• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.23 no.8
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• pp.17-25
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• 2023

The alarming global prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has catalyzed an urgent need for robust, early diagnostic methodologies. This study unveils a pioneering approach to predicting T2DM, employing the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, renowned for its predictive accuracy and computational efficiency. The investigation harnesses a meticulously curated dataset of 4303 samples, extracted from a comprehensive Chinese research study, scrupulously aligned with the World Health Organization's indicators and standards. The dataset encapsulates a multifaceted spectrum of clinical, demographic, and lifestyle attributes. Through an intricate process of hyperparameter optimization, the XGBoost model exhibited an unparalleled best score, elucidating a distinctive combination of parameters such as a learning rate of 0.1, max depth of 3, 150 estimators, and specific colsample strategies. The model's validation accuracy of 0.957, coupled with a sensitivity of 0.9898 and specificity of 0.8897, underlines its robustness in classifying T2DM. A detailed analysis of the confusion matrix further substantiated the model's diagnostic prowess, with an F1-score of 0.9308, illustrating its balanced performance in true positive and negative classifications. The precision and recall metrics provided nuanced insights into the model's ability to minimize false predictions, thereby enhancing its clinical applicability. The research findings not only underline the remarkable efficacy of XGBoost in T2DM prediction but also contribute to the burgeoning field of machine learning applications in personalized healthcare. By elucidating a novel paradigm that accentuates the synergistic integration of multifaceted clinical parameters, this study fosters a promising avenue for precise early detection, risk stratification, and patient-centric intervention in diabetes care. The research serves as a beacon, inspiring further exploration and innovation in leveraging advanced analytical techniques for transformative impacts on predictive diagnostics and chronic disease management.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.64-70
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• 2023

Background: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of single-dose corticosteroid injection (CSI) administered at 6 weeks postoperative to treat stiffness following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Methods: In this prospective, multicentric, case-control study, post-ARCR stiffness at 6 weeks was treated with either a single dose of intra-articular CSI (CSI group) or physical therapy with oral analgesics (non-CSI group). Pain intensity according to visual analog scale (VAS), functional outcome using the Constant Murley Shoulder Score, time to return to activities of daily living (ADLs), and retear rate were recorded at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months postoperatively in both groups. Results: A total of 149 patients (54.5%) in the CSI group and 124 patients (45.5%) in the non-CSI group were included in this study. Pain and function were significantly better in the CSI group at 9-week, 12-week, and 6-month (P<0.001) follow-up, whereas they were not significantly different when the groups were compared at 12- and 18-month follow-up. The mean duration to return to ADLs was significantly shorter (P<0.001) in the CSI group. The incidence of retears was not significantly different (P=0.36) between groups at the end of 18 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Single-dose intra-articular CSI administered at 6 weeks postoperative to treat post-ARCR stiffness significantly improved pain, function, and duration of return to ADLs without increasing the risk of retears compared to patients who did not receive intra-articular CSI. Level of evidence: III.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.95-102
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• 2022

This retrospective study aimed to investigate whether there was a difference in the success rate of removal of residual thyroid tissue in patients with the same cutoff serum thyroglobulin (Tg) value-measured 2 weeks after thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW)-for different radioactive iodine (RAI) activities. We identified 132 patients with papillary thyroid cancer who were treated with total thyroidectomy and RAI therapy to evaluate the efficacy of three radioactivities of I-131: 1,110, 3,700, and 5,550 MBq. Serum Tg testing was performed 1 week before RAI treatment and 2 weeks after THW (pre-Tg); the cutoff pre-Tg level was below 10 ng/mL. Stimulated Tg levels were measured on the day of I-131 administration (off-Tg). After 6 months of treatment, we compared the groups for complete ablation, defined as no uptake on a diagnostic I-131 scan, stimulated Tg level of <1.0 ng/mL, and Tg antibody level of <100 ng/mL. Ninety-five patients (72.0%) achieved complete ablation, with 57.1% (8/14), 78.2% (68/87), and 61.3% (19/31) in the 1,110 MBq, 3,700 MBq, and 5,550 MBq groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the complete ablation rates between the three groups. In the multivariate analysis, the off-Tg level was a significant predictor of complete ablation. RAI therapy with low radioactivity (1,110 MBq) seemed sufficient for ablation in patients with papillary thyroid cancer with a pre-Tg level below 10 ng/mL. The off-Tg level is a promising and useful predictor of complete ablation after initial RAI therapy.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.484-495
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• 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) can be defined as a progressive chronic pulmonary disease showing scarring in the lung parenchyma, thereby resulting in increase in mortality and decrease in the quality of life. The pathophysiologic mechanism of fibrosis in IPF is still unclear. Repetitive microinjuries to alveolar epithelium with genetical predisposition and an abnormal restorative reaction accompanied by excessive deposition of collagens are involved in the pathogenesis. Although the two FDA-approved drugs, pirfenidone and nintedanib, are under use for retarding the decline in lung function of patients suffered from IPF, they are not able to improve the survival rate or quality of life. Therefore, a novel therapeutic agent acting on the major steps of the pathogenesis of disease and/or, at least, managing the clinical symptoms of IPF should be developed for the effective regulation of this incurable disease. In the present review, we tried to find a potential of managing the clinical symptoms of IPF by natural products derived from medicinal plants used for controlling the pulmonary inflammatory diseases in traditional Asian medicine. A multitude of natural products have been reported to exert an antifibrotic effect in vitro and in vivo through acting on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway, transforming growth factor (TGF)- β-induced intracellular signaling, and the deposition of extracellular matrix. However, clinical antifibrotic efficacy of these natural products on IPF have not been elucidated yet. Thus, those effects should be proven by further examinations including the randomized clinical trials, in order to develop the ideal and optimal candidate for the therapeutics of IPF.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.121-132
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• 2023

