Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for predicting mortality and liver-related complications compared with the Child-Pugh classification, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, the MELD, and the MELD sodium (MELDNa) score. Methods: We evaluated a multicenter retrospective cohort of incorporated patients with cirrhosis between 2013 and 2019. We conducted comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the MELD3.0 and other models for predicting 3-month mortality. Additionally, we assessed the risk of cirrhosis-related complications according to the MELD3.0 score. Results: A total of 3,314 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9±11.3 years, and 70.2% of the patients were male. Within the initial 3 months, 220 patients (6.6%) died, and the MELD3.0had the best predictive performance among the tested models, with an AUROC of 0.851, outperforming the Child-Pugh classification, ALBI grade, MELD, and MELDNa. A high MELD3.0score was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared with that of the group with a MELD3.0 score <10 points, the adjusted hazard ratio of the group with a score of 10–20 pointswas 2.176, and that for the group with a score of ≥20 points was 4.892. Each 1-point increase inthe MELD3.0 score increased the risk of cirrhosis-related complications by 1.033-fold. The risk of hepatorenal syndrome showed the highest increase, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.149, followed by hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. Conclusions The MELD3.0 demonstrated robust prognostic performance in predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, the MELD3.0 score was linked to cirrhosis-related complications, particularly those involving kidney function, such as hepatorenal syndrome and ascites.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for predicting mortality and liver-related complications compared with the Child-Pugh classification, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, the MELD, and the MELD sodium (MELDNa) score. Methods: We evaluated a multicenter retrospective cohort of incorporated patients with cirrhosis between 2013 and 2019. We conducted comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the MELD3.0 and other models for predicting 3-month mortality. Additionally, we assessed the risk of cirrhosis-related complications according to the MELD3.0 score. Results: A total of 3,314 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9±11.3 years, and 70.2% of the patients were male. Within the initial 3 months, 220 patients (6.6%) died, and the MELD3.0had the best predictive performance among the tested models, with an AUROC of 0.851, outperforming the Child-Pugh classification, ALBI grade, MELD, and MELDNa. A high MELD3.0score was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared with that of the group with a MELD3.0 score <10 points, the adjusted hazard ratio of the group with a score of 10–20 pointswas 2.176, and that for the group with a score of ≥20 points was 4.892. Each 1-point increase inthe MELD3.0 score increased the risk of cirrhosis-related complications by 1.033-fold. The risk of hepatorenal syndrome showed the highest increase, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.149, followed by hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. Conclusions The MELD3.0 demonstrated robust prognostic performance in predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, the MELD3.0 score was linked to cirrhosis-related complications, particularly those involving kidney function, such as hepatorenal syndrome and ascites.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for predicting mortality and liver-related complications compared with the Child-Pugh classification, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, the MELD, and the MELD sodium (MELDNa) score. Methods: We evaluated a multicenter retrospective cohort of incorporated patients with cirrhosis between 2013 and 2019. We conducted comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the MELD3.0 and other models for predicting 3-month mortality. Additionally, we assessed the risk of cirrhosis-related complications according to the MELD3.0 score. Results: A total of 3,314 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9±11.3 years, and 70.2% of the patients were male. Within the initial 3 months, 220 patients (6.6%) died, and the MELD3.0had the best predictive performance among the tested models, with an AUROC of 0.851, outperforming the Child-Pugh classification, ALBI grade, MELD, and MELDNa. A high MELD3.0score was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared with that of the group with a MELD3.0 score <10 points, the adjusted hazard ratio of the group with a score of 10–20 pointswas 2.176, and that for the group with a score of ≥20 points was 4.892. Each 1-point increase inthe MELD3.0 score increased the risk of cirrhosis-related complications by 1.033-fold. The risk of hepatorenal syndrome showed the highest increase, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.149, followed by hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. Conclusions The MELD3.0 demonstrated robust prognostic performance in predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, the MELD3.0 score was linked to cirrhosis-related complications, particularly those involving kidney function, such as hepatorenal syndrome and ascites.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 for predicting mortality and liver-related complications compared with the Child-Pugh classification, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, the MELD, and the MELD sodium (MELDNa) score. Methods: We evaluated a multicenter retrospective cohort of incorporated patients with cirrhosis between 2013 and 2019. We conducted comparisons of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the MELD3.0 and other models for predicting 3-month mortality. Additionally, we assessed the risk of cirrhosis-related complications according to the MELD3.0 score. Results: A total of 3,314 patients were included. The mean age was 55.9±11.3 years, and 70.2% of the patients were male. Within the initial 3 months, 220 patients (6.6%) died, and the MELD3.0had the best predictive performance among the tested models, with an AUROC of 0.851, outperforming the Child-Pugh classification, ALBI grade, MELD, and MELDNa. A high MELD3.0score was associated with an increased risk of mortality. Compared with that of the group with a MELD3.0 score <10 points, the adjusted hazard ratio of the group with a score of 10–20 pointswas 2.176, and that for the group with a score of ≥20 points was 4.892. Each 1-point increase inthe MELD3.0 score increased the risk of cirrhosis-related complications by 1.033-fold. The risk of hepatorenal syndrome showed the highest increase, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.149, followed by hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. Conclusions The MELD3.0 demonstrated robust prognostic performance in predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Moreover, the MELD3.0 score was linked to cirrhosis-related complications, particularly those involving kidney function, such as hepatorenal syndrome and ascites.

