Yonsei medical journal
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Yonsei medical journal · Jun 2023
Cost-Effectiveness of Age-Expanding Strategy of Latent Tuberculosis Infection Treatment in Household Contacts in South Korea.
The strategy of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) treatment in household tuberculosis (TB) contacts has been expanding in South Korea. However, there is little evidence of the cost-effectiveness of LTBI treatment in patients over 35 years of age. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LTBI treatment among household TB contacts in different age groups in South Korea. ⋯ The age-specific expansion policy of LTBI treatment not only for those under 35 years of age but also for those under 65 years of age among household contacts was cost-effective in terms of QALYs and averted TB deaths.
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Junctional adhesion molecule (JAM)-A is an immunoglobulin-like molecule that colocalizes with tight junctions (TJs) in the endothelium and epithelium. It is also found in blood leukocytes and platelets. The biological significance of JAM-A in asthma, as well as its clinical potential as a therapeutic target, are not well understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of JAM-A in a mouse model of asthma, and to determine blood levels of JAM-A in asthmatic patients. ⋯ These results suggest that JAM-A is involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, and may be a marker for asthma.
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Yonsei medical journal · May 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of Pharmacist-Led Intervention in Elderly Patients through a Comprehensive Medication Reconciliation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Polypharmacy can cause drug-related problems, such as potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and medication regimen complexity in the elderly. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a collaborative medication review and comprehensive medication reconciliation intervention by a pharmacist and hospitalist for older patients. ⋯ As a result, we identified the effect of pharmacist-led interventions using comprehensive medication reconciliation, including the criteria of the PIMs and the MRCI-K, and the differences in ADEs between the intervention and control groups at the 30-day follow-up after discharge in elderly patients.
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Yonsei medical journal · May 2023
ReviewHealth Effects of Microplastic Exposures: Current Issues and Perspectives in South Korea.
Microplastics are environmental pollutants that prevail in the oceans, remote islands, and polar regions. Exposure to microplastics presents a major emerging threat to the ecosystems due to their potential adverse effects. ⋯ Little is known about the impact of microplastics on human health and the toxic effects that may vary depending on the type, size, shape, and concentration of microplastics. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of microplastic toxicity and related pathologies.
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Yonsei medical journal · May 2023
ReviewReview of North Korean Reports on Cardiovascular Disease Research and Management.
This study aimed to investigate the quality of medical care in North Korea using data from North Korean medical research. ⋯ Research of cardiovascular disease in North Korea is conducted at a very limited scope, although treatment results appear to be recorded. The management of cardiovascular disease and the establishment of an emergency medical system warrant global attention and cooperation for further improvement.