This study aimed to assess the utilization trends of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) among lung cancer patients in Korea using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database (2017 to 2021). PR was introduced and covered under the NHIS in 2016, primarily for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but recent evidence suggests its benefits for lung cancer patients. Data extraction was based on Korea Informative Classification of Diseases 8th revision codes C33 and C34, with PR prescriptions identified by codes MM440 and MM290.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and propensity score matching was used for comparison between PR and non-PR groups. Results showed a significant increase in PR utilization, with the number of patients receiving PR (MM440) rising from 1,002 in 2017 to 3,723 in 2021, indicating a 3.7-fold increase. However, the proportion of patients receiving PR remained low at 2.9% in 2021. Enhanced access to PR services and improved evaluation strategies are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

This study aimed to assess the utilization trends of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) among lung cancer patients in Korea using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database (2017 to 2021). PR was introduced and covered under the NHIS in 2016, primarily for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but recent evidence suggests its benefits for lung cancer patients. Data extraction was based on Korea Informative Classification of Diseases 8th revision codes C33 and C34, with PR prescriptions identified by codes MM440 and MM290.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and propensity score matching was used for comparison between PR and non-PR groups. Results showed a significant increase in PR utilization, with the number of patients receiving PR (MM440) rising from 1,002 in 2017 to 3,723 in 2021, indicating a 3.7-fold increase. However, the proportion of patients receiving PR remained low at 2.9% in 2021. Enhanced access to PR services and improved evaluation strategies are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

This study aimed to assess the utilization trends of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) among lung cancer patients in Korea using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database (2017 to 2021). PR was introduced and covered under the NHIS in 2016, primarily for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but recent evidence suggests its benefits for lung cancer patients. Data extraction was based on Korea Informative Classification of Diseases 8th revision codes C33 and C34, with PR prescriptions identified by codes MM440 and MM290.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and propensity score matching was used for comparison between PR and non-PR groups. Results showed a significant increase in PR utilization, with the number of patients receiving PR (MM440) rising from 1,002 in 2017 to 3,723 in 2021, indicating a 3.7-fold increase. However, the proportion of patients receiving PR remained low at 2.9% in 2021. Enhanced access to PR services and improved evaluation strategies are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

This study aimed to assess the utilization trends of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) among lung cancer patients in Korea using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database (2017 to 2021). PR was introduced and covered under the NHIS in 2016, primarily for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but recent evidence suggests its benefits for lung cancer patients. Data extraction was based on Korea Informative Classification of Diseases 8th revision codes C33 and C34, with PR prescriptions identified by codes MM440 and MM290.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and propensity score matching was used for comparison between PR and non-PR groups. Results showed a significant increase in PR utilization, with the number of patients receiving PR (MM440) rising from 1,002 in 2017 to 3,723 in 2021, indicating a 3.7-fold increase. However, the proportion of patients receiving PR remained low at 2.9% in 2021. Enhanced access to PR services and improved evaluation strategies are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Objectives: This study examined the mediating effects of smartphone dependence on the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime and analyzed the group differences based on gender and economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among Korean adolescents. Methods: Data from 4254 middle school students living in metropolitan areas and cohabiting with highly educated parents were analyzed using the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey.The participants were divided into four groups based on gender and economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. T-tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted on each variable. The Baron–Kenny method and Sobel tests were used to verify the mediating effects. Results: Female students showed higher levels of anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Groups experiencing economic difficulties due to COVID-19 reported higher levels of anxiety and smartphone dependence. Across all groups, positive correlations were observed between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Smartphone dependence partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime, except in the group of male students experiencing economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. Conclusion This study confirmed the associations between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime among adolescents, suggesting the need for interventions related to smartphone use to support the mental health of adolescents in stressful situations.

Objectives: This study examined the mediating effects of smartphone dependence on the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime and analyzed the group differences based on gender and economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among Korean adolescents. Methods: Data from 4254 middle school students living in metropolitan areas and cohabiting with highly educated parents were analyzed using the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey.The participants were divided into four groups based on gender and economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. T-tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted on each variable. The Baron–Kenny method and Sobel tests were used to verify the mediating effects. Results: Female students showed higher levels of anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Groups experiencing economic difficulties due to COVID-19 reported higher levels of anxiety and smartphone dependence. Across all groups, positive correlations were observed between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Smartphone dependence partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime, except in the group of male students experiencing economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. Conclusion This study confirmed the associations between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime among adolescents, suggesting the need for interventions related to smartphone use to support the mental health of adolescents in stressful situations.

