Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarrettes) were recently introduced and advertised as a smoking cession device in South Korea. As the social norm to quit smoking has gained hold in the country, the number of e-cigarette users is growing rapidly. This phenomenon should be urgently considered, because of the lack of research that has been conducted to examine the safety of e-cigarettes and its efficacy as a smoking cessation aid. This paper raises several public health concerns on e-cigarettes in South Korea. Uncertain regulations of the government on e-cigarettes are contributing to an increase of e-cigarette users and allowing the e-cigarette industry to circumvent existing regulations. The aggressive marketing activity of this industry is also a core factor that is responsible for the rapid increase of e-cigarette use, in particular among the youth. Following the enforcement of tobacco control, some cigarette smokers may be encouraged to purchase e-cigarettes in order to circumvent the regulations, even though the dual use of e-cigarette and cigarette may be more harmful. Until there is clear evidence of the e-cigarette's safety, it is recommended that the industry's marketing and promotional activities be banned and closely monitored, and public campaigns be initiated to educate the public regarding e-cigarettes.
Adult ; *Electronics ; Female ; *Government Regulation ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Nicotine ; Prevalence ; *Public Health Practice ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Safety ; Smoking/epidemiology/legislation & jurisprudence/*prevention & control ; Smoking Cessation/*legislation & jurisprudence ; Young Adult

Obesity is defined as a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of fat cells, which results in increased body weight.Worldwide, obesity is progressively on the rise, leading to an increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Obesity is a result of the interplay between genetic, metabolic, social, behavioral, and cultural factors, necessitating an interdisciplinary and multimodal management approach. Diet therapy, which includes dietary modifications and nutritional interventions, is a fundamental component of the multifaceted approach to managing obesity. The principle of diet therapy is based on achieving weight loss through a negative energy balance and maintaining weight through an equilibrium of energy intake and expenditure. Strategies for weight loss and control rely on caloric restriction, macronutrient distribution, and dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets. Recently, studies have been conducted on weight control using information and communication technology-based interventions, as well as interventions based on intestinal microorganisms which consider inter-individual variability and long-term adherence. In conclusion, diet therapy stands as a pivotal element in the management of obesity, providing a personalized and comprehensive approach to weight control. By combining evidence-based dietary strategies with behavioral modifications and consistent support, healthcare professionals can enable individuals to attain and sustain a healthier weight, thereby reducing related health risks.

The characteristics of metabolic pathways make them particularly amenable to layered graph drawing methods. This paper presents a visual Java-based tool for drawing and annotating biological pathways in twoand- a-half dimensions (2.5D) as an alternative to three dimensional (3D) visualizations. Such visualization allows user to display different groups of clustered nodes, in different parallel planes, and to see a detailed view of a group of objects in focus and its place in the context of the whole system. This tool is an extended version of J2dPathway.
Hypogonadism ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Ophthalmoplegia

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of colorectal carcinomas continues to rise in Korea due to the westernized life style. However, the precise colorectal carcinogenic mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The protein products of oncogenes and cancer suppressor genes play important roles in the carcinogenesis. The effects of the proteins are influenced by post-translational modifications as phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination. The aberrant sumoylation plays some roles in carcinogenesis. However, the expression pattern of small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO)-2/3 in the colorectal cancer has not been reported. We assessed the expression of SUMO-2/3 and evaluated the expression pattern in colorectal cancer. METHODS: The SUMO-2/3 expression was tested in one normal colon mucosal cell line and 5 colorectal cancer cell lines by Western blot. We collected 322 cases of colorectal cancer operated from January 2000 to December 2010 at Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital. We fabricated the tissue microarray and the expression of SUMO-2/3 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The results were analyzed with clinicopathologic parameters. RESULTS: The SUMO-2/3 was not expressed in the normal colon mucosal cell line. However, it was expressed highly in all the 5 colorectal cancer cell lines as the beta-actin. The SUMO-2/3 was expressed in 68.3% of the colorectal cancers and its expression was correlated with the pathological tumor stage stage (odds ratio, 2.89; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 7.55; P=0.031). CONCLUSION: The SUMO-2/3 plays some roles in carcinogenesis and progression of the colorectal cancer.
Acetylation ; Actins ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Colon ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Immunohistochemistry ; Incidence ; Korea ; Life Style ; Methylation ; Oncogenes ; Phosphorylation ; Protein Processing, Post-Translational ; Proteins ; Sumoylation ; Tissue Array Analysis ; Ubiquitin ; Ubiquitination