Background: Low compliance (LC) with lifestyle modification is a very common obstacle in obesity management. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of obesity management according to compliance with a lifestyle-modification program. Methods: The “Change 10 Habits” program was administered four times over 12 weeks. Eighty-seven participants were divided into LC and high compliance (HC) groups for analysis after intervention. Then, to assess the program’s effectiveness based on compliance, we conducted t-tests and linear regression modeling. Results: In week 12, the scores of two dietary habits—specifically, “eat three meals regularly, adequate amount” and “do not eat after 9:00 PM”—were significantly higher in the HC group than in the LC group. Changes in leg and total body fat percentages were significantly improved in the HC group (−0.2%±0.3% vs. 0.9%±0.3%, P< 0.05; −0.1%±0.3% vs. 1.1%±0.5%, P<0.05, respectively). The body mass index was also significantly lower in the HC group than in the LC group (26.7±1.8 kg/m2 vs. 27.7±2.1 kg/m2 , P<0.05) at final follow-up. Finally, the systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values of the HC group also decreased significantly (from 117.9±12.2 to 114.3±15.0 mmHg, P<0.05; from 121.7±74.9 to 105.7±60.9 mg/dL, P<0.05; and from 24.3±15.0 to 21.1±12.2 mg/dL, P<0.05, respectively). Conclusion HC with the study program effectively improved the dietary habits, body fat composition, blood pressure, and lipid profile of adults with mild obesity.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kombucha on the surface of composite resins and to examine thedegradation-inhibiting effect of adding calcium to kombucha. Methods: Six experimental groups were established, with three types of liquid kombucha: one with 3% added calcium,carbonated water as a positive control, and mineral water as a negative control. The pH and titratable acidity values of the experimental groups were measured. The samples were filled with condensed composite resin and placed in the experimental drinks for 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The Vickers microhardness of the surface was measured before and after immersion, and the changes were compared. Results: The pH values of the experimental group were I’m alive (2.87±0.02), Hollys (2.95±0.01), Ediya (2.99±0.01), I’m alive +3% Ca (4.09±0.01), carbonated water (4.66±0.01), and mineral water (7.67±0.02). I’m alive (–12.35) showed the largest reduction in surface hardness, followed by Hollys (–9.78), carbonated water (–7.97), I’m alive +3% Ca (–7.82), Ediya (–7.60), and mineral water (–1.56). In the Vickers microhardness measurements, all experimental groups, except for the mineral water group, showed significant differences (p＜0.05). The scanning electron microscope results showed that the experimental group and positive control had rough surfaces and micropores. Conclusion The surface hardness was significantly reduced in all experimental groups except for water. In particular, in the caseof kombucha with low pH, the reduction rate increased, weakening the physical properties of the material. In addition, the reduction rate of surface hardness was lower in kombucha with added calcium, and it is believed that drinking kombucha containing calcium can minimize the erosion of dental materials.

