OBJECTIVE: To obtain reference values of bone mineral density (BMD) for Filipino women in order to make a population-specific diagnosis of osteoporosis.
SETTING: Osteoporosis Unit, Joint and Bone Center, Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, Philippines.
PARTICIPANTS: 442 healthy Filipino women volunteers recruited from the outpatient department, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Clinic of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital and from within the University of Santo Tomas campus. Subjects with known underlying illness or conditions or intake of drugs that predispose to osteoporosis were excluded from the study.
INTERVENTION: Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, expressed in grams per square centimenter of the lumbar spine, non-dominant femur and non-dominant forearm were done in 442 consecutive healthy Filipino women using the LUNAR DPX-IQ machine.
RESULTS: Means and standard deviations of BMD measurements at each site were calculated using Kwikstat software Version 3.6, Release 7. Results were grouped in decades to serve as reference per decade.
CONCLUSION: BMD of these 442 healthy Filipino women may serve as an initial reference guide for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in Filipino women.

Human ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Osteoporosis ; Femur ; Forearm ; Chronic Pain ; Delivery Of Health Care ; Bone Density ; Body Mass Index

OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological evidence of associations between ambient particulate matter (PM) and tuberculosis (TB) risk is accumulating. Two previous studies in Korea found associations between air pollution—especially sulfur dioxide (SO2)—and TB. In this study, we conducted an annual time-series cross-sectional study to assess the effect of PM with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM10) on TB risk in seven major cities of Korea from 2010 to 2016, taking into account time lag and long-term cumulative exposure. METHODS: Age-standardized TB notification rates were derived using the Korea National TB Surveillance System. Annual average PM10 concentrations were obtained from annual Korean air quality reports. We applied a generalized linear mixed model with unconstrained distributed lags of exposure to PM10. We adjusted for potential confounders such as age, health behaviors, and area-level characteristics. RESULTS: Both average annual PM10 concentrations and age-standardized TB notification rates decreased over time. The association between cumulative exposure to PM10 and TB incidence became stronger as a longer exposure duration was considered. An increase of one standard deviation (5.63 μg/m3) in PM10 exposure for six years was associated with a 1.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.17 to 1.22) times higher TB notification rate. The marginal association of exposure duration with the TB notification rate was highest at four and five years prior to TB notification. This association remained consistent even after adjusting it for exposure to SO2. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that cumulative exposure to PM10 may affect TB risk, with a potential lag effect.

OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological evidence of associations between ambient particulate matter (PM) and tuberculosis (TB) risk is accumulating. Two previous studies in Korea found associations between air pollution—especially sulfur dioxide (SO2)—and TB. In this study, we conducted an annual time-series cross-sectional study to assess the effect of PM with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM10) on TB risk in seven major cities of Korea from 2010 to 2016, taking into account time lag and long-term cumulative exposure. METHODS: Age-standardized TB notification rates were derived using the Korea National TB Surveillance System. Annual average PM10 concentrations were obtained from annual Korean air quality reports. We applied a generalized linear mixed model with unconstrained distributed lags of exposure to PM10. We adjusted for potential confounders such as age, health behaviors, and area-level characteristics. RESULTS: Both average annual PM10 concentrations and age-standardized TB notification rates decreased over time. The association between cumulative exposure to PM10 and TB incidence became stronger as a longer exposure duration was considered. An increase of one standard deviation (5.63 μg/m3) in PM10 exposure for six years was associated with a 1.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.17 to 1.22) times higher TB notification rate. The marginal association of exposure duration with the TB notification rate was highest at four and five years prior to TB notification. This association remained consistent even after adjusting it for exposure to SO2. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that cumulative exposure to PM10 may affect TB risk, with a potential lag effect.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effect of different materials and techniques on the shear bond strength of veneering ceramic materials to zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 136 sintered zirconia cubes were prepared and randomly divided into four study groups according to corresponding methods of surface treatment and materials: GLN (grinding followed by laser scanning using Noritake Cerabien ZR), SLN (sandblasting followed by laser scanning using Noritake Cerabien ZR), GLV (grinding followed by laser scanning using VITA VM 9), and SLV (sandblasting followed by laser scanning using VITA VM 9). Spraying technique was performed to coat the core. Profilometer, SEM, XRD, EDS, universal testing machine, and stereomicroscope were used to record surface roughness Ra, surface morphology, phase transformation, elemental compositions, shear bond strength SBS values, and failure types, respectively. Specimens were investigated in unaged (not immersed in artificial saliva) and aged (stored in artificial saliva for a month) conditions to evaluate SBS values. RESULTS: Grinding and GLN as first and second surface treatments provided satisfactory Ra values in both conditions (1.05 ± 0.24 µm, 1.30 ± 0.21 µm) compared to sandblasting and other groups (P < .05). The group GLN showed the highest SBS values in both conditions (30.97 ± 3.12 MPa, 29.09 ± 4.17 MPa), while group SLV recorded the lowest (23.96 ± 3.60 MPa, 22.95 ± 3.68 Mpa) (P < .05). Sandblasting showed phase transformation from t-m. Mixed failure type was the commonest among all groups. CONCLUSION: GLN showed to be a reliable method which provided satisfactory bond strength between the veneer ceramic and zirconia. This method might preserve the integrity of fixed dental crowns.
Ceramics ; Crowns ; Methods ; Saliva, Artificial

