Purpose: In this study, we examined change in the number of cataract surgeries from 2013 to 2018, since the implementation of institutional changes in 2012, and the introduction of diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) and a gradual reduction in selective-medical expenses from 2014. Methods: Based on data from the main surgery statistical yearbook provided by the Korea National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS), we extracted the number of cataract surgeries nationwide by year from 2013 to 2018. Data were divided by sex, age, regions, and level of healthcare providers in an effort to understand changes that occurred in the number of cataract surgeries and the reasons for these changes. Statistical analysis was carried out using joint point regression. Results: The total number of cataract surgeries per 100,000 people increased by 32.9% over the six-year period, with an annual average increase of 5.9%. Females (58.0-59.2%) had more cataract surgeries than males (40.8-42.0%). Additionally, the number of cataract surgeries per 100,000 people rose over the six-year time frame for those aged under 40 years, and for those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. In terms of regions and patients’ residence, urban areas such as Seoul, Pusan, and Daegu showed an increase in surgeries performed; most provinces, however, with the exception of Jeju Island, indicated a relative decline in cataract surgeries. There was no difference in the number of cataract surgeries performed over the six-year period in terms of the level of healthcare providers. Conclusions The number of cataract surgeries per 100,000 people rose over the six-year period between 2013 and 2018. By region, an increasing trend was observed in urban areas; however, the level of the healthcare providers did not appear to have an effect on the number of cataract surgeries performed.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the influences of recognition on low fertility and views of marriage on childbirth will in university students. METHODS: Participants were 190 university students in Chungchungnamdo province, Korea. The data were collected from May to October 2018 and examined using descriptive statistics, t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation and multiple regression with IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 24.0. RESULTS: Childbirth will was significantly correlated with recognition on low fertility (r=0.20, p=0.002) and views on marriage (r=0.53, p<0.001). Factors associated with childbirth will were views on marriage (β=0.24, p<0.001). CONCLUSION Theses results suggests that views on marriage have important influences on childbirth will in university students. To improve childbirth will, the positive views on marriage need to be formulated in university students.

Purpose: Metabolic diseases share common risk factors, requiring the development of therapeutic agents with multi-target effects. Although the ameliorating effects of Porphyra tenera ethanol extract (PTE) have been reported on some individual metabolic disorders, studies addressing various other metabolic diseases are still limited. This study investigated the ameliorating effects of PTE supplementation for 12 weeks on obesity, dyslipidemia, and hepatic lipid metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 12/in each group) were divided into six groups for 12 weeks: control, HFD, chow diet + 1% porphyran, chow diet + 4% porphyran, HFD + 1% porphyran (HPYP-L), and HFD + 4% porphyran (HPYP-H). To confirm the attenuation of metabolic disease in vivo, mice in the HFD, HPYP-L and HPYP-H groups were fed 60% HFD to induce obesity. PTE was prepared using ethanol and dissolved in drinking water to concentrations of 1% and 4% porphyran. After 12 weeks of free PTE intake, body weight measurement, serum analysis, histopathological analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis of liver tissues were performed for comparative evaluation. Results: After 12 weeks, the HPYP-L and HPYP-H groups showed a decreased body weight, improved blood lipids, and reduced hepatic lipid droplet accumulation vs. the HFD group.Liver acetyl-CoA carboxylase, was suppressed in the HPYP-L group vs. the HFD group.The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein/Bcl-2 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) level ratio in the liver decreased after PTE intake, indicating inhibition of apoptosis.Interleukin-1 beta mRNA expression in the liver was reduced in the HPYP-L group vs. the HFD group. In the liver, lower protein carbonylation levels in the HPYP-H group indicated reduced oxidative stress, while the increased mitochondrial DNAuclear DNA ratio indicated improved mitochondrial function. Conclusion PTE protects against diet-induced metabolic disorders and could be a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Purpose: Metabolic diseases share common risk factors, requiring the development of therapeutic agents with multi-target effects. Although the ameliorating effects of Porphyra tenera ethanol extract (PTE) have been reported on some individual metabolic disorders, studies addressing various other metabolic diseases are still limited. This study investigated the ameliorating effects of PTE supplementation for 12 weeks on obesity, dyslipidemia, and hepatic lipid metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 12/in each group) were divided into six groups for 12 weeks: control, HFD, chow diet + 1% porphyran, chow diet + 4% porphyran, HFD + 1% porphyran (HPYP-L), and HFD + 4% porphyran (HPYP-H). To confirm the attenuation of metabolic disease in vivo, mice in the HFD, HPYP-L and HPYP-H groups were fed 60% HFD to induce obesity. PTE was prepared using ethanol and dissolved in drinking water to concentrations of 1% and 4% porphyran. After 12 weeks of free PTE intake, body weight measurement, serum analysis, histopathological analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis of liver tissues were performed for