Objectives: This study aimed to assess the health rights of inmates in correctional facilities from the perspective of unmet needs and to explore institutional improvement plans that could yield substantial qualitative and quantitative advancements.

Methods: Data on capacity and actual occupancy, external and internal medical services, the number of inmates with mental health conditions, and cell area were obtained from the Ministry of Justice. Overall, 1,057 inmates were surveyed, representing 1.84% of the total inmate population of 57,560 as of September 30, 2016. A structured questionnaire was distributed to these inmates, and upon collection, the responses were analyzed. Furthermore, a request was submitted to the Ministry of Justice to survey the status of healthcare personnel and medical services across 52 correctional facilities nationwide.

Results: Between 2014 and 2015, the Ministry of Justice in South Korea allocated approximately 14 to 22 billion Korean won for healthcare services in correctional facilities. The major facilities with the most inmates with mental health conditions had 160 such inmates in 2014 and 161 in 2015. Overcrowding and insufficient cooling pose ongoing health risks. Inmates face challenges accessing medical care, with unmet needs for dental and psychiatric services.

Conclusion: Strategies to improve inmates’ health rights include establishing a primary healthcare system, improving governance, alleviating overcrowding, and introducing mental health programs. Emphases are placed on managing severe illnesses such as cancer, strengthening emergency care, and ensuring oversight by the National Human Rights Commission. Regular education of prison staff is also recommended to improve inmate health management.

This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes. The analysis includes the expansion in the number of centers, the transfer of responsibilities to local governments, and the launch of significant projects such as the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS ). During the initial phase (May 2007–February 2009), the 10 centers concentrated on research-driven activities, shifting from a media-centered to a receptor-centered approach. In the second phase, prompted by the enactment of the Environmental Health Act, six additional centers were established, broadening their scope to address national environmental health issues. The third phase introduced Ko-CHENS, a 20-year national cohort project designed to influence environmental health policy by integrating research findings into policy frameworks. The fourth phase marked a decentralization of authority, empowering local governments and redefining the centers' roles to focus on regional environmental health challenges. The Regional Environmental Health Centers have significantly evolved and now play a crucial role in addressing local environmental health issues and supporting local government policies. Their capacity to adapt and respond to region-specific challenges is essential for the effective implementation of environmental health policies, reflecting geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic differences.

The loss of occlusal vertical dimension due to multiple tooth loss and wear can lead to a collapsed occlusion, resulting in both functional and aesthetic problems.This case report describes a patient exhibiting mandibular prognathism as a result of vertical dimension loss. A comprehensive oral rehabilitation involving an increase in vertical dimension was required. A minimal number of implants were placed, and implant-supported surveyed crowns were fabricated, allowing for the design of a stable and retentive implant-assisted removable partial denture. The treatment resulted in both functional and aesthetic improvements. The anterior rotational pattern of the mandible was alleviated, and the implant-assisted partial denture provided clinically high levels of patient satisfaction. This case report details the diagnostic and therapeutic processes involved in this treatment.

Crossbite refers to a condition where there are remaining teeth, but none of the teeth are in occlusal contact, resulting in the loss of vertical support. When posterior vertical stop is lost, it is important to appropriately restore this support and create a harmonious occlusal plane. In this case, the patient had lost posterior support but declined surgical intervention due to a history of osteoporosis and the associated risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). To restore the vertical space required for prosthetic rehabilitation, the vertical dimension was increased. The missing posterior teeth were replaced using removable partial dentures. Cross-mounting was performed, and the metal copings of the surveyed crowns and the framework of the final removable partial denture were 3D printed. After the treatment was completed, the patient expressed satisfaction with both functions and aesthetics. Regular follow-ups were conducted to monitor oral hygiene and occlusal stability.

Purpose: This study elucidates the mechanism of the physiological effect of cannabidiol (CBD) by assessing its impact on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RWPE-1 cells and prostatitis-induced by 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone in a rat model, focusing on its therapeutic potential for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Materials and Methods: RWPE-1 cells were stratified in vitro into three groups: (1) controls, (2) cells with LPS-induced inflammation, and (3) cells with LPS-induced inflammation and treated with CBD. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and western blots were performed on cellular components and supernatants after administration of CBD. Five groups of six Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned: (1) control, (2) CP/CPPS, (3) CP/CPPS and treated with 50 mg/kg CBD, (4) CP/CPPS and treated with 100 mg/kg CBD, and (5) CP/CPPS and treated with 150 mg/kg CBD. Prostatitis was induced through administration of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone. After four weeks of CBD treatment, a pain index was evaluated, and prostate tissue was collected for subsequent histologic examination and western blot analysis. Results: CBD demonstrated efficacy in vivo for CP/CPPS and in vitro for inflammation. It inhibited the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)uclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, reducing expression of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) (p<0.01). CBD exhibited analgesic effects by activating and desensitizing the TRPV1 receptor. Conclusions CBD inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB pathway by activating the CB2 receptor, desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor, and decreases the release of COX2. This results in relief of inflammation and pain in patients with CP/CPPS, indicating CBD as a potential treatment for CP/CPPS.