Objectives We aimed to confirm whether Humulus japonicus Extract Powder can enhance child height growth significantly and safely compared with a placebo. Methods A total of 150 children between the 3rd and 25th percentiles in height and between the ages of 6 and 9 years will be recruited to participate in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The participants will be randomly assigned to the treatment or placebo group. Participants in the treatment group will take one pack per day (700 mg of Humulus japonicus Extract Powder) for 24 weeks. Participants in the placebo group will take one package of placebo per day (0 mg of Humulus japonicus Extract Powder) for 24 weeks. The primary outcome will be a change in height after 12 weeks, and the secondary outcomes will be the height after 24 weeks, growth rate, height standard deviation, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and osteocalcin after 12 and 24 weeks. Results This protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Korean Medicine Hospital of Busan University (IRB No. PNUKHIRB-2023-03-002). Research participants will be recruited from June 2023 to December 2023. Conclusions The results of this study provide clinical information regarding the effectiveness and safety of the Humulus japonicus Extract Powder in increasing child height.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.7
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• pp.1120-1129
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to determine the protective efficacy of Buddha's Temple (BT) extract against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative stress in Gallus gallus chicken embryo fibroblast cell line (DF-1) and its effects on the cell lipid metabolism. Methods: In this experimental study, Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cells were pretreated with BT 10^-7 for 24 hours, followed by their six-hour exposure to t-BHP (100 μM). Water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 (WST-8) assays were performed, and the growth curve was computed. The intracellular gene expression changes caused by BT extract were confirmed through quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Flow cytometry, oil red O staining experiment, and thin-layer chromatography were performed for the detection of intracellular metabolic mechanism changes. Results: The WST-8 assay results showed that the BT pretreatment of Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cell increased their cell survival rate by 1.08%±0.04%, decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by 0.93%±0.12% even after exposure to oxidants, and stabilized mitochondrial activity by 1.37%±0.36%. In addition, qPCR results confirmed that the gene expression levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), TIR domain-containing adapter inducing IFN-beta (TICAM1), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) were regulated, which contributed to cell stabilization. Thin-layer chromatography and oil red O analyses showed a clear decrease in the contents of lipid metabolites such as triacylglycerol and free fatty acids. Conclusion: In this study, we confirmed that the examined BT extract exerted selective protective effects on Gallus gallus DF-1 fibroblast cells against cell damage caused by t-BHP, which is a strong oxidative inducer. Furthermore, we established that this extract significantly reduced the intracellular ROS accumulation due to oxidative stress, which contributes to an increase in poultry production and higher incomes.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.328-339
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors plus apatinib and chemotherapy (PAC) in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC). Materials and Methods: Seventy-three patients with resectable LAGC were enrolled and named the PAC group (n=39) or apatinib plus chemotherapy (AC) group (n=34) based on the treatment they chose. Neoadjuvant therapy was administered in a 21-day cycle for 3 consecutive cycles, after which surgery was performed. Results: The PAC group exhibited a higher objective response rate than the AC group (74.4% vs. 58.8%, P=0.159). Moreover, the PAC group showed a numerically better response profile than the AC group (P=0.081). Strikingly, progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.019) and overall survival (OS) (P=0.049) were prolonged, whereas disease-free survival (DFS) tended to be longer in the PAC group than in the AC group (P=0.056). Briefly, the 3-year PFS, DFS, and OS rates were 76.1%, 76.1%, and 86.7% in the PAC group and 46.9%, 49.9%, and 70.3% in the AC group, respectively. Furthermore, PAC (vs. AC) treatment (hazard ratio=0.286, P=0.034) was independently associated with prolonged PFS in multivariate Cox regression analyses. The incidence of adverse events did not differ between the two groups (all P>0.05), where leukopenia, anemia, hypertension, and other adverse events were commonly observed in the PAC group. Conclusions: Neoadjuvant PAC therapy may achieve a preferable pathological response, delayed progression, and prolonged survival compared to AC therapy with a similar safety profile in patients with LAGC; however, further validation is warranted.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.247-254
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• 2022

