Korean Society of Nephrology 2022 Recommendations on controversial issues in diagnosis and management of hyponatremia

The Korean Society for Electrolyte and Blood Pressure Research, in collaboration with the Korean Society of Nephrology, has published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) document for hyponatremia treatment. The document is based on an extensive evidence-based review of the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hyponatremia with the multidisciplinary participation of representative experts in hyponatremia with methodologist support for guideline development. This CPG consists of 12 recommendations (two for diagnosis, eight for treatment, and two for special situations) based on eight detailed topics and nine key questions. Each recommendation begins with statements graded by the strength of the recommendations and the quality of the evidence. Each statement is followed by rationale supporting the recommendations. The committee issued conditional recommendations in favor of rapid intermittent bolus administration of hypertonic saline in severe hyponatremia, the use of vasopressin receptor antagonists in heart failure with hypervolemic hyponatremia, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis with moderate to severe hyponatremia, the individualization of desmopressin use, and strong recommendation on the administration of isotonic fluids as maintenance fluid therapy in hospitalized pediatric patients. We hope that this CPG will provide useful recommendations in practice, with the aim of providing clinical support for shared decision-making to improve patient outcomes

Simultaneous determination of four bioactive compounds in Korean rice wine (makgeolli) by solvent extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine reported to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. We developed an approach involving solvent extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to determine four bioactive compounds, farnesol (FOH), squalene (SQ), and newly identified 4-vinyl guaiacol (4-VG) and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (DTBP), in makgeolli. The method was validated with the linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, intra- and inter-day precision, and accuracy. The validated method was then applied to several makgeolli, beer, and wine samples. 4-VG and DTBP were identified in all beverages, but FOH and SQ were only identified in makgeolli

Experiences of using clinical pathways in hospitals: Perspectives of quality improvement personnel

Abstract Aim This study aimed to explore the experiences of quality improvement personnel in implementing clinical pathways (CPs) in Korean hospitals. Design A qualitative study using focus‐group interviews was conducted with healthcare professionals in charge of CP development and management in hospitals. Methods Sixteen quality improvement personnel from eight tertiary and seven general hospitals were recruited using purposive sampling. The verbatim transcribed data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results Three key themes emerged: (1) the primary focus of CP development on surgeries through concerted efforts between management and frontline healthcare professionals; (2) CP fidelity management using indicators and feedback to relevant staff or departments; and (3) positive outcomes, despite concerns about system safety. The factors affecting CP use included availability of clinical evidence, flexibility of CPs, top management and clinical leadership, physicians' perceptions of CPs, computerized support systems, and external policies and regulations

Determination of 2-Propenal Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Coupled to Gas Chromatography–Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry as a Marker for Authentication of Unrefined Sesame Oil

Ascertaining the authenticity of the unrefined sesame oil presents an ongoing challenge. Here, the determination of 2-propenal was performed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) under mild temperature coupled to gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry, enabling the detection of adulteration of unrefined sesame oil with refined corn or soybean oil. Employing this coupled technique, 2-propenal was detected in all tested refined corn and soybean oils but not in any of the tested unrefined sesame oil samples. Using response surface methodology, the optimum extraction temperature, equilibrium time, and extraction time for the HS-SPME analysis of 2-propenal using carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber were determined to be 55°C, 15 min, and 15 min, respectively, for refined corn oil and 55°C, 25 min, and 15 min, respectively, for refined soybean oil. Under these optimized conditions, the adulteration of unrefined sesame oil with refined corn or soybean oils (1–5%) was successfully detected. The detection and quantification limits of 2-propenal were found to be in the range of 0.008–0.010 and 0.023–0.031 µg mL−1, respectively. The overall results demonstrate the potential of this novel method for the authentication of unrefined sesame oil