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Biological invasion consists of spatially and temporally varying stages, accompanied by ecological and evolutionary changes. Understanding the genomics underlying invasion dynamics provides critical insights into the geographic sources and genetic diversity, contributing to successful invasions across space and time. Here, we used genomic data and model‐based approaches to characterize the invasion dynamics of Hypochaeris radicata L., a noxious weed in Korea. Genetic diversity and assignment patterns were investigated using 3563 SNPs of 283 individuals sampled from 22 populations. We employed a coalescent‐based simulation method to estimate demographic changes for each population and inferred colonization history using both phylogenetic and population genetic model‐based approaches. Our data suggest that H. radicata has been repeatedly been introduced to Korea from multiple genetic sources within the last 50 years, experiencing weak population bottlenecks followed by subsequent population expansions. These findings highlight the potential for further range expansion, particularly in the presence of human‐mediated dispersal. Our study represents the first population‐level genomic research documenting the invasion dynamics of the successful worldwide invader, H. radicata, outside of Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iris is a cosmopolitan genus comprising approximately 280 species distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Although Iris is the most diverse group in the Iridaceae, the number of taxa is debatable owing to various taxonomic issues. Plastid genomes have been widely used for phylogenetic research in plants; however, only limited number of plastid DNA markers are available for phylogenetic study of the Iris. To understand the genomic features of plastids within the genus, including its structural and genetic variation, we newly sequenced and analyzed the complete plastid genome of I. orchioides and compared it with those of 19 other Iris taxa. Potential plastid markers for phylogenetic research were identified by computing the sequence divergence and phylogenetic informativeness. We then tested the utility of the markers with the phylogenies inferred from the markers and whole-plastome data. The average size of the plastid genome was 152,926 bp, and the overall genomic content and organization were nearly identical among the 20 Iris taxa, except for minor variations in the inverted repeats. We identified 10 highly informative regions (matK, ndhF, rpoC2, ycf1, ycf2, rps15-ycf, rpoB-trnC, petA-psbJ, ndhG-ndhI and psbK-trnQ) and inferred a phylogeny from each region individually, as well as from their concatenated data. Remarkably, the phylogeny reconstructed from the concatenated data comprising three selected regions (rpoC2, ycf1 and ycf2) exhibited the highest congruence with the phylogeny derived from the entire plastome dataset. The result suggests that this subset of data could serve as a viable alternative to the complete plastome data, especially for molecular diagnoses among closely related Iris taxa, and at a lower cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study used quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) to investigate the characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) subtypes in children. Patients and Methods: There were 69 subjects (42 with ADHD and 27 neurotypical (NT)) in this study. A semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant for psychiatric diagnostic evaluation. We measured the absolute and relative power in 19 channels and analyzed QEEG using the following frequency ranges: delta (1– 4 Hz), theta (4– 8 Hz), alpha 1 (8– 10 Hz), alpha 2 (10– 12 Hz), beta 1 (12– 15 Hz), beta 2 (15– 20 Hz), beta 3 (20– 30 Hz), and gamma (30– 45 Hz). Group analyses and EEG noise preprocessing were conducted using iSyncBrain, a cloud-based, artificial intelligence EEG analysis platform. Analysis of covariance adjusted for IQ, age, and sex was used. Results: QEEG analysis revealed three ADHD subtypes, characterized by (A) elevated relative fast alpha and beta power, (B) elevated absolute slow frequency (delta and theta power), or (C) elevated absolute and relative beta power. A significant difference was found in the Korean ADHD Rating Scale (K-ARS) among the four groups (df=3, F=8.004, p< 0.001); group C had the highest score (25.31± 11.16), followed by group A (21.67± 13.18). The score of group B (12.64± 7.84) was similar to that of the NT group (11.07± 6.12) and did not reach the cut-off point of the K-ARS. In the Wender–Utah Rating Scale (WURS), group B score (55.82± 23.17) was significantly higher than the NT group score (42.81± 13.26). Conclusion: These results indicate that children with ADHD do not constitute a neurophysiologically homogenous group. Children with QEEG subtype B (elevated slow frequency) may be difficult to distinguish from normal children using the K-ARS, which is the most common screening tool for ADHD. Moreover, parents of children with this subtype may be less sensitive to observing ADHD symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cyrtomium is one of the most taxonomically challenging groups, which comprises about 40 taxa globally. Cyrtomium yamamotoi is a great example showing the taxonomic difficulties in the genus. The plant was first described as a variety (C. fortunei var. intermedium), thereafter the rank was moved to a species by Tagawa in 1938. Cyrtomium yamamotoi and its related taxa including five varieties of C. fortunei are triploid apogamous taxa with high morphological variabilities. The substantial morphological variations likely resulted from hybrid origins leading to various taxonomic complications. To determine the species boundary between C. yamamotoi and the C. fortunei complex, we inferred the phylogenetic relationships among the complex and the five related taxa including C. falcatum using the two widely used cpDNA regions, rbcL and psbA-trnH IGS. We also carefully examined the nomenclatural histories of eleven Cyrtomium taxa (five taxa of C. fortunei complex and six related taxa) and the key morphological characters. According to our analysis, Cyrtomium yamamotoi is likely an independent species as the phylogenetic results revealed that C. yamamotoi was separated from the C. fortunei complex while all members of C. fortunei complex formed a monophyletic clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Acupuncture, per se, is not used for treating cancer. However, acupuncture is used for treating several cancer-related symptoms, such as, for example, pain, antiestrogen-induced hot flashes, as well as cancer-related fatigue (CRF). There are several studies