previous studies on the effect of exercise on MetS have demonstrated considerable individual variability in response to a specific dose of exercise, which was attributed to the lack of a personalized approach to exercise prescription. It is essential to consider individual factors to enhance the effectiveness of exercise in addressing MetS.This scoping review assesses the effectiveness of individualized exercise on the risk factors associated with MetS.Various databases and articles were examined based on eligibility criteria and nine studies were chosen for this review. Personal and adjusted factors were predominantly analyzed to tailor exercise prescriptions to individual needs. This review proposes that personal factors can be classified into three categories: fixed factors, adaptation factors, and response factors, considering both clinical and exercise science perspectives. It also suggests that a two-way communication approach between specialists and individuals is more effective for prescribing exercise to address MetS compared to a one-way method. A one-way communication approach relies solely on an expert’s decision, even whether or not he or she fully considers a client’s lifestyle and preferences. If the individualized selection of exercise prescriptions is achieved through two-way communication between specialists and subjects, significant improvements can be expected in terms of both MetS severity and exercise adherence.
6.Bidirectional Control of Emotional Behaviors by Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons in the Orbitofrontal Cortex
Jihoon KIM ; Mijung CHOI ; Jimin LEE ; Inah PARK ; Kyungjin KIM ; Han Kyoung CHOE
Experimental Neurobiology 2024;33(5):225-237
The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) plays a crucial role in mood disorders; however, its specific role in the emotional behaviors of mice remains unclear.This study investigates the bidirectional control of emotional behaviors using population calcium dynamics and optogenetic manipulation of OFC neurons. Fiber photometry of OFC neurons revealed that OFC excitatory neurons consistently responded to the onset and offset of aversive conditions, showing decreased activation in response to anxiogenic and stressful stimuli, including tail suspension, restraint stress, and exposure to the center of the open field. The selective activation of excitatory neurons in the OFC reduced the time spent in the center of the open field, whereas optogenetic activation of inhibitory neurons in the OFC induced the opposite behavioral changes. We also provided a brain-wide activation map for OFC excitatory and inhibitory neuron activation. Our findings demonstrate that excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the OFC play opposing roles in the regulation of emotional behaviors. These results provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying emotional control and suggest that targeting these specific neuronal populations may offer novel therapeutic strategies for emotional disorders.
7.Effects of Individualized Exercise on Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome: A Scoping Review
Kyoung-Bae KIM ; Harim CHOE ; Hoyong SUNG
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome 2024;33(1):20-26
Exercise intervention is effective in alleviating the severity of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the results of previous studies on the effect of exercise on MetS have demonstrated considerable individual variability in response to a specific dose of exercise, which was attributed to the lack of a personalized approach to exercise prescription. It is essential to consider individual factors to enhance the effectiveness of exercise in addressing MetS.This scoping review assesses the effectiveness of individualized exercise on the risk factors associated with MetS.Various databases and articles were examined based on eligibility criteria and nine studies were chosen for this review. Personal and adjusted factors were predominantly analyzed to tailor exercise prescriptions to individual needs. This review proposes that personal factors can be classified into three categories: fixed factors, adaptation factors, and response factors, considering both clinical and exercise science perspectives. It also suggests that a two-way communication approach between specialists and individuals is more effective for prescribing exercise to address MetS compared to a one-way method. A one-way communication approach relies solely on an expert’s decision, even whether or not he or she fully considers a client’s lifestyle and preferences. If the individualized selection of exercise prescriptions is achieved through two-way communication between specialists and subjects, significant improvements can be expected in terms of both MetS severity and exercise adherence.
8.Financial Benefits of Renal Dose-Adjusted Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease
Hun Jee CHOE ; Yeh-Hee KO ; Sun Joon MOON ; Chang Ho AHN ; Kyoung Hwa HA ; Hyeongsuk LEE ; Jae Hyun BAE ; Hyung Joon JOO ; Hyejin LEE ; Jang Wook SON ; Dae Jung KIM ; Sin Gon KIM ; Kwangsoo KIM ; Young Min CHO
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(4):622-631
Background:
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors are frequently prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes; however, their cost can pose a significant barrier for those with impaired kidney function. This study aimed to estimate the economic benefits of substituting non-renal dose-adjusted (NRDA) DPP4 inhibitors with renal dose-adjusted (RDA) DPP4 inhibitors in patients with both impaired kidney function and type 2 diabetes.
