• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.278-283
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• 2023

The initial instance of isolated unilateral temporalis muscle hypertrophy (IUTMH) was reported in 1990. Since then, only few cases have been documented. The cause of this condition remains ambiguous; however, it is presumed to be linked to compensatory and stress-induced hypertrophy. We introduce a rare case of the diagnosis and treatment of IUTMH. A 39-year-old woman presented with a steadily enlarging pain-free swelling on the left side of her face, first noticed a month ago. Apart from a hyperthyroidism medication regimen her medical history was unremarkable. She had no history of temporomandibular joint disease, bruxism, surgery, or trauma. However, she complained of having been under substantial stress lately. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed asymmetric temporalis muscle hypertrophy. The treatment plan consisted of administering type A botulinum toxin injections into left temporalis muscle, supplemented by lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques. At a follow-up visit 9 months after the injections, the muscle contour was normalized both in physical and in radiologic examinations. While further supportive evidence is needed, it can be anticipated that cosmetic treatment with botulinum toxin, rather than surgical interventions, will become the standard treatment of IUTMH.

• CELLMED
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• v.13 no.14
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• pp.16.1-16.14
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• 2023

Objective: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopment disorder attributed to an insult or injury to the developing brain with abnormalities in muscular tone, movement and motor skill. Improvement in quality of life and ameliorating symptoms can be achieved. Therefore, this case report details a distinctive approach to treating a 5-year-old male child with quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy utilizing Unani treatment modalities. Methods: The treatment regimen commenced with 'Habb Ayarij for constipation followed by Sharbat Ustukhuddus administered orally. Notably, Sharbat Ustukhuddus was combined with Melia Azedarach L. leaves vapour bath. Subsequently, Roghan Babunna douche was performed followed by Dalk Layyin andcontinued until symptomatic improvement was observed. Majun Falasfa, Khamira Marwareed and Khameera Gauzaban were administered for 30 days. The therapeutic outcome included anthropometrical measurements, developmental milestones, spasm/reflex scale, and muscle power grading. Results and conclusion: Over the course of a 2-year follow-up, several clinical findings emerged. These included notable improvements in anthropometric measurements, developmental milestones such as improved head control and sitting ability, and a reduction in spasticity of the upper limbs, along with decreased muscle spasms. The therapeutic outcome of this individualized and holistic approach is potentially due to the multifaceted properties of medicinal plants (Musakkin wa Muharrik wa Muqawwi-i- A'sab wa Dimāgh, Munawwim, Dafi-i-Tashannuj, Muqawwi-i-Qalb-i-Ruh). Furthermore, the use of Dalk and Naṭūl was instrumental in providing nourishment to musculoskeletal cells and initiating intracellular signaling cascades. While these findings are encouraging, further research in the form of case series andrandomized controlled trials is warranted to validate the efficacy of this unique holistic approach.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.414-427
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• 2023

Implantable bioabsorbable combination products undergo inherent degradation and systemic absorption within the physiological environment, thereby streamlining the therapeutic regimen and obviating the imperative for invasive extraction procedures. This inherent property not only enhances patient convenience and therapeutic efficacy but also underpins a paradigm of support characterized by heightened safety parameters. Within the regulatory landscapes of Korea, the United States, and Europe, implantable bioabsorbable combination products are meticulously classified into distinct categories, either as pharmaceutical implants or as implantable medical devices, depending on their primary mode of action. This scholarly investigation systematically examines the regulatory frameworks governing implantable bioabsorbable combination products in South Korea, the United States, and Europe. Notable discrepancies across national jurisdictions emerge concerning regulatory specifics, including terminology, product classification, and product name associated with these products. The conspicuous absence of standardized approval regulations presents a formidable barrier to the commercialization of these advanced medical devices. This academic discourse passionately emphasizes the critical need for formulating and implementing a sophisticated regulatory framework capable of streamlining the product approval process, thereby paving the way for a seamless path to commercializing implantable bioabsorbable combination products.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.741-750
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• 2023