Betulinic acid (3-beta-hydroxy-lup20[29]-en-28-oic acid) has attracted significant attention due to its diverse biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, antimalarial, anti-human immunodeficiency virus, and antitumor effects. However, its effectiveness against oral cancer remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of betulinic acid on the induction of apoptosis in FaDu human pharyngeal carcinoma cells by performing 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, LIVE/DEAD stain, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) stain and western blot. In the MTT assay, LIVE/DEAD stain, and DAPI stain analyses, betulinic acid increased FaDu cell apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner. Apoptosis induced by betulinic acid in FaDu cells was mediated by the expression of Fas and the activation of caspase-8, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Western blotting revealed that B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and B-cell lymphoma-extra large were downregulated, while Bcl-2-associated death promoter and Bcl-2-associated X protein were upregulated by betulinic acid in FaDu cells. These findings indicate that betulinic acid inhibits cell proliferation in FaDu human pharyngeal carcinoma cells and induces apoptosis through both apoptotic receptor-mediated exogenous apoptosis and mitochondrialmediated endogenous apoptosis pathways.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kombucha on the surface of composite resins and to examine thedegradation-inhibiting effect of adding calcium to kombucha. Methods: Six experimental groups were established, with three types of liquid kombucha: one with 3% added calcium,carbonated water as a positive control, and mineral water as a negative control. The pH and titratable acidity values of the experimental groups were measured. The samples were filled with condensed composite resin and placed in the experimental drinks for 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The Vickers microhardness of the surface was measured before and after immersion, and the changes were compared. Results: The pH values of the experimental group were I’m alive (2.87±0.02), Hollys (2.95±0.01), Ediya (2.99±0.01), I’m alive +3% Ca (4.09±0.01), carbonated water (4.66±0.01), and mineral water (7.67±0.02). I’m alive (–12.35) showed the largest reduction in surface hardness, followed by Hollys (–9.78), carbonated water (–7.97), I’m alive +3% Ca (–7.82), Ediya (–7.60), and mineral water (–1.56). In the Vickers microhardness measurements, all experimental groups, except for the mineral water group, showed significant differences (p＜0.05). The scanning electron microscope results showed that the experimental group and positive control had rough surfaces and micropores. Conclusion The surface hardness was significantly reduced in all experimental groups except for water. In particular, in the caseof kombucha with low pH, the reduction rate increased, weakening the physical properties of the material. In addition, the reduction rate of surface hardness was lower in kombucha with added calcium, and it is believed that drinking kombucha containing calcium can minimize the erosion of dental materials.

Background: Low compliance (LC) with lifestyle modification is a very common obstacle in obesity management. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of obesity management according to compliance with a lifestyle-modification program. Methods: The “Change 10 Habits” program was administered four times over 12 weeks. Eighty-seven participants were divided into LC and high compliance (HC) groups for analysis after intervention. Then, to assess the program’s effectiveness based on compliance, we conducted t-tests and linear regression modeling. Results: In week 12, the scores of two dietary habits—specifically, “eat three meals regularly, adequate amount” and “do not eat after 9:00 PM”—were significantly higher in the HC group than in the LC group. Changes in leg and total body fat percentages were significantly improved in the HC group (−0.2%±0.3% vs. 0.9%±0.3%, P< 0.05; −0.1%±0.3% vs. 1.1%±0.5%, P<0.05, respectively). The body mass index was also significantly lower in the HC group than in the LC group (26.7±1.8 kg/m2 vs. 27.7±2.1 kg/m2 , P<0.05) at final follow-up. Finally, the systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values of the HC group also decreased significantly (from 117.9±12.2 to 114.3±15.0 mmHg, P<0.05; from 121.7±74.9 to 105.7±60.9 mg/dL, P<0.05; and from 24.3±15.0 to 21.1±12.2 mg/dL, P<0.05, respectively). Conclusion HC with the study program effectively improved the dietary habits, body fat composition, blood pressure, and lipid profile of adults with mild obesity.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of kombucha on the surface of composite resins and to examine thedegradation-inhibiting effect of adding calcium to kombucha. Methods: Six experimental groups were established, with three types of liquid kombucha: one with 3% added calcium,carbonated water as a positive control, and mineral water as a negative control. The pH and titratable acidity values of the experimental groups were measured. The samples were filled with condensed composite resin and placed in the experimental drinks for 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes. The Vickers microhardness of the surface was measured before and after immersion, and the changes were compared. Results: The pH values of the experimental group were I’m alive (2.87±0.02), Hollys (2.95±0.01), Ediya (2.99±0.01), I’m alive +3% Ca (4.09±0.01), carbonated water (4.66±0.01), and mineral water (7.67±0.02). I’m alive (–12.35) showed the largest reduction in surface hardness, followed by Hollys (–9.78), carbonated water (–7.97), I’m alive +3% Ca (–7.82), Ediya (–7.60), and mineral water (–1.56). In the Vickers microhardness measurements, all experimental groups, except for the mineral water group, showed significant differences (p＜0.05). The scanning electron microscope results showed that the experimental group and positive control had rough surfaces and micropores. Conclusion The surface hardness was significantly reduced in all experimental groups except for water. In particular, in the caseof kombucha with low pH, the reduction rate increased, weakening the physical properties of the material. In addition, the reduction rate of surface hardness was lower in kombucha with added calcium, and it is believed that drinking kombucha containing calcium can minimize the erosion of dental materials.