PURPOSE: One of the main subjects that burn researches are focused on is saving the zone of stasis. Platelet-rich plasma stimulates angiogenesis, promoting vascular in-growth and fibroblast proliferation. In addition, platelet-rich plasma functions as haemostatic agent by forming a fibrin clot. Also application of platelet-rich plasma enhances wound-healing in both soft and hard tissue. In this study, the effect of the platelet-rich plasma on the zone of stasis was evaluated. METHODS: Sixteen F344/N Slc Inbred Rats were used and randomly separated into four groups. Autologous platelet-rich plasma was harvested and applied to each group of burn wound model at different times. RESULTS: After 20 days, burn wounds of each group healed well. However, healing speed was different in each group. The group to which platelet-rich plasma was applied 4 hours after burn injury had healed about 1.38 times faster than control group. CONCLUSION: The results showed that platelet-rich plasma is an effective substance for saving the zone of stasis. It is not only well-known, but also easy to harvest and easy to use. Thus autologous platelet-rich plasma could be a valuable addition to existing burn treatment methods.
Animals ; Burns ; Fibrin ; Fibroblasts ; Platelet-Rich Plasma ; Rats ; Wound Healing

PURPOSE: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is a relatively rare tumor that originates from the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. It is generally known that this tumor easily recurs but can be successfully treated with a wide excision. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate postoperative outcomes and risk factors for recurrence in patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans who were treated at a single institution for 20 years. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 35 patients who had underwent surgery between June 1992, and September 2010. The patients were assessed in terms of predilection site and size of the tumor, the incidence according to sex, discrepancy between biopsy results and histopathological diagnosis of the surgical specimen, additional treatment after recurrence, recurrence rate and the time interval to recurrence. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, the depth and site of the tumor were significant risk factors for tumor recurrence. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in tumors occurring in the upper extremity than those occurring in other regions(p=0.0348). In addition, the recurrence rate was significantly higher in tumors with involvement of the fascia and the deeper structures(p=0.0324, odds ratio=6, relative risk=1.588). Since dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans has strong invasiveness, its tissue involvement is difficult to evaluate accurately. CONCLUSION: The results of this study shows that involvement of the fascia and the deeper structures and occurrence in the upper extremity were associated with tumor recurrence. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of these risk factors to achieve better treatment outcomes.
Biopsy ; Dermatofibrosarcoma ; Dermis ; Fascia ; Humans ; Incidence ; Medical Records ; Multivariate Analysis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Upper Extremity

Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by vertical transmission of Toxoplasma gondii from the mother during pregnancy. The road clinical spectrum of congenital toxoplasmosis ranges from stillbirth or death shortly after birth to survival with either cerebral damage or mild or subclinical disease, consisting usually of ocular involvement. Recently we experienced a neonate with congenital toxoplasmosis. The diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis was confirmed on the basis of clinical findings such as chorioretinitis, CT findings of multiple cerebral calcifications calcifications, hydrocephalus, and positive serologic test for toxoplasma IgM anti body. Therefore, we report our case with a review of related literature.
Chorioretinitis ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Immunoglobulin M ; Infant, Newborn* ; Mothers ; Parturition ; Pregnancy ; Serologic Tests ; Stillbirth ; Toxoplasma ; Toxoplasmosis, Congenital*

