Objective To investigate the protein and mRNA expression of HO-1 in the lung tissue of asthmatic rat and the correlation between the percentage of blood carbon monoxide Hb(COHb)and the expressions of HO-1 in the lung tissue of asthmatic rat.Methods Twenty Sprague-Dawley(SD)male rats were randomly divided into 2 groups,control group and asthma group.Each group had 10 rats.The assessment of the percentage content of blood carbon monoxide Hb(COHb)wag performed.The total cell number and differentiation cell numbers in bronchoalveolar lavge fluid(BALF)and the inflammatory cells of airway wall were counted,the protein expressions of HO-1 in airway wall wag detected with immunohistochemistry technique.and the mRNA expressions of HO-1 in airway wall was detected with RTPCR.Results The expression of HO-1 was mainly located in airway epithelium and macrophage.The percentage of the cells in which protein of HO-1was expressed were(5.03±1.22)%,(27.14±4.68)%in two groups.The optical densities of mRNA expression of HO-1 were 0.323±0.05,0.68±0.02.The percent content of blood carbon monoxide Hb(COHb)were(0.45±0.35)%,(3.89±1.15)%.The protein and mRNA expressions of HO-1 and the percent content of COHb in asthmatic group were higher than those of the control group (P＜0.01 respectively).There was a significant positive correlation araong the protein expression of HO-1 in airway wall and the percent content of COHb(r=0.971,P＜0.001),mRNA expressions of HO-1 in lung tissue and the percent content of COI-Ib(r=0.897,P＜0.001).Conclusion The protein and mRNA expressions of HO-1 in the lung tissue,and the percent of COHb in blood were significantly mcreaged in asthmatic rat,which suggested HO-1 may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of asthma.

Purpose: To assess the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) and ocular surface conditions in patients before cataract surgery at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective study included 96 eyes of 96 patients scheduled for cataract surgery from March to June 2023. The primary metrics of DED, including the Symptom Assessment in Dry Eye (SANDE) score, tear film breakup time (TBUT), tear secretion (Schirmer test), and ocular staining score (OSS, Oxford grading), were investigated. The proportion of patients with DED was determined according to the Asia Dry Eye Society (ADES) and revised Korean DED guidelines. Results: The patients’ mean age was 65.9 ± 8.3 years, with a mean SANDE score of 55.6 ± 30.5. The mean TBUT, OSS, and tear secretion were 3.5 ± 1.2 seconds, 1.3 ± 0.8 points, and 7.0 ± 5.4 mm, respectively. Among the patients, 85.4% exhibited a SANDE score of 20 or higher, 99% had a TBUT of < 7 seconds, and 88.4% exhibited one or more points on the OSS. According to the ADES and revised South Korean guidelines, 79.2% and 86.5% of patients were diagnosed with DED, respectively. Furthermore, all 96 patients exhibited at least one abnormal dry eye sign, regardless of symptoms. Conclusions The prevalence of DED in patients before cataract surgery was > 80%, with all patients exhibiting at least one ocular surface abnormality. Therefore, identifying and managing ocular surface abnormalities before cataract surgery is imperative.

Objective: : This study aims to investigate the incidence of vestibular schwannoma (VS) and demographic characteristics in Korea using population-based National Health Insurance Service data. Methods: : This study analyzed Korean National Health Insurance Service data from 2005 to 2020, based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th version, Clinical Modification codes D333 and D431. Only those patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging and audiologic tests were considered definitive cases. Demographic variables included age, sex, treatment modality, hypertension, diabetics, dyslipidemia, smoking history, alcohol history, and income status. Results: : The total number of VS patients was 5751. The average incidence rate was 0.71 per 100000 from 2005 to 2020, and the annual incidence rate increased from 0.33 in 2005 to 1.32 in 2019 but decreased to 0.80 in 2020. Incidence was highest in those aged 60–69 years (1.791) and lowest in those younger than 20 years (0.041). Incidence was higher in females, and the number of patients who received radiosurgery (46.64%) was largest compared to the wait and scan group (37.96%), microsurgery group (12.85%), or the group who received both (2.56%). Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and alcohol consumption increased the risk of VS, while cigarette smoking reduced the risk of VS. Conclusion : The incidence of VS exhibited an increasing trend from 2005 to 2019. Radiosurgery (46.64%) was the most common treatment modality. Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and alcohol consumption increased the risk of VS, while cigarette smoking reduced the risk of VS.

Purpose: A systematic review and meta-analysis of nutrition educational intervention studies was performed to assess the association between nutrition education intervention and fruit & vegetable (F&V) preferences and nutrition knowledge in preschool children. Methods: The relevant studies of nutrition education intervention and F&V preferences and nutrition knowledge published from January 2000 to June 2020 were located using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Research Information Sharing Service, Korean Studies Information Service System databases, and lists of references. A random-effects metaanalysis was conducted to estimate the standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analyses were performed to identify the association between nutrition education and F&V preferences and nutrition knowledge. Results: The results show that the effect sizes (ES) of F&V preferences and nutrition knowledge of preschool children were 0.31(95% CI, 0.23, 0.39), and 1.69(95% CI, 1.27, 2.12), respectively. The result of subgroup analysis, nutrition education focused on F&V (F&V preferences, ES: 0.32; nutrition knowledge, ES: 2.09) presented a slightly larger effect than general nutrition education (F&V preferences, ES: 0.26; nutrition knowledge, ES: 1.62). As for the type of exposure to F&V, direct exposure education (F&V preferences, ES: 0.40) had a greater effect than indirect exposure (F&V preferences, ES: 0.26). This meta-analysis showed that nutrition education intervention had positive effects on the F&V preferences and nutrition knowledge in preschool children. Conclusion In conclusion, from the meta-analysis and subsequent subgroup analysis, we found that varied types of nutrition education intervention had varying effects on F&V preferences and nutrition knowledge in preschool children.