This study investigated the effect of vegetation mat on plant growth and salt reduction in the soil treated with high concentration deicing salt. In order to measure soil chemical characteristics and plant growth, three native groundcover plants (Dendranthema zawadskii var. latilobum, Dendranthema boreale, and Kalimeris yomena) were grown in each of the three plastic containers (50.0 cm width × 35.0 cm length × 8.5 cm deep) with a high concentration treatment of calcium chloride deicing salt. There were two treatments: control, and BVM that combines B (blanket) and VM (vegetation mat). 1,600 g of soil was placed on the top of the drainage layer with 290 g of perlite, 100 seeds each of the three native plants with three repetitions were sowed, and 10 g/L of calcium chloride deicing salt was added in the treatment. As a result of the chemical properties of soil, soil in control treatment was acidic and soil electrical conductivity in BVM was the lowest. Also, exchangeable cations (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, and Mg²⁺) in soil and all the three plants were significantly decreased in the BVM treatment. Meanwhile, the germination rate of Dendranthema zawadskii var. latilobum was the highest under high concentration deicing salt in compared to the two plants. Overall, three native groundcover plant growth was higher in the BVM than control treatment significantly. These results suggest that the treatment of blanket vegetation mat has a positive effect on soil and plant growth in soil damaged by deicing salt.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.79-111
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• 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It can lead to emotional and physical problems. Treatments such as antidepressant and cognitive behavioral therapy for MDD have many limitations. Traditional East Asian Herbal Medicine (TEAM) is a representative modality of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) which can be used for MDD. However, no study has systematically reviewed the efficacy or safety of TEAM for MDD so far. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate effectiveness and safety of TEAM as a monotherapy for MDD. We only included TEAM that could be used in context of clinical setting in Korean Medicine. Outcomes were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and total effective rate (TER). After comprehensive electronic search of 11 databases, we included 28 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared HM as monotherapy with antidepressant for MDD. Meta-analysis showed that TEAM had significant benefits in reducing HAMD (MD=-0.40, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.13, p=0.003, I²=85%) and improving TER (RR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.10, p=0.003, I²=0%). It also appeared to be safer than antidepressant in terms of adverse effects. Methods used for RCTs were poor and the quality of evidence was graded 'low' or 'moderate'. These findings indicate that the use of HM as a monotherapy might have potential benefits in MDD treatment as an alternative to antidepressant. However, considering the methodological quality of included RCTs, the clinical evidence is uncertain. Further well-designed RCTs are required to confirm these findings.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.5
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• pp.621-633
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• 2023

We investigated the probiotic characteristics and anti-obesity effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MGEL20154, a strain that possesses excellent intestinal adhesion and viability. The in vitro properties, e.g., gastrointestinal (GI) resistance, adhesion, and enzyme activity, demonstrated that MGEL20154 is a potential probiotic candidate. Oral administration of MGEL20154 to diet-induced obese C57BL/6J mice for 8 weeks resulted in a feed efficacy decrease by 44.7% compared to that of the high-fat diet (HFD) group. The reduction rate of weight gain was about 48.5% in the HFD+MGEL20154 group compared to that of the HFD group after 8 weeks, and the epididymal fat pad was also reduced in size by 25.2%. In addition, the upregulation of the zo-1, pparα, and erk2, and downregulation of the nf-κb and glut2 genes in Caco-2 cells by MGEL20154 were observed. Therefore, we propose that the anti-obesity effect of the strain is exerted by inhibiting carbohydrate absorption and regulating gene expression in the intestine.