Background: High-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) is a crucial assessment tool for diagnosing Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome. This study aimed to analyze differences of lung cysts between BHD and other cystic lung diseases. Methods: From January 2020 to December 2022, patients with multiple lung cysts who underwent chest CT at Gangnam Severance Hospital were included. Results: Over a 3-year period (from January 2020 to December 2022), out of 52,823 patients who underwent a chest CT scan, 301 (0.6%) patients with multiple lung cysts were enrolled in this study. Of enrolled patients, 24 (8.0%) were diagnosed with BHD. In patients with BHD, 95.8% exhibited bilateral cysts, and 83.3% showed basal predominance. The cysts’ maximal diameter averaged 32.1 mm (interquartile range, 26.5 to 43.5). Additionally, 95.8% of patients with BHD had diverse cyst sizes and morphologies. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that bilateral cysts (odds ratio [OR], 12.393; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.613 to 274.682; p=0.038), basal predominance (OR, 8.511; 95% CI, 2.252 to 39.392; p=0.002), maximum diameter (OR, 1.053; 95% CI, 1.009 to 1.108; p=0.032), and diversity of morphology (OR, 19.513; 95% CI, 2.833 to 398.119; p=0.010) were significant factors associated with BHD diagnosis. A multivariate prediction model for BHD diagnosis demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.83%, a specificity of 81.22%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.951 (95% CI, 0.914 to 0.987). Conclusion Distinguishing features of lung cysts from other cystic lung diseases include bilateral cysts, basal dominance, large size, and irregular shape.

Connective tissue disease (CTD), comprising a range of autoimmune disorders, is often accompanied by lung involvement, which can lead to life-threatening complications. The primary types of CTDs that manifest as interstitial lung disease (ILD) include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, Sjögren’s syndrome, mixed CTD, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, and systemic lupus erythematosus. CTD-ILD presents a significant challenge in clinical diagnosis and management due to its heterogeneous nature and variable prognosis. Early diagnosis through clinical, serological, and radiographic assessments is crucial for distinguishing CTD-ILD from idiopathic forms and for implementing appropriate therapeutic strategies. Hence, we have reviewed the multiple clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches for each type of CTD-ILD, acknowledging the diversity and complexity of the disease. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in optimizing the management of CTD-ILD is emphasized by recent therapeutic advancements, which include immunosuppressive agents, antifibrotic therapies, and newer biological agents targeting specific pathways involved in the pathogenesis. Therapeutic strategies should be customized according to the type of CTD, the extent of lung involvement, and the presence of extrapulmonary manifestations. Additionally, we aimed to provide clinical guidance, including therapeutic recommendations, for the effective management of CTD-ILD, based on patient, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) analysis.

Background: This study aimed to determine whether a shorter high-dose rifampicin regimen is non-inferior to the standard 6-month tuberculosis regimen. Methods: This multicenter, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial enrolled participants with respiratory specimen positivity by Xpert MTB/RIF assay or Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture without rifampicin-resistance. Participants were randomized at 1:1 to the investigational or control group. The investigational group received high-dose rifampicin (30 mg/kg/day), isoniazid, and pyrazinamide until culture conversion, followed by high-dose rifampicin and isoniazid for 12 weeks. The control group received the standard 6-month regimen. The primary outcome was the rate of unfavorable outcomes at 18 months post-randomization. The non-inferiority margin was set at <6% difference in unfavorable outcomes rates. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04485156) Results: Between 4 November 2020 and 3 January 2022, 76 participants were enrolled. Of these, 58 were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis. Unfavorable outcomes occurred in 10 (31.3%) of 32 in the control group and 10 (38.5%) of 26 in the investigational group. The difference was 7.2% (95% confidence interval, ∞ to 31.9%), failing to prove non-inferiority. Serious adverse events and grade 3 or higher adverse events did not differ between the groups. Conclusion The shorter high-dose rifampicin regimen failed to demonstrate non-inferiority but had an acceptable safety profile.

Purpose: Smoking may have a protective role in developing ulcerative colitis (UC) but have the opposite effect on Crohn’s disease (CD). This study aimed to determine the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) according to smoking status and onset age of smoking. Materials and Methods: We collected data on the smoking experiences of participants aged 20–39 years who underwent biannual examinations provided by the Korean National Health Screening Program from 2009 to 2012. IBD diagnosis was identified using the National Health Insurance Service. The risk of IBD according to smoking status and onset age of smoking was analyzed after adjusting for major clinical variables. Results: During a median 10.59-year follow-up, the risk of UC in ex-smokers was significantly higher than that in non-smokers, and the earlier ex-smokers started smoking, the higher risk of UC [ex-smokers whose onset age of smoking was <20 years, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.928, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.649–2.255; 20–24 years, aHR 1.728, 95% CI=1.541–1.939; 25–29 years, aHR 1.676, 95% CI=1.489–1.887; ≥30 years, aHR 1.226, 95% CI=1.010–1.486]. The risk of UC was significantly lower in current smokers whose onset age of smoking was 25–29 years than in non-smokers (aHR 0.825, 95% CI=0.709–0.959). The risk of CD did not differ according to smoking status and onset age of smoking. Conclusion Ex-smokers who started smoking at a young age have a high risk of UC, even after adjusting for the smoking amount.

Background and Objectives: Hearing loss significantly affects communication, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life. This study analyzes the National Health Insurance Service database to assess the trends and characteristics of hearing loss in South Korea from 2010 to 2020.Subjects and Method The database encompasses 97% of the Korean population, providing comprehensive data on medical history, prescriptions, and health examinations. The analysis used the World Health Organization’s ICD-10 definitions to categorize hearing loss types and examine their prevalence and incidence across various demographics over 11 years. Results: There was an overall annual increase of 4.62% in diagnosed cases of hearing loss, with the most significant rise among the elderly. The rate of increase accelerated from 3.32% between 2010 and 2014 to 6.49% between 2014 and 2020, corresponding with the improved hearing aid access facilitated by policy changes. Women showed a slightly higher increase than men. The data also indicated a consistent rise in abnormal hearing test results during health examinations, especially in older adults. Conclusion The study highlights an increasing trend in hearing loss diagnoses, driven by an aging population and enhanced detection facilitated by policy changes. These findings emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and targeted health policies to manage hearing loss effectively, offering valuable insights for global health management and policy development.