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.

Purpose: This study aims to develop and implement an economic evaluation using a micro-costing approach to provide a precise and transparent analysis of the direct costs of cystoscopic procedures in Korean hospitals. The study seeks to identify key cost components and evaluate whether current reimbursement rates accurately reflect these direct costs. Materials and Methods: Significant variations in cost items were identified across different studies. An economic evaluation was conducted using a micro-costing methodology for the cost analysis of cystoscopic procedures, developed through literature review, data collection from studies, and expert consultations. Results: Gangnam Severance Hospital (GSH) performed 2,188 cystoscopic procedures, including 1,847 cystoscopies and 341 JJ stent removals, with average costs of $100.8 and $110.6, respectively. At National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital (NHIMC), 1,463 procedures were performed, including 1,167 cystoscopies and 296 JJ stent removals, with average costs of $119.2 and $125.3. Cystoscopy costs at GSH were driven by reprocessing ($45.8, 45.4%) and equipment ($33.1, 32.9%), while NHIMC’s were $52.5 (44.0%) for equipment and $48.7 (40.8%) for reprocessing. Both hospitals incurred financial losses, with NHIS (National Health Insurance Service) covering only about 71.7% and 60.6% of costs for cystoscopy, and 71.0% and 62.7% for JJ stent removal. Conclusions The significant discrepancy between HIRA (Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service)’s estimated costs and those identified here suggests that current fees for cystoscopic procedures may be underestimated and require reassessment.Given the results, reevaluating these rates is essential to ensure fair compensation for healthcare providers and to deliver optimal patient care.

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.

An excess of amyloid beta (Aβ) led to a rise in ROS production, which in turn caused inflammatory reactions and mitochondrial dysfunction, both of which accelerate the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Natural flavonoids are proposed as possible agents for neurodegeneration. Pectolinarin is an important flavone mainly found in Cirsium species. In this study, we explored the potential neuroprotective effect of pectolinarin in Aβ25-35 -induced SH-SY5Y cells. The result demonstrated that pectolinarin enhanced cell viability. Pectolinarin treatment inhibited Aβ25-35 -induced ROS generation. Pectolinarin also suppressed NO generation by inhibiting the translocation of NF-ĸB and downregulating protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. Moreover, the expression of Bcl-2 increased while BAX protein decreased when the cells were exposed to pectolinarin, resulting in a decrease in the BAX/Bcl-2 ratio. Pectolinarin treatment also increased BDNF and its receptor TrkB protein expression. In conclusion, pectolinarin neuroprotected Aβ25-35 -induced inflammation and apoptosis. These findings suggest that pectolinarin may be a promising neuroprotective functional food in the protection of the neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.

Purpose: This study was performed to examine the ultrasonography (US) features of normal parathyroid glands (PTGs) that were identified on preoperative US and subsequently confirmed during thyroid surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included a consecutive sample of 161 patients (mean±standard deviation age, 56±14 years; 128 women) with 294 normal PTGs identified on preoperative US PTG mapping and confirmed during thyroidectomy. A presumed normal PTG on US was defined as a small, round to oval, hyperechoic structure in the central neck. These presumed normal PTGs, as identified on preoperative US, were mapped onto thyroid computed tomography images and diagrams of the thyroid gland and neck. During the preoperative real-time US examinations, the location, size, shape, echogenicity, echotexture, and intraglandular vascular flow of the identified presumed PTGs were assessed. These characteristics were compared between superior and inferior PTGs using the generalized estimating equation method. Results: The typical US features of homogeneous hyperechogenicity without intraglandular vascular flow were observed in 267 (90.8%) normal PTGs, while atypical features, including isoechogenicity (1.0%), heterogeneous echotexture with focal hypoechogenicity (5.8%), and intraglandular vascular flow (3.7%), were noted in 27 (9.2%). Inferior PTGs were more frequently identified in posterolateral (36.1% vs. 5.3%) and thyroid pole locations (29.9% vs. 5.3%), and less frequently in posteromedial locations (29.2% vs. 88.0%), compared to superior PTGs (P<0.001 for each comparison). Conclusion Most normal PTGs displayed the typical US features of homogeneous hyperechogenicity without intraglandular vascular flow. However, in rare cases, normal PTGs exhibited atypical features, including isoechogenicity, heterogeneous echotexture with focal hypoechogenicity, and intraglandular vascular flow.