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a metabolic disease caused by deficiency of vitamin B12. Rarely, it could be associated with genetic problem. An old male presented with progressive both hands weakness. Laboratory study showed deficiency of vitamin B12, but the cause was not clear. We performed a genetic study and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T homozygous polymorphism with 30% of normal enzyme activity was confirmed. This case suggests SCD may occur in association with a genetic problem with MTHFR C677T polymorphism.

Background: Post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), a common complication of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in very low birth weight (BW) infants, is associated with significant morbidity and poor neurological outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess the current status of PHH and analyze the risk factors associated with the necessity of treatment for PHH in infants born between 22 and 28 weeks of gestation, specifically those with severe IVH (grade 3 or 4). Methods: The analysis was conducted on 1,097 infants who were born between 22–28 gestational weeks and diagnosed with severe IVH, using data from the Korean Neonatal Network. We observed that the prevalence of PHH requiring treatment was 46.3% in infants with severe IVH. Results: Higher rates of mortality, transfer during admission, cerebral palsy, and ventriculoperitoneal shunt after discharge were higher in infants with PHH than in those without PHH. PHH in severe IVH was associated with a higher rate of pulmonary hemorrhage, seizures, and IVH grade 4 in the entire cohort. In addition, it was associated with a lower rate of small for gestational age and chorioamnionitis. In the subgroup analysis, high BW, outborn status, pulmonary hemorrhage, seizure, sepsis, and IVH grade 4 were associated with a higher incidence of PHH between 22 and 25 gestational weeks (GW). In infants born between 26 and 28 GW, a higher incidence of PHH was associated with seizures and IVH grade 4. Conclusion It is necessary to maintain meticulous monitoring and neurological intervention for infants with PHH not only during admission but also after discharge. In addition, identifying the clinical factors that increase the likelihood of developing PHH from severe IVH is crucial.

A 12-year-old intact male Dalmatian dog presented hyporexia and vomiting for 1 week. Blood analysis revealed increased liver enzyme activity. Histopathological examination of the liver confirmed chronic hepatitis with fibrosis and necrosis. Copper staining revealed marked copper accumulation (2,770 ppm; normal range, 200 to 400 ppm), prominent in the centrilobular region, and compatible with copper-associated chronic hepatitis. However, copper metabolism domain containing 1 (COMMD1) mutation predisposing to copper accumulation in the liver tissue was not identified. The dog received medications but died 1 month after first visit. This is the first case of primary copper-associated hepatitis without COMMD1 mutation in a Dalmatian dog in South Korea.

This study aimed to assess the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine A (CsA) in Asian children with renal impairment (RI) by developing a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model with Simcyp Simulator. The PBPK model of Asian children with RI was developed by modifying the physiological parameters of the built-in population libraries in Simcyp Simulator. The ratio of healthy and RI populations was obtained for each parameter showing a difference between the populations. Each ratio was multiplied by the corresponding parameter in healthy Asian children. The model verification was performed with published data of Korean children with kidney disease given multiple CsA administrations. Simulations were performed with different combinations of ethnicity, age, and renal function to identify the net impact of each factor. The simulated results suggested that the effect of RI was higher in children than adults for both Caucasian and Asian. In conclusion, the constructed model adequately characterized CsA pharmacokinetics in Korean children with RI. Simulations with populations categorized by ethnicity, age, and renal function enabled to assess the net impact of each factor on specific populations.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Child ; Cyclosporine ; Humans ; Kidney Diseases ; Pediatrics ; Pharmacokinetics

Differentiating Crohn’s disease (CD) from intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is a challenge. In patients suspected of having CD or intestinal TB compounded with active pulmonary TB in its early stages, clinicians often lean towards a diagnosis of intestinal TB. A 14-year-old female patient was admitted with symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea with hematochezia. Colonoscopy revealed a stricture of the ileocecal valve and scattered longitudinal ulcers. Initial chest radiography showed consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung. Chest CT revealed branching nodular opacities and consolidation. The TB PCR of the bronchial washing fluid was positive. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary and intestinal TB. The colonoscopy findings favored CD. Despite this, anti-tubercular therapy was initiated based on the radiology findings and PCR test. After treatment with anti-tubercular therapy, the patient’s diarrhea and abdominal pain worsened despite the improvement observed on her chest radiography. Follow-up colonoscopy revealed aggravation of her ulcers. The patient was diagnosed with CD and treated with prednisolone and mesalazine. Her clinical condition improved, and follow-up colonoscopy showed significant improvement of the ulcers. This case highlights the need for caution in diagnosis and suggests that clinicians consider reevaluation in similar cases.

Baclofen, a gamma-aminobutyric acid B agonist, is frequently used in the treatment of various neurologic diseases including spasticity, dystonia and trigeminal neuralgia. This drug usually acts at the presynaptic motor neuron to induce an antispastic response. Oral baclofen toxicity is extremely rare, but is often reported to affect patients with renal disease. Here, we report a patient with chronic kidney disease who was treated with relatively low doses of baclofen (5 mg twice per day) and experienced nonconvulsive status epilepticus.