Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is the fastest-growing cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 30% of the global population.Imaging is vital for detecting, quantifying, and monitoring hepatic steatosis—the defining abnormality of MASLD—and subsequent fibrosis—the key determinant of liver-related outcomes. This review summarizes the principles, clinical usage, efficacy, and advancements in various imaging modalities for the noninvasive assessment of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, with an emphasis on ultrasound, CT, and MRI. Additionally, this review explores the evolving landscape of MASLD diagnostic approaches, including machine-learning techniques, opportunistic screening, standardized imaging guidelines, and therapies, emphasizing the pivotal role that radiologists can play in shaping these developments.

The detrimental effects of hyperlipidemia on the healing of rotator cuff tears are well documented. The proposed underlying mechanisms for these effects include alterations in the extracellular matrix, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which hamper the reparative processes in the affected tendon tissues. Recent therapeutic strategies target these pathways, reflecting a growing body of research dedicated to mitigating these effects and promoting healing. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology underlying rotator cuff tears, examine the interplay between hyperlipidemia and rotator cuff tear healing, synthesize current knowledge on contributing biological mechanisms, and outline potential therapeutic interventions to optimize clinical management and treatment outcomes for patients.

Background: This study aimed to investigate changes after repeated subacromial drug injections in a rat model of normal rotator cuff. Methods: Thirty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups 1 (no injection, n = 3), 2 (parecoxib, n = 18; 6 subgroups, n = 3 each; 0.5 mg/kg), and 3 (triamcinolone, n = 18; 6 subgroups, n = 3 each; 0.3 mg/kg). Groups 2 and 3 received subacromial injections 1–6 times once weekly for 6 weeks. The supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons and muscles were used for biomechanical and histological evaluation. The subacromial bursa was used to analyze the prostaglandin E2 (PEG2) level. Results: In the biomechanical test, load-to-failure and ultimate stress decreased in groups 2 and 3 with repeated injections and the values were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 1 only at the sixth injection (p = 0.007 and p = 0.008, respectively). On the Bonar score, the cellularity, ground substance, and total score were significantly different among the 3 groups at the fifth and sixth injections (cellularity: p = 0.028 and p = 0.033, ground substance: p = 0.018 and p = 0.006, and total score: p = 0.029 and p = 0.027, respectively). The myocyte cross-sectional area of the infraspinatus muscle showed a significant difference among the 3 groups at the third and fourth injections (p = 0.031 and p = 0.020, respectively). The PEG2 level in the subacromial bursa was significantly different among the 3 groups at the third, fifth, and sixth injections (p = 0.019, p = 0.004, and p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions In the rat model of normal rotator cuff, repeated local injections of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor showed fewer negative effects on the biomechanical and histological properties of the normal tendon than triamcinolone.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the global decrease in influenza infections during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, seasonal influenza remains a significant health issue. South Korea, known for its robust pandemic response and high influenza vaccination rates, offers a unique context for examining changes in vaccination trends during the pandemic. Using nationally representative data, we aimed to understand the impact of the pandemic on influenza vaccination behavior over a 12-year period and to identify vulnerable groups. METHODS: We analyzed influenza vaccination rates in South Korea between 2011-2022, focusing on pandemic-related impacts. The data of 2,426,139 adults (≥ 19 years) from the Korea Community Health Survey were used to assess demographic and sociological factors influencing vaccination behaviors. RESULTS: We observed an increase in influenza vaccination rates during the pre-COVID-19 period from 2011-2013 (weighted prevalence: 46.68% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 46.55-46.82]) to 2017-2019 (weighted prevalence: 52.50% [95% CI: 52.38-52.63]). However, a significant decline was observed in 2022, the late-COVID-19 pandemic period (weighted prevalence: 55.78% [95% CI: 55.56-56.01]), compared with the mid-pandemic period in 2021 (weighted prevalence: 59.12% [95% CI: 58.91-59.32]), particularly among populations traditionally prioritized for influenza vaccination, including older adults (≥ 65 years) and patients with chronic diseases and low educational and income levels. CONCLUSION The influenza vaccination rate in South Korea was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, showing a notable decrease among vulnerable demographic groups. This suggests the need for targeted public health strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates, particularly among high-risk populations.
Humans ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology* ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Influenza, Human/epidemiology* ; Aged ; Vaccination/statistics & numerical data* ; Young Adult ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2

