PURPOSE: Infection of the external urogenital system with human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated in the development of genital cancer. We evaluated the prevalence of HPV types 6/11, 16 and 18 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the localization of HPV DNA by in situ hybridization. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 22 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the penis were analyzed. We used the PCR technique to evaluate type specific DNA sequences of unique E6 to E7 transforming regions of HPV. Also, we investigated the localization of HPV DNA by in situ hybridization in PCR positive cases. RESULTS: Overall, by PCR technique the detection rate for HPV DNA were 50% (11 of 22 cases). HPV DNA type 16 was detected in all positive specimen and type 6/11 in 5 cases, whereas type 18 could not be detected. All of HPV DNA type 6/11 positive specimens were also HPV DNA type 16 positive. Using in situ hybridization HPV DNA type 16 was detected in 2 (18.2%) from 11 specimens in which HPV DNA had already been detected by PCR, and HPV DNA type 16 was localized in the nuclei of scattered carcinoma cells. But, HPV DNA type 6/11 were not detected by in situ hybridization. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that HPV DNA type 16 is the type most commonly associated with penile carcinoma. But the result of high detection rate for HPV DNA type 6/11 seems to require further investigations.
Base Sequence ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; DNA* ; Humans* ; In Situ Hybridization* ; Male ; Penis* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Prevalence ; Urogenital System

Background: Recent studies have reported the burden of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], autism spectrum disorder [ASD], and depressive disorder. Also, there is mounting evidence on the effects of environmental factors, such as ambient air pollution, on these disorders among children and adolescents. However, few studies have evaluated the burden of mental disorders attributable to air pollution exposure in children and adolescents. Methods: We estimated the risk ratios of major mental disorders (ADHD, ASD, and depressive disorder) associated with air pollutants among children and adolescents using time-series data (2011–2019) obtained from a nationwide air pollution monitoring network and healthcare utilization claims data in the Republic of Korea. Based on the estimated risk ratios, we determined the population attributable fraction (PAF) and calculated the medical costs of major mental disorders attributable to air pollution. Results: A total of 33,598 patients were diagnosed with major mental disorders during 9 years. The PAFs for all the major mental disorders were estimated at 6.9% (particulate matter < 10 μm [PM10 ]), 3.7% (PM2.5 ), and 2.2% (sulfur dioxide [SO2 ]). The PAF of PM10 was highest for depressive disorder (9.2%), followed by ASD (8.4%) and ADHD (5.2%). The direct medical costs of all major mental disorders attributable to PM10 and SO2 decreased during the study period. Conclusion This study assessed the burden of major mental disorders attributable to air pollution exposure in children and adolescents. We found that PM10, PM2.5 , and SO2 attributed 7%, 4%, and 2% respectively, to the risk of major mental disorders among children and adolescents.

Background: Recent studies have reported the burden of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], autism spectrum disorder [ASD], and depressive disorder. Also, there is mounting evidence on the effects of environmental factors, such as ambient air pollution, on these disorders among children and adolescents. However, few studies have evaluated the burden of mental disorders attributable to air pollution exposure in children and adolescents. Methods: We estimated the risk ratios of major mental disorders (ADHD, ASD, and depressive disorder) associated with air pollutants among children and adolescents using time-series data (2011–2019) obtained from a nationwide air pollution monitoring network and healthcare utilization claims data in the Republic of Korea. Based on the estimated risk ratios, we determined the population attributable fraction (PAF) and calculated the medical costs of major mental disorders attributable to air pollution. Results: A total of 33,598 patients were diagnosed with major mental disorders during 9 years. The PAFs for all the major mental disorders were estimated at 6.9% (particulate matter < 10 μm [PM10 ]), 3.7% (PM2.5 ), and 2.2% (sulfur dioxide [SO2 ]). The PAF of PM10 was highest for depressive disorder (9.2%), followed by ASD (8.4%) and ADHD (5.2%). The direct medical costs of all major mental disorders attributable to PM10 and SO2 decreased during the study period. Conclusion This study assessed the burden of major mental disorders attributable to air pollution exposure in children and adolescents. We found that PM10, PM2.5 , and SO2 attributed 7%, 4%, and 2% respectively, to the risk of major mental disorders among children and adolescents.