Objectives: This study investigated the effects of Korean medicine treatments on Buerger's disease. Methods: From December 27, 2022, to January 16, 2023, we treated Soeumin patients with Buerger's disease admitted to a hospital specializing in Korean medicine. The patient's symptoms included feelings of coldness in the lower extremities, feelings of dullness, and stabbing pain. For treatment, Korean medicine treatments, such as acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbal medications (Sogyeonghwalhyeol-tang granules and Gwangyebujaijung-tang-gami) were administered. The patient's improvement was evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS) every day. Lower extremity and foot temperatures were evaluated using digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI). Results: Through the treatment regimen, the patient's NRS scores decreased, and lower extremity and foot temperatures increased. Conclusions: Korean medicine treatments for cold lower extremities, feelings of dullness, and stabbing pain caused by Buerger's disease are potentially effective.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.60-69
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• 2023

Purpose: Despite enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and/or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, individuals with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) I or II often experience significant growth deficiencies. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (hGH) treatment in children diagnosed with MPS I or II. Materials and Methods: A total of nine pediatric patients-four with MPS I and five with MPS II-underwent treatment with ERT and hGH at Samsung Medical Center. Results: The mean hGH dose administered was 0.26±0.03 mg/kg/week. In the MPS I group, three patients showed an increase in height Z-score from -4.09±0.83 to -3.68±0.43 after 1 year of hGH treatment, and to -3.10±0.72 by the end of the hGH regimen. In the MPS II group, while the height Z-score of four patients decreased according to standard growth charts, it improved from 1.61±1.79 to 2.71±1.68 based on the disease-specific growth chart through hGH treatment. Two patients discontinued hGH treatment due to lack of efficacy after 22 and 6 months each of treatment, respectively. No new-onset neurological symptoms or necessity for prosthetic or orthopedic surgery were reported during hGH treatment. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the impact of hGH on MPS patients, demonstrating its potential to reverse growth deceleration in some cases. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of hGH on changes in body composition, muscle strength, and bone health in this population.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.121-127
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• 2024

Vancomycin is a frequently used antibiotic in intensive care units, and the patient's renal clearance affects the pharmacokinetic characteristics of vancomycin. Several advantages have been reported for vancomycin continuous intravenous infusion, but studies on continuous dosing regimens based on patients' renal clearance are insufficient. The aim of this study was to develop a vancomycin serum concentration prediction model by factoring in a patient's renal clearance. Children admitted to our institution between July 1, 2021, and July 31, 2022 with records of continuous infusion of vancomycin were included in the study. Sex, age, height, weight, vancomycin dose by weight, interval from the start of vancomycin administration to the time of therapeutic drug monitoring sampling, and vancomycin serum concentrations were analyzed with the linear regression analysis of the mixed effect model. Univariable regression analysis was performed using the vancomycin serum concentration as a dependent variable. It showed that vancomycin dose (p < 0.001) and serum creatinine (p = 0.007) were factors that had the most impact on vancomycin serum concentration. Vancomycin serum concentration was affected by vancomycin dose (p < 0.001) and serum creatinine (p = 0.001) with statistical significance, and a multivariable regression model was obtained as follows: Vancomycin serum concentration (mg/l) = -1.296 + 0.281 × vancomycin dose (mg/kg) + 20.458 × serum creatinine (mg/dl) (adjusted coefficient of determination, R² = 0.66). This prediction model is expected to contribute to establishing an optimal continuous infusion regimen for vancomycin.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.254-260
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• 2023

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is crucial for maintaining the HIV-RNA suppression in patients living with HIV/AIDS. This study aims to analyze the risk factors contributing to low medication adherence among individuals with HIV/AIDS by analyzing data from the Korean HIV/AIDS cohort study. Methods: The dependent variable is ART medication adherence. The depressive symptom and anxiety scores were collected as main independence variables. Covariates included gender, age, transmission route, alcohol and smoking information, and antiviral treatment regimen details. To predict the relationship between ordinal dependent variables and independent variables, an ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. Results: The results of the ordered logistic regression analysis showed that female was associated with a higher risk of low medication adherence (OR=2.91, 95% CI=1.08, 7.83). Among the subjects who were non-smokers and non-drinkers, the risk of low medication adherence was lower (OR=0.36, 95% CI=0.18, 0.70). Depending on the ART treatment group, individuals taking integrase inhibitor had a lower risk of medication adherence (OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.13, 0.76), and those experiencing depressive symptoms were related with a higher risk of low medication adherence (OR=1.97, 95% CI=1.12, 3.46). Conclusions: The encouragement and emotional support of healthcare professionals are essential for patients living with HIV/AIDS who experience depressive symptoms to maintain ART adherence. Additionally, further research is needed to ensure that HIV/AIDS infected female with concurrent depressive symptoms can achieve appropriate ART therapeutic effect.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.11-21
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• 2024

