Journal of Korean medical science
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Apr 2023
Associations of Particulate Matter Exposures With Brain Gray Matter Thickness and White Matter Hyperintensities: Effect Modification by Low-Grade Chronic Inflammation.
Numerous studies have shown the effect of particulate matter exposure on brain imaging markers. However, little evidence exists about whether the effect differs by the level of low-grade chronic systemic inflammation. We investigated whether the level of c-reactive protein (CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation) modifies the associations of particulate matter exposures with brain cortical gray matter thickness and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). ⋯ Particulate matter exposures were associated with a reduced global cortical thickness in men with a high level of chronic inflammation. Men with a high level of chronic inflammation may be susceptible to cortical atrophy attributable to particulate matter exposures.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Apr 2023
Analysis of Antibody Responses After COVID-19 Vaccination in Liver Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Study.
Liver transplant (LT) recipients were considered a vulnerable population during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The clinical efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine is unknown in immunocompromised patients. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of antibody responses after COVID-19 vaccination in LT recipients. ⋯ A higher TAC level before vaccination resulted in less effective vaccination in LT patients. Booster vaccinations are required, especially for patients in the early stage after LT who have compromised immune function.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Apr 2023
Survey-Based Analysis of the Clinical Treatment Status of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Korea.
The quality-of-life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome is low; incorrect diagnosis/treatment causes economic burden and inappropriate consumption of medical resources. This survey-based study aimed to analyze the current status of irritable bowel syndrome treatment to examine differences in doctors' perceptions of the disease, and treatment patterns. ⋯ Notable differences were observed between physicians in primary/secondary and tertiary institiutions regarding the rate of colonoscopy, necessity of random biopsy, the reason for the ineffectiveness of low-fermentable oligo-, di-, and mono-saccharides, and polyols diet, and use of drug therapy in irritable bowel syndrome. In South Korea, irritable bowel syndrome is diagnosed and treated according to the Rome IV diagnostic criteria, revised in 2016.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Apr 2023
Participation and Prognostic Impact of Cardiac Rehabilitation After Acute Coronary Syndrome: Big-Data Study of the Korean National Health Insurance Service.
To investigate the actual rate and quality of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participation in South Korea and its short-term impact on clinical outcomes after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). ⋯ The actual rate of CR participation in South Korea remains low, and participation quality was not outstanding despite National Health Insurance coverage. Nevertheless, the impact of CR on cardiovascular outcomes after ACS was significantly superior. Efforts to increase CR participation should be increased by establishing new CR facilities and strategies to resolve associated barriers.