Background: Recent studies have reported the burden of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], autism spectrum disorder [ASD], and depressive disorder. Also, there is mounting evidence on the effects of environmental factors, such as ambient air pollution, on these disorders among children and adolescents. However, few studies have evaluated the burden of mental disorders attributable to air pollution exposure in children and adolescents. Methods: We estimated the risk ratios of major mental disorders (ADHD, ASD, and depressive disorder) associated with air pollutants among children and adolescents using time-series data (2011–2019) obtained from a nationwide air pollution monitoring network and healthcare utilization claims data in the Republic of Korea. Based on the estimated risk ratios, we determined the population attributable fraction (PAF) and calculated the medical costs of major mental disorders attributable to air pollution. Results: A total of 33,598 patients were diagnosed with major mental disorders during 9 years. The PAFs for all the major mental disorders were estimated at 6.9% (particulate matter < 10 μm [PM10 ]), 3.7% (PM2.5 ), and 2.2% (sulfur dioxide [SO2 ]). The PAF of PM10 was highest for depressive disorder (9.2%), followed by ASD (8.4%) and ADHD (5.2%). The direct medical costs of all major mental disorders attributable to PM10 and SO2 decreased during the study period. Conclusion This study assessed the burden of major mental disorders attributable to air pollution exposure in children and adolescents. We found that PM10, PM2.5 , and SO2 attributed 7%, 4%, and 2% respectively, to the risk of major mental disorders among children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of an air quality warning system (AQWS) implemented in January 2015 in Korea by analyzing changes in the incidence and exacerbation rates of environmental diseases. METHODS: Data from patients with environmental diseases were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database from 2010 to 2019, and data on environmental risk factors were acquired from the AirKorea database. Patient and meteorological data were linked based on residential area. An interrupted time series analysis with Poisson segmented regression was used to compare the rates before and after AQWS introduction. Adjustment variables included seasonality, air pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter less than 10 μm in diameter, and ozone), temperature, and humidity. RESULTS: After AQWS implementation, the incidence of asthma gradually decreased by 20.5%. Cardiovascular disease and stroke incidence also significantly decreased (by 34.3 and 43.0%, respectively). However, no immediate or gradual decrease was identified in the exacerbation rate of any environmental disease after AQWS implementation. Sensitivity analyses were performed according to age, disability, and health insurance coverage type. Overall, the AQWS effectively mitigated the occurrence of most environmental diseases in Korea. However, the relationships between alarm system implementation and reduced incidence differed among diseases based on the characteristics of vulnerable and sensitive individuals. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that by tailoring the AQWS to demographic and sociological characteristics and providing enhanced education about the warning system, interventions can become an efficient policy tool to decrease air pollution-related health risks.

Background: Recent studies have reported the burden of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], autism spectrum disorder [ASD], and depressive disorder. Also, there is mounting evidence on the effects of environmental factors, such as ambient air pollution, on these disorders among children and adolescents. However, few studies have evaluated the burden of mental disorders attributable to air pollution exposure in children and adolescents. Methods: We estimated the risk ratios of major mental disorders (ADHD, ASD, and depressive disorder) associated with air pollutants among children and adolescents using time-series data (2011–2019) obtained from a nationwide air pollution monitoring network and healthcare utilization claims data in the Republic of Korea. Based on the estimated risk ratios, we determined the population attributable fraction (PAF) and calculated the medical costs of major mental disorders attributable to air pollution. Results: A total of 33,598 patients were diagnosed with major mental disorders during 9 years. The PAFs for all the major mental disorders were estimated at 6.9% (particulate matter < 10 μm [PM10 ]), 3.7% (PM2.5 ), and 2.2% (sulfur dioxide [SO2 ]). The PAF of PM10 was highest for depressive disorder (9.2%), followed by ASD (8.4%) and ADHD (5.2%). The direct medical costs of all major mental disorders attributable to PM10 and SO2 decreased during the study period. Conclusion This study assessed the burden of major mental disorders attributable to air pollution exposure in children and adolescents. We found that PM10, PM2.5 , and SO2 attributed 7%, 4%, and 2% respectively, to the risk of major mental disorders among children and adolescents.

Background and Objectives: Ambient particulate matter (PM) in real urban air pollution (RUA) is an environmental health risk factor associated with increased cardiac events. This study investigated the threshold level to induce arrhythmia, as well as arrhythmogenic mechanism of RUA that mainly consisted of PM <2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter close to ultrafine particles. Methods: RUA was artificially produced by a lately developed pyrolysis based RUA generator.C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: a control group (control, n=12) and three groups with exposure to RUA with the concentration of 200 µg/㎥ (n=12), 400 µg/㎥ (n=12), and 800 µg/㎥ (n=12). Mice were exposed to RUA at each concentration for 8 hr/day and 5 day/week to mimic ordinary human activity during 3 weeks. Results: The QRS and QTc intervals, as well as intracellular Ca2+ duration, apicobasal action potential duration (APD) gradient, fibrosis, and inflammation of left ventricle of mouse hearts were increased dose-dependently with the increase of RUA concentration, and significantly increased at RUA concentration of 400 µg/㎥ compared to control (all p<0.001). In mice exposed to RUA concentration of 800 µg/㎥ , spontaneous ventricular arrhythmia was observed in 42%, with significant increase of inflammatory markers, phosphorylated Ca2+ /calmodulindependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and phospholamban (PLB) compared to control. Conclusions RUA could induce electrophysiological changes such as APD and QT prolongation, fibrosis, and inflammation dose-dependently, with significant increase of ventricular arrhythmia at the concentration of 400 µg/㎥ . RUA concentration of 800 µg/㎥ increased phosphorylation of CaMKII and PLB.