Objective:To prepare a novel ginseng polypeptide thermosensitive hydrogel,and to investigate its repair effect on heat-induced skin injury in the rats and explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods:Thermosensitive hydrogels were formulated using Pluronic F127 and β-sodium glycerophosphate(β-GP),and their phase transition temperatures,spatial structures,elemental compositions,and water retention capacities were evaluated.The rat models of heat-induced skin injury were established and the model rats were divided into PBS group,Gel group,and ginseng polypeptide gel(GP-Gel)group.After 11 d of treatment,the morphological changes of wound and collagen deposition in the wound of the rats in various groups were observed by HE and Masson staining.Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF),proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),cell proliferation marker Ki67,epidermal growth factor(EGF),CD31,vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),P50 and P65 proteins in the skin wound tissue of the rats in various groups.Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)in the skin wound tissue of the rats in various groups.ELISA method was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-15(IL-15),and interleukin-10(IL-10)in the serum of the rats in various groups.Results:Compared with PBS and Gel groups,the wound area of the rats in GP-Gel group was reduced(P＜0.01),the expression levels of PCNA,Ki67,EGF,CD31,VEGF,α-SMA,and CTGF proteins in the skin wound tissue were increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the expression levels of P65 and TLR4 proteins were decreased(P＜0.01);the level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in serum was increased(P＜0.01),while the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6 and IL-15 were decreased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion:The ginseng polypeptide thermosensitive hydrogel promotes the repair of heat-induced skin injury by enhancing cell proliferation,collagen synthesis,angiogenesis,and reducing inflammatory responses.

The detrimental effects of hyperlipidemia on the healing of rotator cuff tears are well documented. The proposed underlying mechanisms for these effects include alterations in the extracellular matrix, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which hamper the reparative processes in the affected tendon tissues. Recent therapeutic strategies target these pathways, reflecting a growing body of research dedicated to mitigating these effects and promoting healing. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology underlying rotator cuff tears, examine the interplay between hyperlipidemia and rotator cuff tear healing, synthesize current knowledge on contributing biological mechanisms, and outline potential therapeutic interventions to optimize clinical management and treatment outcomes for patients.

Background: This study aimed to investigate changes after repeated subacromial drug injections in a rat model of normal rotator cuff. Methods: Thirty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups 1 (no injection, n = 3), 2 (parecoxib, n = 18; 6 subgroups, n = 3 each; 0.5 mg/kg), and 3 (triamcinolone, n = 18; 6 subgroups, n = 3 each; 0.3 mg/kg). Groups 2 and 3 received subacromial injections 1–6 times once weekly for 6 weeks. The supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons and muscles were used for biomechanical and histological evaluation. The subacromial bursa was used to analyze the prostaglandin E2 (PEG2) level. Results: In the biomechanical test, load-to-failure and ultimate stress decreased in groups 2 and 3 with repeated injections and the values were significantly lower in group 3 than in group 1 only at the sixth injection (p = 0.007 and p = 0.008, respectively). On the Bonar score, the cellularity, ground substance, and total score were significantly different among the 3 groups at the fifth and sixth injections (cellularity: p = 0.028 and p = 0.033, ground substance: p = 0.018 and p = 0.006, and total score: p = 0.029 and p = 0.027, respectively). The myocyte cross-sectional area of the infraspinatus muscle showed a significant difference among the 3 groups at the third and fourth injections (p = 0.031 and p = 0.020, respectively). The PEG2 level in the subacromial bursa was significantly different among the 3 groups at the third, fifth, and sixth injections (p = 0.019, p = 0.004, and p = 0.004, respectively). Conclusions In the rat model of normal rotator cuff, repeated local injections of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor showed fewer negative effects on the biomechanical and histological properties of the normal tendon than triamcinolone.

Background: and Purpose: This clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for treatment of dementia, focusing on cholinesterase inhibitors and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Methods: Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes (PICO) framework, we developed key clinical questions and conducted systematic literature reviews. A multidisciplinary panel of experts, organized by the Korean Dementia Association, evaluated randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Recommendations were graded for evidence quality and strength using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Results: Three main recommendations are presented: (1) For AD, cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) are strongly recommended for improving cognition and daily function based on moderate evidence; (2) Cholinesterase inhibitors are conditionally recommended for vascular dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia, with a strong recommendation for Lewy body dementia; (3) For moderate to severe AD, NMDA receptor antagonist (memantine) is strongly recommended, demonstrating significant cognitive and functional improvements. Both drug classes showed favorable safety profiles with manageable side effects. Conclusions This guideline offers standardized, evidence-based pharmacologic recommendations for dementia management, with specific guidance on cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. It aims to support clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes in dementia care. Further updates will address emerging treatments, including amyloid-targeting therapies, to reflect advances in dementia management.