Objectives : This study aims to analyze the anti-obesity effect of Syzygium aromaticum L. (SA) in obese mice made by a 60% high-fat diet (HFD). Methods : The antioxidant activities of SA were evaluated in vitro. To assess the anti-obesity effect of SA, male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: Normal, Control, GC100 (Garcinia cambogia 100 mg/kg/day), SA100 (SA 100 mg/kg/day), SA200 (SA 200 mg/kg/day). All groups underwent a 6-week regimen of HFD and oral administration, except for the Normal group. Subsequently, we performed blood analysis, western blotting, and histopathological staining. Results : SA demonstrated effectiveness in antioxidant measurements. SA treatment resulted in a significant decrease in body weight gain, along with reductions in liver and epididymal fat weights. Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and leptin levels were reduced with SA treatment. Moreover, in the SA100 group, the reduction of both TG and TC synthesis was caused by inhibiting the sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1) and sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 2 (SREBP-2) through the Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1)/phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) pathway. Furthermore, SA treatment at a dose of 100 mg/kg reduced the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver and the adipocyte size of the epididymal fat. Conclusion : Our research reveals the anti-obesity effects of SA by demonstrating its ability to inhibit body weight gain and lipid accumulation, suggesting that SA might be promising for obesity treatment.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.28-41
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• 2024

Objective: Chronic scrotal hyperthermia (SHT) can lead to serious disorders of the male reproductive system, with oxidative stress playing a key role in the onset of these dysfunctions. Thus, we evaluated the impact of caffeine, a potent antioxidant, on cellular and tissue disorders in mice with chronic SHT. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male NMRI mice were allocated into seven equal groups. Apart from the non-treated control group, all were exposed to heat stress. Two groups, termed "preventive" and "curative," were orally administered caffeine. The preventive mice began receiving caffeine immediately prior to heat exposure, while for the curative group, a caffeine regimen was initiated 15 consecutive days following cessation of heat exposure. Each treated group was subdivided based on pairing with a positive control (Pre/ curative [Cur]+PC) or a vehicle (Pre/Cur+vehicle). Upon conclusion of the study, we assessed sperm characteristics, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, apoptosis, antioxidant and oxidant levels, and molecular markers. Results: Sperm parameters, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, biochemical factors (excluding malondialdehyde [MDA]), and c-kit gene expression were significantly elevated in the preventive and curative groups, especially the former, relative to the other groups. Conversely, expression levels of the heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) genes, MDA levels, and apoptotic cell density were markedly lower in both caffeine-treated groups relative to the other groups, with more pronounced differences observed in the preventive group. Conclusion: Overall, caffeine attenuated cellular and molecular abnormalities induced by heat stress in the testis, particularly in the mice treated under the preventive condition.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.526-537
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• 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide and its eradication is mandatory. Direct acting HCV polymerase inhibitors, such as Sofosbuvir (SOF), is an effective regimen. However, it has some side effects like mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and the impairment of testicular function. It is important to evaluate the safety of SOF on the ovary, as there are no studies yet. Increasing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), causes oxidative stress, which affects ovulation process, female reproduction, and fertility. Accumulation of SOF in the cells was demonstrated to promote ROS generation. Vitamin E (Vit E) is an antioxidant agent that has an essential role in the female reproductive system, its deficiency can cause infertility. We explored the effect of SOF treatment alone and co-treated with Vit E on ovarian ROS level and ovarian morphology experimentally using biochemical and immunohistochemical studies. Significant changes in oxidative stress markers; nitric oxide and malondialdehyde lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes; catalase, super oxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione, proliferating markers; proliferation cell nuclear antigen and Ki-67 antigen and caspase 3 apoptotic marker were demonstrated. It was shown that where SOF induced oxidative stress, it also aggravated ovarian dysfunction. The essential role of Vit E as an antioxidant agent in protecting the ovarian tissue from the effect of oxidative stress markers and preserving its function was also displayed. This could be guidance to add Vit E supplements to SOF regimens to limit its injurious effect on ovarian function.