Purpose: This study examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in South Korean children and adolescents by gender and age and analyzed gender-specific factors associated with MetS. Methods: This study used data on children aged 10~18 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2010 to 2015. Analyses included descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, the x2 test, and univariate logistic regression analysis (p<.050). Results: The prevalence of MetS was 4.8% in boys and 3.4% in girls. The prevalence was higher in girls up to the age of 12, but higher in boys who were 13 or older. Abdominal obesity was frequent in girls, whereas low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and elevated blood pressure were more common in boys. Higher body mass index, waist-to-height ratio, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL-C, perceived "fat" body shape, and weight loss efforts were associated with MetS in both genders. Increasing age, having one meal per day, and weight maintenance were associated factors unique to boys. Fasting plasma glucose, familial medical history of low HDL-C, and perceived "thin" body shape were associated factors in girls. Conclusion Gender and age differences should be considered in the risk assessment and prevention of MetS.

Objectives: This study explored the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on psychosocial stress in prime working-age individuals in Korea, focusing on gender inequalities. We hypothesized that the impact of COVID-19 on mental health would differ by age and gender, with younger women potentially demonstrating heightened vulnerability relative to men. Methods: The study involved data from the Korea Community Health Survey and included 319 592 adults aged 30 years to 49 years. We employed log-binomial regression analysis, controlling for variables including age, education, employment status, marital status, and the presence of children. The study period included 3 phases: the period prior to the COVID-19 outbreak (pre–COVID-19), the early pandemic, and the period following the introduction of vaccinations (post-vaccination). Results: The findings indicated that women were at a heightened risk of psychosocial stress during the early pandemic (relative risk [RR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98 to 1.05) and post-vaccination period (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.10) compared to men. This pattern was prominent in urban women aged 30-34 years (pre–COVID-19: RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10; early pandemic: RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.25; post-vaccination period, RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.31). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted unequal impacts on psychosocial stress among prime working-age individuals in Korea, with women, particularly those in urban areas, experiencing a heightened risk. The findings highlight the importance of addressing gender-specific needs and implementing appropriate interventions to mitigate the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic.

OBJECTIVESeasonal variation in blood pressure had been observed in several studies on Western populations, but uncertainty remains about the strength of the relationship in other populations and the extent to which it was modified by other factors.

METHODSThis study was based on cross-sectional data from the China Kadoorie Biobank study with 53 260 men and women from the Suzhou area involved. Linear regression model was used to analyze the association of blood pressure with outdoor temperature-overall and in various subgroups.

RESULTSBlood pressure varied with the seasons, ascending in winter and descending in summer. The difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) between summer and winter was 8.8 mm Hg in men and 7.0 mm Hg in women. SBP was inversely correlated with outdoor temperature, especially above 10°C, with every 10°C colder temperature causing 6.1 mm Hg increase of SBP. The seasonal variation in SBP was more obviously seen in older people and in those with lower body mass index.