Methods:
This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2018, using data obtained from common data models of five medical centers in Korea. Model 1 applied the prescription pattern of participants with preserved kidney function to those with impaired kidney function. In contrast, model 2 replaced all NRDA DPP4 inhibitors with RDA DPP4 inhibitors, adjusting the doses of RDA DPP4 inhibitors based on individual kidney function. The primary outcome was the cost difference between the two models.
Results:
In total, 67,964,996 prescription records were analyzed. NRDA DPP4 inhibitors were more frequently prescribed to patients with impaired kidney function than in those with preserved kidney function (25.7%, 51.3%, 64.3%, and 71.6% in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates [eGFRs] of ≥60, <60, <45, and <30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). When model 1 was applied, the cost savings per year were 7.6% for eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 30.4% for eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. According to model 2, 15.4% to 51.2% per year could be saved depending on kidney impairment severity.
Conclusion
Adjusting the doses of RDA DPP4 inhibitors based on individual kidney function could alleviate the economic burden associated with medical expenses.
9.Comparative Effects of Bivalent, Quadrivalent, and Nonavalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccines in The Prevention of Genotype-Specific Infection:A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Jimin KIM ; Young June CHOE ; Jungeun PARK ; Jahyun CHO ; Chelim CHEONG ; Jin-Kyoung OH ; Mihai PARK ; Eunha SHIM ; Su-Yeon YU
Infection and Chemotherapy 2024;56(1):37-46
Background:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major global disease burden and the main cause of cervical cancer. Certain HPV genotypes, with are the most common etiologic pathogens and cause a significant disease burden, are being targeted for vaccine development. However, few studies have focused on the comparative effectiveness of the bivalent HPV (2v-HPV), quadrivalent HPV (4v-HPV), and nonavalent HPV (9v-HPV) vaccines against HPV strain-specific infection. This study investigated the comparative effects of these vaccines against genotype-specific infection.
Materials and Methods:
We conducted a pairwise and network meta-analysis of published randomized clinical trials of HPV vaccines according to sex and HPV infection status for nine HPV genotypes (HPV 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58).
Results:
Overall, 10 randomized controlled trials (12 articles) were included in this study. In the network metaanalysis, no statistically significant differences were observed in the prevention of carcinogenic HPV strains (16/18/31/33/45/52/58) between the 2v-HPV and 4v-HPV vaccines in female HPV infection–naïve populations. However, the 9v-HPV vaccine showed a significantly superior effect compared with 2v-HPV and 4v-HPV vaccines in preventing HPV 31/33/45/52/58 infections. Although 2v-HPV and 4v-HPV vaccines provided some cross-protection against HPV 31/33/45/52/58 infections, the effect was significant only on HPV 31 infection. For HPV 16 and 18, neither statistically significant nor small differences were found in the prevention of HPV infection among the 2v-HPV, 4v-HPV, and 9v-HPV vaccines.
Conclusion
Our study complements previous understanding of how the effect of HPV vaccines differs according to the HPV genotype. This is important because HPV genotype prevalence varies among countries. We advocate for continued efforts in vaccinating against HPV, while public health agencies should consider the difference in the vaccine effect and HPV genotype prevalence when implementing HPV vaccination in public vaccination programs.
10.Effectiveness of the Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine for Preventing Critical Infection From the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant in the Republic of Korea
Young-Sook CHOI ; Sukhyun RYU ; Ryu Kyung KIM ; Achangwa CHIARA ; Soojin BAEK ; Hojin NAM ; Eunkyung PARK ; Eun Kyoung KIM ; Young June CHOE ; Donghyok KWON ; Won Suk CHOI
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;39(37):e258-
Background:
This retrospective observational matched cohort study assessed the differences in critical infections caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) during the omicron-predominant period of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We evaluated the vaccine effectiveness of bivalent mRNA vaccine compared to unvaccinated individuals.
Methods:
We collected COVID-19 case data from the Korean COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness cohort. We calculated the probability of critical COVID-19 cases by comparing the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.
Results:
The risk of being critically infected due to SAR-CoV-2 infection was 5.96 times higher (95% confidence interval, 5.63–6.38) among older individuals who were unvaccinated compared to those who received the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that the bivalent vaccine reduces the disease burden of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant, particularly among the older population. Further studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of booster doses of vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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