that assess the evidence of acupuncture for palliative cancer treatment; but there are none for CRF. The aim of this overview, therefore, was to comprehensively summarize and critically evaluate the current evidence of the efficacy of AT in the management of CRF. Although acupuncture (AT) is used in the treatment of CRF, the evidence from different systematic reviews (SRs) of AT has not yet been comprehensively evaluated. Moxibustion, which is a treatment method that is well established within Traditional East Asian Medicine, applies the heat of burning herbs towards or onto special points on the skin. Commonly, the herb Artemisia vulgaris, is used. It has been used for palliative cancer care, as well as for CRF. The aim of this overview was to evaluate the efficacy of AT and moxibustion in the management of CRF. Eleven databases were searched through for studies that were published from their dates of inception to February 2022. The study selection, the data extraction, and the assessment were performed independently by two researchers. The methodological and report quality were assessed by using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews-2 (AMSTAR-2) tool. The evidence quality was evaluated by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Fifteen SRs on AT (n = 10) and moxibustion (n = 5) treatments for CRF were included, and they include 169 randomized controlled trials and 14,392 participants. All of the SRs that were evaluated by the AMASTAR-2 had more than one deficiency, and so all of the SRs were rated as either low or critically low. For the GRADE, 18 outcomes were rated as very-low-quality evidence, 13 as low-quality evidence, 3 as moderate-quality evidence, and 0 as high-quality evidence. Most of the SRs reached the potential benefits of AT for CRF. No serious adverse effects were identified. In conclusion, the evidence suggests that, despite the advantages of AT in terms of the improvement in and the safety of the treatment of CRF, the methodological quality of most of these studies is low, which limits our ability to draw definitive meanings. Further research of high quality is needed in order to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) subtypes as auxiliary tools to assess Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A total of 74 subjects (58 male and 16 female) were assessed using the Korean version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV and were assigned to one of three groups: ADHD, ADHD-Not Otherwise specified (NOS), and Neurotypical (NT). We measured absolute and relative EEG power in 19 channels and conducted an auditory continuous performance test. We analyzed QEEG according to the frequency range: delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), slow alpha (8–10 Hz), fast alpha (10–13.5 Hz), and beta (13.5–30 Hz). The subjects were then grouped by Ward's method of cluster analysis using the squared Euclidian distance to measure dissimilarities. We discovered four QEEG clusters, which were characterized by: (a) elevated delta power with less theta activity, (b) elevated slow alpha relative power, (c) elevated theta with deficiencies of alpha and beta relative power, and (d) elevated fast alpha and beta absolute power. The largest proportion of participants in clusters (a) and (c) were from the ADHD group (48% and 47%, respectively). Conversely, group (b) mostly consisted of the participants from the NOS group (59%), while group (d) had the largest proportion of participants from the NT group (62%). These results indicate that children with ADHD does not neurophysiologically constitute a homogenous group. We also identified a new subtype with increased alpha power in addition to those commonly reported in ADHD. Given the QEEG characteristics with increased alpha power, we should consider the possibility that this subtype may be caused by childhood depression. In conclusion, we believe that these QEEG subtypes of ADHD are expected to provide valuable information for accurately diagnosing ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to compare the Korean version of the ADHD Rating Scale (K-ARS) and Integrated Visual and Auditory Plus (IVA+Plus), a continuous performance test, by analyzing their abilities to distinguish different groups (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], ADHD-not otherwise specified [NOS], and normal control [NC]). Patients and Methods: Individuals of 7– 12 years of age who visited our child and adolescent psychiatric clinic were recruited. Seventy-four participants (58 males, 16 females) were classified into three groups according to results from the Korean Version of Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV. The K-ARS and IVA+Plus were administered. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was conducted. The tools' accuracy in discriminating patients with ADHD or NOS from NCs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: ANCOVA revealed significant differences in the K-ARS results of the three groups (ADHD [n=29], NOS [n=33], NC [n=12]), whereas a difference in IVA+Plus results was observed only between the ADHD and NC groups. In the ROC curve analysis of the K-ARS, the areas under the curve (AUCs) for each group were 0.960 (ADHD vs NC), 0.885 (NOS vs NC), 0.920 (ADHD+NOS vs NC), and 0.779 (ADHD vs NOS+NC). In the ROC curve analysis for the IVA+Plus hyperactivity-impulsiveness scale, the AUCs for each group were 0.740 (ADHD vs NC), 0.643 (NOS vs NC), 0.688 (ADHD+NOS vs NC), and 0.626 (ADHD vs NOS+NC); those for the inattention scale were 0.731 (ADHD vs NC), 0.658 (NOS vs NC), 0.692 (ADHD+NOS vs NC), and 0.625 (ADHD+NOS vs NC). Conclusion: The K-ARS was useful to distinguish the ADHD and NOS groups from the NC group, while the IVA+Plus was useful to distinguish the ADHD group from the NC group. Clinicians should ensure they understand the properties of each tool and apply them appropriately in the diagnosis of ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to examine the relationship between Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and gaming disorder (GD) and the degree of concordance between treatment seeking for gaming and IGD/GD. One hundred gamers who sought treatment for their gaming were compared with one hundred gamers who never sought treatment and gamers who met IGD and/or GD criteria were compared with those who did not meet these criteria, regardless of their treatment-seeking status. These comparisons were made using semi-structured diagnostic interviews and self-report psychopathology and symptom measures. There was only a partial concordance between treatment seeking and IGD/GD because 61% of treatment-seeking gamers met the diagnostic criteria for IGD and 36% met the