CONCLUSIONBlood pressure was strongly and inversely associated with outdoor temperature in the population in Suzhou area. Seasonal variation of blood pressure should be considered when the hypertension screening programs, clinical management and data management on hypertensive patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Pressure ; physiology ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Seasons ; Temperature

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus associated with severe neurological disorders including Guillain-Barré syndrome and microcephaly. The host innate immune responses against ZIKV infection are essential for protection; however, ZIKV has evolved strategies to evade and antagonize antiviral responses via its nonstructural (NS) proteins. Here, we demonstrated that ZIKV infection unexpectedly inhibits NLRP3-dependent inflammasome activation in bone marrow-derived macrophages and mixed glial cells from mouse brain. ZIKV infection led to increased transcript levels of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6 via activating NF-κB signaling. However, ZIKV infection failed to trigger the secretion of active caspase-1 and IL-1β from macrophages and glial cells even in the presence of LPS priming or ATP costimulation. Intriguingly, ZIKV infection significantly attenuated NLRP3-dependent, but not absent in melanoma 2-dependent caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion from both cells. ZIKV infection further blocked apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain oligomerization in LPS/ATP-stimulated macrophages. Interestingly, expression of ZIKV NS3 protein reduced NLRP3-mediated caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion in macrophages, whereas NS1 and NS5 proteins showed no effects. Furthermore, NLRP3 was found to be degraded by the overexpression of ZIKV NS3 in 293T cells. Collectively, these results indicate that ZIKV evades host NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated innate immune responses in macrophages and glial cells; this may facilitate ZIKV's ability to enhance the replication and dissemination in these cells.
Adenosine Triphosphate ; Animals ; Brain ; Caspase 1 ; Cytokines ; Flavivirus ; Guillain-Barre Syndrome ; HEK293 Cells ; Immunity, Innate ; Inflammasomes ; Interleukin-6 ; Macrophages ; Melanoma ; Mice ; Microcephaly ; Nervous System Diseases ; Neuroglia ; Zika Virus

INTRODUCTION: Advanced breast cancer (ABC) remains common in Singapore. In 2019, 22.1% of breast cancer patients presented with ABC in our institution. Despite increasing affluence and the advent of national mammographic screening, the incidence of ABC has not changed significantly. This suggests inherent differences in women who present late. We aim to explore the socio-economic background, knowledge and attitudes of women who present with ABC. METHODS: Between December 2013 and July 2015, 100 patients who presented consecutively with ABC in a tertiary institution in Singapore were recruited to participate in an interviewer-led questionnaire exploring psychosocial and economic issues. RESULTS: Among the 100 patients, 63 and 37 presented with stages 3 and 4 breast cancer respectively. Median age was 57 (27-86), 52% had at least secondary education, 53% had no formal employment and 71% were married; 88% were aware of breast cancer symptoms, 82% were aware that mammography can help detect cancer, 82% believed that current treatment modality for breast cancer is effective, 96% had never undergone a mammography and 52.9% felt mammograms were unnecessary. A total of 64% presented symptomatic from the breast tumour, with a median duration of 3 months. Many of the patients were aware of breast cancer symptoms and the utility of mammography. However, a group of patients did not comply with screening. This may be due to poor understanding about breast screening and detection in its asymptomatic phase. CONCLUSION Further public education to improve understanding of breast cancer and screening mammography may help to improve rates for earlier detection of breast cancer.

Background: and Purpose Several studies have found that the prevalence of migraine is higher among healthcare professionals than in the general population. Furthermore, several investigations have suggested that the personal experiences of neurologists with migraine can influence their perception and treatment of the disease. This study assessed these relationships in Korea. Methods: A survey was used to investigate the following characteristics among neurologists:1) the prevalence rates of migraine, primary stabbing headache, and cluster headache, and 2) their perceptions of migraine and the pain severity experienced by patients, diagnosing migraine, evaluation and treatment patterns, and satisfaction and difficulties with treatment. Results: The survey was completed by 442 actively practicing board-certified Korean neurologists. The self-reported lifetime prevalence rates of migraine, migraine with aura, primary stabbing headache, and cluster headache were 49.8%, 12.7%, 26.7%, and 1.4%, respectively. Few of the neurologists used a headache diary or validated scales with their patients, and approximately half were satisfied with the effectiveness of preventive medications. Significant differences were observed between neurologists who had and had not experienced migraine, regarding certain perceptions of migraine, but no differences were found between these groups in the evaluation and preventive treatment of migraine. Conclusions The high self-reported lifetime prevalence rates of migraine and other primary headache disorders among Korean neurologists may indicate that these rates are underreported in the general population, although potential population biases must be considered. From the perspective of neurologists, there is an unmet need for the proper application of headache diaries, validated scales, and effective preventive treatments for patients. While the past experiences of neurologists with migraine might not influence how they evaluate or apply preventive treatments to migraine, they may influence certain perceptions of the disease.