PURPOSE: Kabuki syndrome is a multiple malformation syndrome that was first reported in Japan. It is characterized by distinctive Kabuki-like facial features, skeletal anomalies, dermatoglyphic abnormalities, short stature, and mental retardation. We report two cases of Kabuki syndrome with the surgical intervention and speech evaluation. METHODS: Both patients had velopharyngeal insufficiency and had a superior based pharyngeal flap operation. The preoperative and postoperative speech evaluations were performed by a speech language pathologist. RESULTS: In case 1, hypernasality was reduced in spontaneous speech, and the nasalance scores in syllable repetitions were reduced to be within normal ranges. In case 2, hypernasality in spontaneous speech was reduced from severe level to moderate level and the nasalance scores in syllable repetitions were also reduced to be within normal ranges. CONCLUSION: The goal of this article is to raise awareness among plastic surgeons who may encounter such patients with unique facial features. This study shows that pharyngeal flap operation can successfully correct the velopharyngeal insufficiency in Kabuki syndrome and post operative speech therapy plays a role in reinforcing surgical result.
Abnormalities, Multiple ; Dermatoglyphics ; Face ; Hematologic Diseases ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability ; Japan ; Reference Values ; Speech Therapy ; Velopharyngeal Insufficiency ; Vestibular Diseases

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the parameters of bonding performance to root dentin, including push-out bond strength and dentinal tubular biomineralization, of a hydraulic bioceramic root-end filling material premixed with dimethyl sulfoxide (Endocem MTA Premixed) in comparison to a conventional powder-liquid–type cement (ProRoot MTA). Materials and Methods: The root canal of a single-rooted premolar was filled with either ProRoot MTA or Endocem MTA Premixed (n = 15). A slice of dentin was obtained from each root. Using the sliced specimen, the push-out bond strength was measured, and the failure pattern was observed under a stereomicroscope. The apical segment was divided into halves; the split surface was observed under a scanning electron microscope, and intratubular biomineralization was examined by observing the precipitates formed in the dentinal tubule. Then, the chemical characteristics of the precipitates were evaluated with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDS) analysis. The data were analyzed using the Student’s t-test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05). Results: No significant difference was found between the 2 tested groups in push-out bond strength, and cohesive failure was the predominant failure type. In both groups, flake-shaped precipitates were observed along dentinal tubules. The EDS analysis indicated that the mass percentage of calcium and phosphorus in the precipitate was similar to that found in hydroxyapatite. Conclusions Regarding bonding to root dentin, Endocem MTA Premixed may have potential for use as an acceptable root-end filling material.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of fascial sling operation conducted at multicenters in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 564 patients, who underwent fascial sling operation for stress urinary incontinence, between December 1996 and May 2001, at 10 institutions in Korea, were included in this study. They were all followed up for a period of at least 2 years. History taking, a physical examination, and urodynamic studies, including Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP), were conducted before the operation. Postoperative symptoms and satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire. The 269 (47.7%), 266 (47.2%) and 29 (5.1%) patients underwent operations with autologous rectus fascia, cadaveric allograft fascia and autologous fascia lata, respectively. RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 43.6 months, ranging from 24 to 77 months. Stress urinary incontinence was cured in 485 (86.0%) patients and improved in 31 (5.5%). In autologous fascia group, 252 (84.6%) patients were cured and 18 (6.0%) improved; whereas, in allograft fascia group 233 (87.6%) patients were cured and 13 (4.9%) improved. 253 (84.9%) patients with autologous fascia and 228 (85.7%) patients with allograft fascia were satisfied, making a total of 481 patients (85.3%) that were satisfied with the operation. According to the fascia length and preoperative VLPP value, there were no differences in the success and patient satisfaction rates. There were 197 (34.9%) patients with preoperative urge urinary incontinence, and 92 (46.7%) of these were either cured or improved postoperatively. However, de novo urge urinary incontinence was noted in 8 patients (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the long-term outcome of fascial sling operation for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence was satisfactory.
Allografts ; Cadaver ; Fascia ; Fascia Lata ; Female* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Korea* ; Patient Satisfaction ; Physical Examination ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urinary Incontinence* ; Urodynamics