diagnostic criteria for GD. GD criteria were found to reflect a more intense, pathological pattern of gaming, associated with high rates of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and coping as the main reason for gaming. IGD criteria were found to refer to a broad, heterogeneous entity that encompasses a "spectrum" of gaming from risky/hazardous to pathological. These findings suggest that gamers may seek treatment for IGD/GD, a diagnostically subthreshold, risky gaming pattern (i.e., hazardous gaming) or for a gaming pattern that seems normal. A partial overlap between IGD and GD indicates that the two disorders as conceptualized by their respective criteria, should not be considered interchangeably. The relationship and extent of the conceptual overlap between ADHD and a gaming-related disorder, especially GD, merit further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Korean long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus) is at risk of population decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Therefore, it is essential to ascertain its presence and/or the identity of individuals of the goral using non-invasive fecal samples for its conservation and management. In this study, we examined the morphology of fecal samples to provide the baseline data that can be used to distinguish species and age of goral individuals. We detected a significant difference in the length-to-width ratios of feces among the five ungulate species found in Korea. Also, we detected a significant difference in the length-to-width ratios of feces of gorals depending on the age groups. To assess the accuracy of species and age identification based on the fecal morphology, we conducted a series of blind comparison between the mean length-to-width ratios of the fecal pellets and the reference mean ratio values of the fecal pellets. Using 20 fecal pellets, our results showed 73%–86% probability of correct identification of the three species (gorals, goats, and roe deer), and 83%–90% probability of correct identification of >5 year-old goral individuals. The use of fecal morphometric analyses will be useful for the studies of Korean ungulate species, particularly the endangered gorals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to update previous reviews and examine recent evidence from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of the use of moxibustion for osteoarthritis (OA). Twelve databases were searched from inception through to September 2016 with no language limits applied. Data extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were performed by two independent reviewers. A total of 19 RCTs met all inclusion criteria and were evaluated. Three RCTs compared the effects of moxibustion with those of sham moxibustion in patients with knee OA (KOA) and found favourable effects of moxibustion on pain reduction (n=305; SMD, -0.46; 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.06, P=0.02, I2=65%), including at follow-up (n=305; SMD, -0.36; 95% CI: -0.70 to -0.01, P=0.04, I2=54%). Eleven RCTs compared the effects of moxibustion with those of conventional oral drug therapies. Eight RCTs reported a total symptom score and the meta-analysis showed superior effects of moxibustion compared with drug therapies for this measure (n=691; SMD, -0.24; 95% CI: -0.78 to 0.29; P=0.37, I2=91%) and response rate (n=758 knees; RR, 1.10; 95% CI: 1.05-1.16, P <0.0001, I2=0%). Three RCTs found superior or equivalent effects of moxibustion on symptom score compared with intra-articular injection or topical drug therapy. The existing trial evidence is sufficiently convincing to suggest that moxibustion, compared with sham moxibustion and oral drugs, is effective for pain reduction and symptom management in KOA. The level of evidence is moderate, given the high risk of bias and small sample size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution inkjet printing of an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) array for mass-production is still regarded as an immature technology due to the difficulty in controlling the dimension of pattern and registry with other layers in commercial large-scale substrates. Especially, in the case of on organic gate insulator (OGI) in an inkjet-printed OTFT array, it is impossible to use plasma pre-treatment of the OGI for the hydrophobicity required for high-resolution inkjet printing of an organic semiconductor (OSC) due to its non-selectivity between organic layers, both inside and outside the channel area. A novel and commercially applicable process of the source-drain (SD) electrode prior to inkjet printing of the OSC in the bottom contact structure not only allowed a selective plasma treatment for high-resolution inkjet printing of OSC on OGI without the extra photolithographic process, but also protected the channel interface from the harmful outcomes of wet or plasma processes. This method enabled uniform electrical characteristics of more than 300 thousand pixels of an OTFT array for a backplane. Based on these results, a 5.7 inch electrophoretic display (EPD), with a high resolution of 140 dots per inch (DPI), on a plastic substrate was successfully demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shaofu Zhuyu decoction (SFZY) or Sobokchugeo-tang, a traditional herbal formula, is used as a treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. We searched four English, seven Korean, three Chinese, and one Japanese database from inception through January 2016 without a language restriction. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SFZY or modified SFZY (MSFZY) were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed by two independent reviewers. A total of 51 potentially relevant studies were identified, and 9 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Seven RCTs tested the effects of SFZY or modified SFZY in treating dysmenorrhea. Three RCTs showed superior effects of (M)SFZY on the response rate, while the other three RCTs failed to do so (n=531, RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.26, P<0.0001, I(2)=0%). Three RCTs showed favorable effects of MSFZY for pain reduction compared with conventional drugs (n=340, SMD: -1.39, 95% CI: -2.23 to -0.55, P=0.01). Two RCTs examined the effects of modified SFZY plus conventional drugs and conventional drugs alone. The meta-analysis showed favorable effects of MSFZY (n=206; RR, 1.12; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.36; P=0.0009, I(2)=0%). Our systemic review and meta-analysis provide suggestive evidence of the superiority of SFZY over conventional drugs for treating primary dysmenorrhea. However, the level of evidence is low because of a high risk of bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims During liver regeneration, hepatocytes are derived from pre-existing hepatocytes. However, if hepatocyte proliferation is compromised, biliary epithelial cells (BECs) become the source of new hepatocytes. We recently reported on a zebrafish liver regeneration model in which BECs extensively contribute to hepatocytes. Using this model, we performed a targeted chemical screen to identify important factors that regulate BEC-driven liver regeneration, the mechanisms of which remain largely unknown. Methods Using Tg(fabp10a:CFP-NTR) zebrafish, we examined the effects of 44 selected compounds on BEC-driven liver regeneration. Liver size was assessed by fabp10a: DsRed expression; liver marker expression was analyzed by immunostaining, in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR. Proliferation and apoptosis were also examined. Moreover, we used a mouse liver injury model, choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE) diet. Results We identified 10 compounds that affected regenerating liver size. Among them, only bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) inhibitors, JQ1 and iBET151, blocked both Prox1 and Hnf4a induction in BECs. BET inhibition during hepatocyte ablation blocked BEC dedifferentiation into hepatoblast-like cells (HB-LCs). Intriguingly, after JQ1 washout, liver regeneration resumed, indicating temporal, but not permanent, perturbation of liver regeneration by BET inhibition. BET inhibition after hepatocyte ablation suppressed the proliferation of newly generated hepatocytes and delayed hepatocyte maturation. Importantly, Myca overexpression, in part, rescued the proliferation defect. Furthermore, oval cell numbers in mice fed CDE diet were greatly reduced upon JQ1 administration, supporting the zebrafish findings. Conclusions BET proteins regulate BEC-driven liver regeneration at multiple steps: BEC dedifferentiation, HB-LC proliferation, the proliferation of newly generated hepatocytes, and hepatocyte maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During development, inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) proteins, a subclass of the helix-loop-helix family of proteins, regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis in various organs. However, a functional role of Id2a in liver development has not yet been reported. Here, using zebrafish as a model organism, we provide in vivo evidence that Id2a regulates hepatoblast proliferation and cell death during liver development. Initially, in the liver, id2a is expressed in hepatoblasts and after their differentiation, id2a expression is restricted to biliary epithelial cells. id2a knockdown in zebrafish embryos had no effect on hepatoblast specification or hepatocyte differentiation. However, liver size was greatly reduced in id2a morpholino-injected embryos, indicative of a hepatic outgrowth defect attributable to the significant decrease in proliferating hepatoblasts concomitant with the significant increase in hepatoblast cell death. Altogether, these data support the role of Id2a as an important regulator of hepatic outgrowth via modulation of hepatoblast proliferation and survival during liver development in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of moxibustion as a treatment of chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. Methods: Twelve databases were searched from their inception through June 2014, without a language restriction. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included if moxibustion was used as the sole treatment or as a part of a combination therapy with conventional drugs for leukopenia induced by chemotherapy. Cochrane criteria were used to assess the risk of bias. Results: Six RCTs with a total of 681 patients met our inclusion criteria. All of the included RCTs were associated with a high risk of bias. The trials included patients with various types of cancer receiving ongoing chemotherapy or after chemotherapy. The results of two RCTs suggested the effectiveness of moxibustion combined with chemotherapy vs. chemotherapy alone. In four RCTs, moxibustion was more effective than conventional drug therapy. Six RCTs showed that moxibustion was more effective than various types of control interventions in increasing white blood cell counts. Conclusions: There is low level of evidence based on these six trials that demonstrates the superiority of moxibustion over drug therapies in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. However, the number of trials, the total sample size, and the methodological quality are too low to draw firm conclusions. Future RCTs appear to be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this review was to analyze the trial data on the efficacy and safety of Gan Mai Da Zao (GMDZ) decoction for depression. PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and EMBASE, AMED, Korea Med, DBPIA, OASIS, RISS, KISS, CNKI, Wan Fang Database, and VIP were searched through to May 2014. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing GMDZ decoction for any type of depression were considered. All RCTs of GMDZ decoction or modified GMDZ decoction were included. Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was used for the pooled data. A total of 298 potentially relevant studies were identified, and 13 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. All of the included RCTs had a high risk of bias across their domains. Three RCTs failed to show favorable effects of GMDZ decoction on response rate or HAMD score in major depression. One RCT showed a beneficial effect of GMDZ decoction on response rate in post-surgical depression, while another failed to do so. Two studies showed favorable effects on response rate in post-stroke depression, while another two failed to do so. A meta-analysis, however, showed that GMDZ decoction produced better response rates than anti-depressants in post-stroke depression (RR: 1.17, I 2 = 15%). One trial failed to show any beneficial effects of GMDZ decoction on response rate or HAMD score in depression in an elderly sample. Two trials tested GMDZ decoction in combination with anti-depressants but failed to show effects on response rate in major depression, while another did show beneficial effects on response rate in post-stroke depression. In summary, our systematic review and meta-analysis failed to provide evidence of the superiority of GMDZ decoction over anti-depressant therapies for major depression, post-surgical depression, or depression in the elderly, although there was evidence of an effect in post-stroke depression. The quality of evidence for this finding was low, however, because of a high risk of bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Increased measured vascular stiffness is an early marker of atherosclerosis and is associated with cardiovascular risk factors. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) and adipose tissues are accurate markers of overall burden of coronary atherosclerosis and metabolic status, respectively. We evaluated the relation of vascular stiffness with epicardial (EAT) and pericardial (PAT) adipose tissues, as well as the presence and severity of CAC. Methods: One hundred and eleven consecutive subjects, mean age 59 ± 11 years, 78% male, underwent 64-multidetector row cardiac computed tomography (MDCT) and their carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured using SphygmoCor tonometry. EAT and total thoracic adipose tissue (TAT) volumes were measured using MDCT. PAT was calculated as TAT–EAT. The highest tertile of EAT (≥111 ml) and PAT (≥103 ml) were defined as significant adipose tissue depots. Results: PWV was moderately associated with EAT (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), and PAT (r = 0.41, p < 0.001). PWV increased proportionally with the severity of CAC from 0 to 400+. The relative risk of highest vs. lowest tertile of PWV was 3.03 (95% CI 1.22–7.51, p = 0.01) for significant EAT, 2.34 (95% CI 1.10–4.90, p = 0.02) for significant PAT and 2.46 (95% CI 1.13–3.14, p = 0.01) for significant CAC (CAC 100+) after adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors. This relative risk was increased after combination of CAC 100+ with each significant adipose tissue. Conclusions: Increased vascular stiffness is associated with increase in EAT, PAT and coronary atherosclerosis. EAT was associated with higher relative risk of PWV, compared with CAC, suggesting a role of adipose tissue in vascular stiffness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this review was to summarise and critically evaluate the evidence from randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of moxibustion as a treatment for patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Twelve databases were searched from their inception through July 2011. RCTs were considered whether they assessed any type of clinical outcome from moxibustion therapy for patients with OA localised to any joints. Two reviewers independently performed the selection of studies, data abstraction and validations. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane criteria. Eight RCTs met our inclusion criteria, and most of them had significant methodological weaknesses. Six RCTs tested the effects of moxibustion against conventional oral drug therapies in patients with knee OA (KOA). Meta-analysis showed favourable effects of moxibustion on the response rate ( n = 540; RR, 1.09; 95 % CI 1.03-1.17; P = 0.005; heterogeneity: χ = 5.48, P = 0.36, I = 9 %). Two RCTs tested the effects of moxibustion on response rate after 2 months. The meta-analysis failed to show favourable effects of moxibustion ( n = 180; RR, 1.10; 95 % CI 0.97-1.24; P = 0.13; heterogeneity: χ = 0.03, P = 0.87, I = 0 %). In conclusion, consistent results show that moxibustion may be effective in symptom management in patients with KOA. However, because of the number of eligible RCTs and the high risk of bias in the assessment of the available RCTs, the evidence supporting this conclusion is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We searched the literature using 15 databases. Eleven randomized clinical trials (RCTs) met our inclusion criteria. Most had significant methodological weaknesses. The studies' statistical and clinical heterogeneity prevented us from conducting a meta-analysis. Two RCTs found that acupuncture plus conventional language therapy was superior to sham acupuncture plus conventional therapy. Two other RCTs found that acupuncture produced significant effects compared with conventional language therapy or complex interventions. Three RCTs suggested that acupuncture plus conventional therapies had beneficial effects compared with conventional therapy alone. Four more RCTs reported that subjects who received acupuncture experienced significant effects compared with subjects who were waitlisted or received no treatment. The results of these studies provide mixed evidence of acupuncture's effectiveness as a treatment for ASD symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Controlling cancer-related pain is an important component in the palliative care of cancer patients. The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating cancer pain. Methods: Fourteen databases were searched from their inception through April 2011. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) were included if acupuncture was used as the sole treatment or as a part of a combination therapy for cancer pain. Studies were included if they were controlled with a placebo or controlled against a drug-therapy or no-treatment group. The Cochrane criteria were used to assess the risk of bias. Results: A total of 15 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. All of the included RCTs were associated with a high risk of bias. The majority of acupuncture treatments or combination therapies with analgesics exhibited favourable effects compared with conventional treatments in individual studies. However, a meta-analysis suggested that acupuncture did not generate a better effect than drug therapy ( n = 886; risk ratio (RR), 1.12; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.28; P = 0.09). The comparison between acupuncture plus drug therapy and drug therapy alone demonstrated a significant difference in favour of the combination therapy ( n = 437; RR, 1.36; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.64; P = 0.003). The results of this systematic review provide no strong evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of cancer pain. Conclusion: The total number of RCTs included in the analysis and their methodological quality were too low to draw firm conclusions. Future rigorous RCTs will be necessary to assess the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moxibustion, an acupuncture-like intervention, is increasingly used in the management of rheumatic conditions. The aim of this review is to summarize and critically evaluate the trials testing effectiveness of moxibustion for major rheumatic conditions. Fourteen databases were searched from their inception through May 2010, without language restriction. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included if moxibustion was used as the sole treatment or as a part of a combination therapy with conventional drugs for rheumatic conditions. Cochrane criteria were used to assess the risk of bias. A total of 14 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. All were of low methodological quality. The meta-analysis of the eight RCTs suggested favorable effects of moxibustion on the response rate compared with conventional drug therapy [ n = 631; relative risk (RR), 1.13; 95% confidence intervals (CIs), 1.02 to 1.26; P = 0.02] with high heterogeneity ( I = 58%). A subgroup analysis showed significant effects of moxibustion on the RR compared with drug therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis, whereas it failed to do so in rheumatoid arthritis. The results of meta-analysis of the six RCTs suggested favorable effects of moxibustion plus drug therapy on the response rate compared with conventional drug therapy alone ( n = 433; RR, 1.25; 95% CIs, 1.09 to 1.43; P = 0.02) with high heterogeneity ( I = 62%). This systematic review fails to provide conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of moxibustion compared with drug therapy in rheumatic conditions. The total number of RCTs included in this review and their methodological quality were low. These limitations make it difficult to draw firm conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Melanocyte dendrites serve as the principal conduit for melanosome transfer. The dendrite formation requires actin polymerization mediated by Rho family GTPases including RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate and explore the involvement of p38 MAPK in melanocyte dendrite formation. Methods: We transduced melanoma cells with adenovirus harboring the expression cassette for constitutive active form of MKK6, an upstream MAPKK for p38 MAPK. Results: We investigated the effect of melanogenic inducers on melanocyte dendricity, using SK-mel-24 melanoma cells because that this cell line is refractory to several melanogenic inducers in terms of melanogenesis. TPA-induced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and the elongation of dendrite length, suggesting that MKK6 may be involved in this process. Overexpression of the constitutive active form of MKK6 resulted in significant elongation of dendrites in the melanoma cell line SK-mel-24. Moreover, overexpression of MKK6 ultimately led to the upregulation of Cdc42 and Rac1, suggesting that MKK6 acts as a crucial upstream signaling molecule for Rho family GTPases. When overexpressed in normal human epidermal melanocytes, MKK6 led also the increase of dendrite length. Conclusion: These results suggest that MKK6 is an authentic regulator for melanocytes dendricity, through the modulation of Rho family GTPases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the evidence for or against the effectiveness of moxibustion as a treatment option for pain. Fourteen electronic databases were searched. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) testing moxibustion in human patients with pain of any type were considered. Trials using direct or indirect moxibustion were included. Studies comparing moxibustion with other treatments of unproven effectiveness, studies testing moxibustion together with other treatments of unproven efficacy and trials where pain was not a central symptom of the condition were all excluded. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by two reviewers. Four RCTs met all the inclusion criteria. Others were of poor methodological quality. Two RCTs suggested significant pain reductions for indirect moxibustion in osteoarthritis as compared with drug therapy (n = 200, RR, 1.11; 95% CI of 1.02 to 1.21, p = 0.02, heterogeneity: χ2 = 1.03, p = 0.31, I2 = 3%). The other two RCTs suggested positive effects of indirect or direct moxibustion on pain in scleroma or herpes zoster compared to drug therapy, respectively. We conclude that few RCTs are available that test the effectiveness of moxibustion in the management of pain, and most of the existing trials have a high risk of bias. Therefore, more rigorous studies are required before the effectiveness of moxibustion for the treatment of pain can be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cupping is often used for stroke rehabilitation in Asian countries. Currently, no systematic review of this topic is available. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence for and against the effectiveness of cupping for stroke rehabilitation. Thirteen databases were searched from their inception through March of 2010 without language restrictions. Prospective clinical trials were included if cupping was tested as the sole treatment or as an adjunct to other conventional treatments for stroke rehabilitation. We found 43 potentially relevant articles, of which 5 studies including 3 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 2 uncontrolled observational studies (UOSs) met our inclusion criteria. Cupping was compared with acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and warm needling. Some superior effects of cupping were found in two of the RCTs when compared to acupuncture in hemiplegic shoulder pain and high upper-limb myodynamia after stroke. The other RCT failed to show favorable effects of cupping when compared to acupuncture and warm needling in patients with hemiplegic hand edema. The two UOSs reported favorable effects of cupping on aphasia and intractable hiccup after stroke. There are not enough trials to provide evidence for the effectiveness of cupping for stroke rehabilitation because most of the included trials compared the effects with unproven evidence and were not informative. Future RCTs seem warranted but must overcome the methodological shortcomings of the existing evidence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study aimed to describe and assess the current evidence in systematic reviews on cupping therapy for various conditions. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and six Korean databases for systematic reviews of trials on cupping treatments for any condition published prior to March 2021. We used a bubble plot to graphically display the clinical topics, the number of articles, the number of participants in the total population, confidence, and effectiveness. Thirteen systematic reviews that met the inclusion criteria were included in the evidence map, and 16 bubbles were created. The findings from six reviews showed potential benefits of cupping for conditions such as low back pain, ankylosing spondylitis, knee osteoarthritis, neck pain, herpes zoster, migraine, plaque psoriasis, and chronic urticaria. Cupping has been applied in a variety of clinical areas, and systematic reviews in a few of these areas have demonstrated statistically significant benefits. The evidence map provides a visual overview of cupping research volume and findings. Evidence mapping can facilitate the transfer of knowledge from researchers to policymakers and promote research on musculoskeletal pain (such as low back pain, neck pain, and knee osteoarthritis) and skin disease (plaque psoriasis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces a transform, called the rounding transform (RT). Function of the transform; Information on the lossless pyramid structured coding which the RT can be applied to; Comparison of the RT to other transforms; Performance and simulation results of the RT.