comparative evaluation. Results: After 12 weeks, the HPYP-L and HPYP-H groups showed a decreased body weight, improved blood lipids, and reduced hepatic lipid droplet accumulation vs. the HFD group.Liver acetyl-CoA carboxylase, was suppressed in the HPYP-L group vs. the HFD group.The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein/Bcl-2 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) level ratio in the liver decreased after PTE intake, indicating inhibition of apoptosis.Interleukin-1 beta mRNA expression in the liver was reduced in the HPYP-L group vs. the HFD group. In the liver, lower protein carbonylation levels in the HPYP-H group indicated reduced oxidative stress, while the increased mitochondrial DNAuclear DNA ratio indicated improved mitochondrial function. Conclusion PTE protects against diet-induced metabolic disorders and could be a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Purpose: Metabolic diseases share common risk factors, requiring the development of therapeutic agents with multi-target effects. Although the ameliorating effects of Porphyra tenera ethanol extract (PTE) have been reported on some individual metabolic disorders, studies addressing various other metabolic diseases are still limited. This study investigated the ameliorating effects of PTE supplementation for 12 weeks on obesity, dyslipidemia, and hepatic lipid metabolism in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 12/in each group) were divided into six groups for 12 weeks: control, HFD, chow diet + 1% porphyran, chow diet + 4% porphyran, HFD + 1% porphyran (HPYP-L), and HFD + 4% porphyran (HPYP-H). To confirm the attenuation of metabolic disease in vivo, mice in the HFD, HPYP-L and HPYP-H groups were fed 60% HFD to induce obesity. PTE was prepared using ethanol and dissolved in drinking water to concentrations of 1% and 4% porphyran. After 12 weeks of free PTE intake, body weight measurement, serum analysis, histopathological analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot analysis of liver tissues were performed for comparative evaluation. Results: After 12 weeks, the HPYP-L and HPYP-H groups showed a decreased body weight, improved blood lipids, and reduced hepatic lipid droplet accumulation vs. the HFD group.Liver acetyl-CoA carboxylase, was suppressed in the HPYP-L group vs. the HFD group.The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein/Bcl-2 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) level ratio in the liver decreased after PTE intake, indicating inhibition of apoptosis.Interleukin-1 beta mRNA expression in the liver was reduced in the HPYP-L group vs. the HFD group. In the liver, lower protein carbonylation levels in the HPYP-H group indicated reduced oxidative stress, while the increased mitochondrial DNAuclear DNA ratio indicated improved mitochondrial function. Conclusion PTE protects against diet-induced metabolic disorders and could be a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Lack of awareness, the stigma of carrying a genetic mutation, and economic factors are barriers to acceptance of BRCA genetic testing or appropriate risk management. We aimed to investigate the influence of Angelina Jolie's announcement of her medical experience and also health insurance reimbursement for BRCA gene testing on practice patterns for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). A survey regarding changes in practice patterns for HBOC before and after the announcement was conducted online. The rate of BRCA gene testing was obtained from the National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. From May to August 2016, 70 physicians responded to the survey. Genetic testing recommendations and prophylactic management were increased after the announcement. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy was significantly increased in BRCA carriers with breast cancer. The BRCA testing rate increased annually. Health insurance and a celebrity announcement were associated with increased genetic testing.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Genetic Testing ; Insurance Coverage ; Insurance* ; Insurance, Health ; Insurance, Health, Reimbursement ; Mastectomy ; National Health Programs ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; Risk Management

Background: Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) is considered a global threat to both human health and the poultry industry. MicroRNAs (miRNA) can modulate the immune system by affecting gene expression patterns in HPAIV-infected chickens. Objectives: To gain further insights into the role of miRNAs in immune responses against H5N1 infection, as well as the development of strategies for breeding disease-resistant chickens, we characterized miRNA expression patterns in tracheal tissues from H5N1-infected Ri chickens. Methods: miRNAs expression was analyzed from two H5N1-infected Ri chicken lines using small RNA sequencing. The target genes of differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were predicted using miRDB. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis were then conducted. Furthermore, using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we validated the expression levels of DE miRNAs (miR-22-3p, miR-146b-3p, miR-27b-3p, miR-128-3p, miR-2188-5p, miR-451, miR-205a, miR-203a, miR-21-3p, and miR-200a-3p) from all comparisons and their immune-related target genes. Results: A total of 53 miRNAs were significantly expressed in the infection samples of the resistant compared to the susceptible line. Network analyses between the DE miRNAs and target genes revealed that DE miRNAs may regulate the expression of target genes involved in the transforming growth factor-beta, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathways, all of which are related to influenza A virus progression. Conclusions Collectively, our results provided novel insights into the miRNA expression patterns of tracheal tissues from H5N1-infected Ri chickens. More importantly, our findings offer insights into the relationship between miRNA and immune-related target genes and the role of miRNA in HPAIV infections in chickens.