Background and Objectives: Ambient particulate matter (PM) in real urban air pollution (RUA) is an environmental health risk factor associated with increased cardiac events. This study investigated the threshold level to induce arrhythmia, as well as arrhythmogenic mechanism of RUA that mainly consisted of PM <2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter close to ultrafine particles. Methods: RUA was artificially produced by a lately developed pyrolysis based RUA generator.C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups: a control group (control, n=12) and three groups with exposure to RUA with the concentration of 200 µg/㎥ (n=12), 400 µg/㎥ (n=12), and 800 µg/㎥ (n=12). Mice were exposed to RUA at each concentration for 8 hr/day and 5 day/week to mimic ordinary human activity during 3 weeks. Results: The QRS and QTc intervals, as well as intracellular Ca2+ duration, apicobasal action potential duration (APD) gradient, fibrosis, and inflammation of left ventricle of mouse hearts were increased dose-dependently with the increase of RUA concentration, and significantly increased at RUA concentration of 400 µg/㎥ compared to control (all p<0.001). In mice exposed to RUA concentration of 800 µg/㎥ , spontaneous ventricular arrhythmia was observed in 42%, with significant increase of inflammatory markers, phosphorylated Ca2+ /calmodulindependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), and phospholamban (PLB) compared to control. Conclusions RUA could induce electrophysiological changes such as APD and QT prolongation, fibrosis, and inflammation dose-dependently, with significant increase of ventricular arrhythmia at the concentration of 400 µg/㎥ . RUA concentration of 800 µg/㎥ increased phosphorylation of CaMKII and PLB.

OBJECTIVES: Gastric resection may predispose gallstone formation. However, the mechanism has not been clearly understood. To evaluate the relationship between gastric resection and gallstone formation, we compared gallbladder(GB) motility in gastrectomized patients and control subjects. METHODS: We compared the GB volume and ejection fraction of the 46 gastrectomized patients with 37 healthy controls using real time ultrasonography. RESULTS: GB volume increased significantly in the gastrectomized group in fasting (30.2 13.9 ml). The GB volume after a fatty meal was greater in the gastrectomized group (12.6 6.4 ml) than in the control group (4.3 3.3 ml) (p +ADw- 0.01). A significant reduction of ejection fraction was found in gastrectomized patients (56.9 13.0+ACU-) in comparison with the control group (75.5 16.1+ACU-) (p +ADw- 0.01). The GB ejection fraction had a poor correlation to the postoperative period (r +AD0- 0.232). CONCLUSION: A gastrectomy appears to be a risk factor of GB dysmotility, which may play a major role in gallstone formation in gastrectomized patients.
Adult ; Aged ; Cholelithiasis/ultrasonography ; Cholelithiasis/etiology+ACo- ; Comparative Study ; Eating ; Endosonography ; Fasting ; Female ; Gallbladder/ultrasonography ; Gallbladder/physiopathology+ACo- ; Gallbladder Emptying ; Gastrectomy/adverse effects+ACo- ; Gastrointestinal Motility ; Human ; Male ; Middle Age ; Probability ; Prospective Studies ; Reference Values ; Risk Assessment ; Stomach Neoplasms/surgery+ACo-

Purpose: To analyze the altered brain regions and intrinsic brain activity patterns in trauma-exposed firefighters without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Materials and Methods: Resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) was performed for all subjects. Thirty-one firefighters over 40 years of age without PTSD (31 men; mean age, 49.8 ± 4.7 years) were included. Twenty-six non-traumatized healthy controls (HCs) (26 men; mean age, 65.3 ± 7.84 years) were also included. Voxel-based morphometry was performed to investigate focal differences in the brain anatomy. Seed-based functional connectivity analysis was performed to investigate differences in spontaneous brain characteristics. Results: The mean z-scores of the Seoul Verbal Learning Test for immediate and delayed recall, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) score for animals, and COWAT phonemic fluency were significantly lower in the firefighter group than in the HCs, indicating decreased neurocognitive function. Compared to HCs, firefighters showed reduced gray matter volume in the left superior parietal gyrus and left inferior temporal gyrus. Further, in contrast to HCs, firefighters showed alterations in rsfMRI values in multiple regions, including the fusiform gyrus and cerebellum. Conclusion Structural and resting-state functional abnormalities in the brain may be useful imaging biomarkers for identifying alterations in trauma-exposed firefighters without PTSD.