The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project was proposed by the National Institute of Mental Health in 2010 to create a new diagnostic system including symptoms and data from genetics, neuroscience, physiology, and self-reports. The purpose of this study was to determine the link between anxiety and executive functions through quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) based on the RDoC system. Nineteen-channel EEGs were recorded at the psychiatric clinic from 41 patients with symptoms of anxiety. The EEG power spectra were analysed. The Executive Intelligence Test (EXIT) including the K-WAIS-IV, Stroop, controlled oral word association, and the design fluency tests were performed. A partial, inversed, and significant association was observed between executive intelligence quotient (EIQ) and the absolute delta power in the central region. Similarly, a partial, inversed, and significant association was observed between design fluency and the absolute delta power in the left parietal area. Our findings suggest that the increase in delta power in the central region and left P3 was negatively correlated with the decrease in executive function. It is expected that the absolute delta power plays a specific role in the task-negative default mode network in the relationship between anxiety and executive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: AlN-substituted in Y3Al5O12: Ce3+ phosphor was synthesized to improve the phosphor efficiency of phosphor-converted white light emitting diodes. The photoluminescence properties of AlN-substitued for Al2O3 in Y3Al5O12: Ce3+ phosphor showed excellent green to yellow emission intensity under 460nm. The highest emission intensity was observed at an AlN concentration of 0.3mol and a Ce3+ concentration in the optimized flux of 0.20mol. The green to yellow emitting AlN-substituted in Y3Al5O12: Ce3+ phosphor can be applied to white LEDs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The objective of this review is to assess the clinical evidence for or against cupping as a treatment for hypertension. We searched the literature using 15 databases from their inception to 30 June 2009, without language restrictions. We included all clinical trials (CTs) of cupping to treat hypertension in human patients. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane criteria. Two CTs met all inclusion criteria. One RCT (randomized CT) assessed the effectiveness of dry cupping on changes in cerebral vascular function compared with drug therapy. Their results suggested significant effect in favor of cupping on vascular compliance and degree of vascular filling. One uncontrolled observational study (UOS) tested wet cupping for acute hypertension and found that a one-time treatment reduced blood pressure. In conclusion, the evidence is not significantly convincing to suggest cupping is effective for treating hypertension. Further research is required to investigate whether it generates any specific effects for that condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The excessive use of smartphones for social interaction is associated with mental health. However, few studies have considered the purpose of smartphone usage and screen time together. Therefore, we investigated the impact of smartphone purpose and screen time on mental health using data from the 2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS). Participants and Methods: A total of 54,243 adolescents answered items on purpose and screen time of smartphone use, stress perception, sleep dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, and suicide-related indicators. The purpose of smartphone usage was categorized as social interaction and non-social interaction, and the daily smartphone screen time was classified into three categories: < 2 hours, ≥ 2 hours but < 4 hours, ≥ 4 hours per day. Results: We determined that, on weekdays, stress perception, sleep satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and suicide-related indicators worsened in both groups that used smartphones for ≥ 4 hours per day. When using smartphone for ≥ 2 hours but < 4 hours per day on weekdays, depending on the smartphone use purpose, mental health outcomes differed between the two groups. On weekends, using smartphones for ≥ 2 hours but < 4 hours per day worsened sleep satisfaction but decreased suicide-related indicators in both groups. Mental health outcomes improved when participants used smartphones for ≥ 2 hours but < 4 hours per day but worsened when smartphones were used for ≥ 4 hours per day on weekends. Conclusion: Recommended screen time of smartphone is different depending on the purpose of smartphone use, and the risk of uncontrolled usage is emphasized, rather than the absolute screen time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is worldwide interest in the mental health of firefighters, since they are more prone to exposure to traumatic stress and psychiatric disorders. Aims: This study aimed to assess their mental health and provide individualized support to local firefighters through a mental health promotion program. Method: Eighteen hundred and fifty-nine active Korean firefighters in 2015 and 2017 (502 and 1,357, respectively) participated in the 'Visiting Counselling Centre for Firefighters' program commissioned by the National Fire Agency. The program consisted of self-administered questionnaires, a group education session, an individual counseling session for every participant, four counseling sessions for certain participants and additional brief intensive counseling (BIC). We administered the Post-traumatic stress disorder Checklist (PCL), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Scale for Suicidal ideation (BSS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Korean version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-K) and the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) before and after the program. Additional analysis was performed to determine whether BIC participation further improved the psychopathological outcome. Results: The participants showed meaningful improvement in all psychopathological scales; the PCL, BDI, BAI, BSS, ISI, AUDIT-K and WHOQOL-BREF scores all significantly improved. Meanwhile, BIC participation improved certain psychopathological symptoms