Objective: To compare the progression of muscle fibrosis of various site and its relation between cardiac deterioration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this study aimed to examine the associations between echocardiogram-based cardiac function indices and fibrosis of the abdominal and lower extremity muscles in patients with DMD to facilitate early detection of cardiac dysfunction and identify its predictors. Methods: Twenty-one patients with DMD patients were enrolled in the study. The association between cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis of the abdominal and lower extremity muscles was determined by analyzing the echocardiography and elastography. Non-parametric Spearman rank correlation coefficients were used to examine the pairwise relationships between cardiac function and muscle elasticity. Results: All patients were male and non-ambulant. Their mean age was 18.45±4.28 years. The strain ratios of the abdominal muscle and quadriceps muscles were significantly higher than those of the medial gastrocnemius. The strain ratio of the rectus abdominis muscle has a significant negative correlation with left ventricular ejection fraction. Cardiac function and valvular insufficiency were not significantly correlated with muscle strain ratio. According to the result of our study, the only skeletal muscle which showed significant correlation with cardiac dysfunction was degree abdominal muscle fibrosis. Conclusion The degree of fibrosis of respiratory muscles was also significantly associated with cardiac dysfunction; therefore, it can be used as a predictor of cardiac dysfunction in patients with DMD in clinical practice.

An excess of amyloid beta (Aβ) led to a rise in ROS production, which in turn caused inflammatory reactions and mitochondrial dysfunction, both of which accelerate the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Natural flavonoids are proposed as possible agents for neurodegeneration. Pectolinarin is an important flavone mainly found in Cirsium species. In this study, we explored the potential neuroprotective effect of pectolinarin in Aβ25-35 -induced SH-SY5Y cells. The result demonstrated that pectolinarin enhanced cell viability. Pectolinarin treatment inhibited Aβ25-35 -induced ROS generation. Pectolinarin also suppressed NO generation by inhibiting the translocation of NF-ĸB and downregulating protein expression of iNOS and COX-2. Moreover, the expression of Bcl-2 increased while BAX protein decreased when the cells were exposed to pectolinarin, resulting in a decrease in the BAX/Bcl-2 ratio. Pectolinarin treatment also increased BDNF and its receptor TrkB protein expression. In conclusion, pectolinarin neuroprotected Aβ25-35 -induced inflammation and apoptosis. These findings suggest that pectolinarin may be a promising neuroprotective functional food in the protection of the neurodegenerative diseases, including AD.

Purpose: This study was performed to examine the ultrasonography (US) features of normal parathyroid glands (PTGs) that were identified on preoperative US and subsequently confirmed during thyroid surgery. Methods: This retrospective study included a consecutive sample of 161 patients (mean±standard deviation age, 56±14 years; 128 women) with 294 normal PTGs identified on preoperative US PTG mapping and confirmed during thyroidectomy. A presumed normal PTG on US was defined as a small, round to oval, hyperechoic structure in the central neck. These presumed normal PTGs, as identified on preoperative US, were mapped onto thyroid computed tomography images and diagrams of the thyroid gland and neck. During the preoperative real-time US examinations, the location, size, shape, echogenicity, echotexture, and intraglandular vascular flow of the identified presumed PTGs were assessed. These characteristics were compared between superior and inferior PTGs using the generalized estimating equation method. Results: The typical US features of homogeneous hyperechogenicity without intraglandular vascular flow were observed in 267 (90.8%) normal PTGs, while atypical features, including isoechogenicity (1.0%), heterogeneous echotexture with focal hypoechogenicity (5.8%), and intraglandular vascular flow (3.7%), were noted in 27 (9.2%). Inferior PTGs were more frequently identified in posterolateral (36.1% vs. 5.3%) and thyroid pole locations (29.9% vs. 5.3%), and less frequently in posteromedial locations (29.2% vs. 88.0%), compared to superior PTGs (P<0.001 for each comparison). Conclusion Most normal PTGs displayed the typical US features of homogeneous hyperechogenicity without intraglandular vascular flow. However, in rare cases, normal PTGs exhibited atypical features, including isoechogenicity, heterogeneous echotexture with focal hypoechogenicity, and intraglandular vascular flow.