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the clinical use of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in the emergency department (ED), especially for predicting the prognosis of heart failure. METHODS: In a retrospective study, patient selection was based on those who visited the ED between January 2015 and September 2015 and were diagnosed with heart failure and underwent laboratory tests, including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NGAL. They were divided in two groups, according to the presence or absence of the following events: one or more intubations, admission of intensive care unit (ICU), coronary angiography, renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, intra-aortic balloon pumping, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or death. RESULTS: We studied 63 patients with heart failure. The absence group consisted of 29 subjects, and the presence group consisted of 34 subjects. Patients who were younger, had a history of diabetes mellitus, had high level of serum creatinine, low estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR), high creatine kinase (CK) or high NGAL were associated with higher incidence of events and were statistically significant (p<0.001, 0.02, 0.005, 0.035, 0.03, 0.003). In the case of BNP, the presence group showed a higher value compared with the absence group, but was not statistically significant. In a multivariated logistic regression, age (OR=0.868, 95% confidence interval 0.788-0.956, p=0.004) and NGAL (OR=1.004, 95%CI 1.001-1.007, p=0.021) were considered as meaningful factors for predicting the event. CONCLUSION: NGAL elevation in this study showed to be a meaningful factor, indicating a prognosis to those patients who visited the ED and were diagnosed as heart failure.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Coronary Angiography ; Creatine Kinase ; Creatinine ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Service, Hospital* ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; Filtration ; Heart Failure* ; Heart* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Intensive Care Units ; Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumping ; Intubation ; Lipocalins* ; Logistic Models ; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain ; Neutrophils ; Patient Selection ; Plasma ; Prognosis* ; Renal Replacement Therapy ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To investigate whether appointing a full-time neurointensivist to manage a closed-type neurological intensive care unit (NRICU) improves the quality of critical care and patient outcomes. METHODS: This study included patients admitted to the NRICU at a university hospital in Seoul, Korea. Two time periods were defined according to the presence of a neurointensivist in the preexisting open-type NRICU: the before and after periods. Hospital medical records were queried and compared between these two time periods, as were the biannual satisfaction survey results for the families of patients. RESULTS: Of the 15,210 patients in the neurology department, 2,199 were admitted to the NRICU (n=995 and 1,204 during the before and after periods, respectively; p<0.001). The length of stay was shorter during the after than during the before period in both the NRICU (3 vs. 4 days; p<0.001) and the hospital overall (12.5 vs. 14.0 days; p<0.001). Neurological consultations (2,070 vs. 3,097; p<0.001) and intrahospital transfers from general intensive care units to the NRICU (21 vs. 40; p=0.111) increased from the before to after the period. The mean satisfaction scores of the families of the patients also increased, from 78.3 to 89.7. In a Cox proportional hazards model, appointing a neurointensivist did not result in a statistically significant change in 6-month mortality (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval, 0.652–1.031; p=0.089). CONCLUSIONS: Appointing a full-time neurointensivist to manage a closed-type NRICU had beneficial effects on quality indicators and patient outcomes.
Critical Care Outcomes ; Critical Care ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Korea ; Length of Stay ; Medical Records ; Mortality ; Neurology ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Referral and Consultation ; Seoul

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: A dietary restriction on the intake of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) has been reported to be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) tract complications. Enteral nutrition (EN) is widely used for patients who cannot obtain their nutritional requirements orally, but many studies have reported EN complications, especially diarrhea, in up to 50% of patients. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We performed a single-center, non-randomized, controlled trial to determine the effects of a low-FODMAP enteral formula on GI complications in patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Patients in the ICU who needed EN (n = 66) were alternately assigned to the low-FODMAP group (n = 33) or the high-FODMAP group (n = 33). RESULTS: Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured, and stool assessment was performed using King's Stool Chart. We excluded patients who received laxatives, GI motility agents, proton pump inhibitors, antifungal agents, and antibiotics other than β-lactams. There were no differences in GI symptoms during 7 days of intervention, including bowel sound, abdominal distension, and vomiting between the 2 groups. However, diarrhea was more frequent in the high-FODMAP group (7/33 patients) than the lowFODMAP group (1/33 patients) (P = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that a low-FODMAP enteral formula may be a practical therapeutic approach for patients who exhibit enteral formula complications. Our study warrants further randomized clinical trials and multicenter trials.