at a higher degree; the BDI, BAI, BSS and AUDIT-K scores significantly improved. Conclusion: The mental health promotion program improved the mental health of the participating active firefighters in Korea. Meanwhile, BIC participation improved certain psychopathological symptoms at a higher degree. A comprehensive approach for supporting the mental health of firefighters should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of abundance, or population size, is fundamental in wildlife conservation and management. Camera-trapping, in combination with capture-recapture methods, has been extensively applied to estimate abundance and density of individually identifiable animals due to the advantages of being non-invasive, effective to survey wide-ranging, elusive, or nocturnal species, operating in inhospitable environment, and taking low labor. We assessed the possibility of using coat patterns from images to identify an individual leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a Class II endangered species in South Korea. We analyzed leopard cat images taken from Digital Single-Lense Relfex camera (high resolution, 18Mpxl) and camera traps (low resolution, 3.1Mpxl) using HotSpotter, an image matching algorithm. HotSpotter accurately top-ranked an image of the same individual leopard cat with the reference leopard cat image 100% by matching facial and ventral parts. This confirms that facial and ventral fur patterns of the Amur leopard cat are good matching points to be used reliably to identify an individual. We anticipate that the study results will be useful to researchers interested in studying behavior or population parameter estimates of Amur leopard cats based on capture-recapture models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "The Influence of Comorbid Problematic Internet Use on Quantitative Electroencephalography Deviances in Boys With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" by Jun Won Kim and Tae Young Choi is presented.

Theta-phase gamma-amplitude coupling (TGC) was used as an evidence-based tool to reflect the dysfunctional cortico-thalamic interaction in patients with schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of TGC. The subjects included 90 patients with schizophrenia and 90 healthy controls. We compared the TGC results between the groups using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to adjust for age and sex and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses to examine the discrimination ability of delta to gamma frequency bands and TGC. Patients with schizophrenia showed a significant increase in the resting-state TGC at all 19 electrodes. The analysis of the ROC curves for each frequency band exhibited relatively low classification accuracies for the delta, theta, slow alpha, fast alpha, and beta power. The TGC generated the most accurate results among the electroencephalography (EEG) measures, with an overall classification accuracy of 92.5%. The resting-state TGC value was increased in patients with schizophrenia compared to that in healthy controls and had a higher discriminating ability than the other parameters. These findings may be related to the compensatory hyper-arousal patterns of the dysfunctional default-mode network (DMN) in schizophrenia. Therefore, resting-state TGC is a promising neurophysiological marker of schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The high comorbidity rates of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and gaming disorder (GD) with other psychiatric disorders are concerning. A follow‐up study of gamers from clinical and nonclinical samples with and without diagnoses of IGD or GD was conducted to investigate the changes in diagnoses over a 1‐year period, compare their diagnostic stability, and examine the patterns of co‐occurrence between IGD and GD with other psychiatric disorders over the same period. Methods: Baseline and 1‐year follow‐up data of 279 participants, including 120 problematic gaming patients and 159 gamers from the general population, were analyzed. Information on demographics, gaming habits, and self‐reported psychological status was collected. Additionally, a structured interview was conducted using the Gaming Diagnostic Interview and the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Results: Although there was no significant difference between the changes in IGD/GD diagnosis during the 1‐year period, 34.7% of the participants had a change in IGD diagnosis, while the number of GD cases increased to 60.4%. When evaluating the fixed effects of comorbidity on IGD and GD, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder had the highest odds ratio for both IGD (75.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.67–530.61) and GD (117.02 × 106; 95% CI, 2.23 × 106–6132.64 × 106). Conclusion: These results reveal that a GD diagnosis might be more prone to change than an IGD diagnosis. GD was also found to be more affected by comorbid psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few studies have assessed outcomes associated with the use of traditional medicine therapies to manage infertility in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of and infertility treatment effects among patients who visited a Korean medicine (KM) clinic to aid in achieving pregnancy. This study consisted of a 10-year analysis of patient records from a KM clinic. Methods: A retrospective 10-year (2010– 2020) chart analysis was performed using the medical records of infertile patients who visited a KM clinic in South Korea for fertility treatment (ICD-10, infertility symptoms: 59 codes). Results: Of the 6194 patients who visited the clinic during the selected time frame, 1786 were female patients seeking fertility treatment to achieve pregnancy. Among the 1786 infertile women, 586 women succeeded in becoming pregnant (32.8%). Among the 586 patients who became pregnant, 476 women had received KM, 92 had been treated using KM and in vitro fertilization (IVF), and 18 had received KM and undergone intrauterine insemination (IUI). The live birth rates achieved with these treatments were 66.0%, 68.8%, and 66.7%, respectively. The most frequently prescribed medicines were Gamiboher-tang (Jiaweiwuxu-tang), Gamiguibi-tang (Jiaweiguipi-tang), and Gamidanggui-san (Jiaweidanggui-san). Additionally, the most frequent adjunct therapies administered to these patients were acupuncture and moxibustion. Conclusion: Infertility therapies using KM may be a successful option to treat infertility when used alone or in addition to IVF and IUI. However, further pharmacological investigations and clinical trials are required to ensure the objectivity of the efficacy evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]