Objectives: This study examined the mediating effects of smartphone dependence on the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime and analyzed the group differences based on gender and economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among Korean adolescents. Methods: Data from 4254 middle school students living in metropolitan areas and cohabiting with highly educated parents were analyzed using the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey.The participants were divided into four groups based on gender and economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. T-tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted on each variable. The Baron–Kenny method and Sobel tests were used to verify the mediating effects. Results: Female students showed higher levels of anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Groups experiencing economic difficulties due to COVID-19 reported higher levels of anxiety and smartphone dependence. Across all groups, positive correlations were observed between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Smartphone dependence partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime, except in the group of male students experiencing economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. Conclusion This study confirmed the associations between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime among adolescents, suggesting the need for interventions related to smartphone use to support the mental health of adolescents in stressful situations.

Objectives: This study examined the mediating effects of smartphone dependence on the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime and analyzed the group differences based on gender and economic difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among Korean adolescents. Methods: Data from 4254 middle school students living in metropolitan areas and cohabiting with highly educated parents were analyzed using the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey.The participants were divided into four groups based on gender and economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. T-tests, analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted on each variable. The Baron–Kenny method and Sobel tests were used to verify the mediating effects. Results: Female students showed higher levels of anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Groups experiencing economic difficulties due to COVID-19 reported higher levels of anxiety and smartphone dependence. Across all groups, positive correlations were observed between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime. Smartphone dependence partially mediated the relationship between anxiety and delayed bedtime, except in the group of male students experiencing economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. Conclusion This study confirmed the associations between anxiety, smartphone dependence, and delayed bedtime among adolescents, suggesting the need for interventions related to smartphone use to support the mental health of adolescents in stressful situations.

Purpose: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of Evodiae Fructus (EF) on hydrochloric acid (HCl)/ethanol-induced gastritis, focusing on its impact on oxidative stress by analyzing inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-related factors. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were determined through in vitro experiments, while the radical scavenging activity was confirmed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. Methods: In vivo experiments were conducted on rats divided into 5 groups (n = 7/in each group): normal group (Normal), 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol-induced gastritis group (Control), 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol-induced gastritis group administered 10 mg/kg sucralfate (SC), 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol-induced gastritis group administered EF at the doses of 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg (EF100 or EF200). The mice were pretreated with the extract (EF) or drug (SC), and after 1 hour, 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol (v/v) mixture was administered orally. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, peroxynitrite (ONOO − ), and pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 beta were assessed in serum. Additionally, western blotting of the gastric tissues confirmed the expression of inflammation-related proteins. Results: EF alleviated the gastric mucosal damage caused by 150 mM HCl/60% ethanol.The assessment of oxidative stress in the serum showed that EF significantly reduced ROS and ONOO − levels and significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Western blot analysis revealed that EF reduced ROS-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase subunits, including gp91phox , p22phox , and p47phox . Additionally, EF mitigated the inflammation by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Conclusion These results indicate that EF is a potential herbal medicine candidate for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced gastritis.

Previous studies have shown that tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can be developed in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) due to annular dilatation. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of the progression of TR in patients with persistent AF. A total of 397 patients (66.9±11.4 years, 247 men; 62.2%) with persistent AF were enrolled between 2006 and 2016 in a tertiary hospital, and 287 eligible patients with follow-up echocardiography were analyzed. They were divided into two groups according to TR progression (progression group [n=68, 70.1±10.7 years, 48.5% men] vs. non-progression group [n=219, 66.0±11.3 years, 64.8% men]). Among 287 patients in the analysis, 68 had worsening TR severity (23.7%). Patients in the TR progression group were older and more likely to be female. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ＜50% were less frequent in the progression group than those in the non-progression group (7.4% vs. 19.6%, p=0.018). Patients with mitral valve disease were more frequent in the progression group. Multivariate analysis with COX regression demonstrated independent predictors of TR progression, including left atrial (LA) diameter ＞54 mm (HR 4.85, 95%CI 2.23-10.57, p＜0.001), E/e’ (HR 1.05, 95%CI 1.01-1.10, p=0.027), and no use of antiarrhythmic agents (HR 2.20, 95%CI 1.03-4.72, p=0.041). In patients with persistent AF, worsening TR was not uncommon. The independent predictors of TR progression turned out to be greater LA diameter, higher E/e’, and no use of antiarrhythmic agents.