Dental development is valuable for age estimation of children because of its low variability and less affection by endocrine and nutritional status. Demirjian reported a new system of dental age assessment in 1973 and this method has been used in many countries. The accuracy of Demirjian's method in dental age estimation may be affected by ethnic difference. For Korean population, the population study of Demirjian technique has not accomplished yet, therefore, we investigate and analyze the validity of Demirjian's method in Korean population. The 155 orthopantomographys which consisted of 87 boys and 68 girls were randomly selected and the age range was 5 to 16 years. The age of radiography was estimated according to criteria presented by Demirjian. Statistical analysis was preformed between real age and estimated age. In boys, there was no significant difference observed (p=0.171) between the real age and estimated age, however in girls, significant difference was shown (p=0.022) in 95% confidence interval. In both groups, there was clear overestimation tendency below 8.0 year, but over 8.0 year the difference pattern is atypical. The Pearson correlation coefficients between real age and estimated age were 0.970, 0.964 in boys, girls, respectively and showed positive relationship. The standards of dental maturation reported by Demirjian may not be applicable in Korean children especially in girls. Establishment of new maturation scores and percentiles curves for Korean population with many samples is required for more accurate age estimation.
Child ; Humans ; Nutritional Status ; Radiography, Panoramic

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Heat shock protein (HSP) is to be involved in inflammation. HSP may be expressed in allergic rhinitis which is an inflammation disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether overexpression of HSP72 is specific for allergic rhinitis and is correlated with clinical severity of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied expression of HSP72 by immunohistochemistry using ABC technique on nasal mucosa from 20 patients with allergic rhinitis, 10 patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinitis and 10 patients with normal turbinates. RESULTS: In biopsies from patients with allergic rhinitis, immunopositive cells were observed on epithelium, basement membrane, submucous gland cells, and inflammatory cells. Expression of HSP72 in patients with allergic rhinitis was significantly increased in nasal mucosa (p<0.01) and was significantly correlated with clinical severity of the disease (p<0.01) and eosinophil count (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Inflammation of nasal mucosa in patients with allergic rhinitis may be linked to production of HSP72.
Basement Membrane ; Biopsy ; Eosinophils ; Epithelium ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; HSP72 Heat-Shock Proteins ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inflammation ; Nasal Mucosa* ; Rhinitis* ; Turbinates

The purpose of this research is to establish metric standards for the determination of sex from the upper limb bones of Korean. We took a set of eleven measurements on each of 175 right sides of adult skeletons chosen at Korean sample. Classification accuracy dropped only one or two individuals when only vertical head diameter of humerus is used. Variables in relation with maximal length were less accurate than head diameter of humerus. Two variables were selected by the stepwise procedure: maximal length of humerus, vertical head diameter of humerus. The combined accuracy was 87%. This study of modern Korean skeletons underscores the need for population-specific techniques, not only for medicolegal investigations, but also for the study of population affinities and factors affecting bone configurations.
Adult ; Classification ; Head ; Humans ; Humerus ; Skeleton ; Upper Extremity*

GyeongGi Cultural Foundation was requested the identification of eight excavated human skeletons from Neunggok residential development district within Siheung-si. Those were measured for distinguishing sex, stature, and age at death using metric and non-metric methods. The identification of eight human remains was not easy because the excavated bones were destroyed partly and totally. Six skeletons were excavated from the limed-soiled mixture tomb; five remains among 8 were buried in same grave and 2 skeletons were excavated from the earthen tomb. Four remains were determined female skeletons. One skeleton was assumed adolescence, three skeletons were estimated 40's~50's years old and others couldn't be done. Four among eight remain skeletons, the stature of female remains was around 150~157 cm and male's stature was around 165 cm. Most bones were damaged and destroyed, and the remaining teeth on the maxilla and mandible were not enough for identification. We couldn't identify through metric and non-metric methods. If the human skeletal remains were not found with artifact, those couldn't determine the period. So we couldn't know the relationship between the period of burial and condition of bones. For this reason, we will study the identification using the small and damaged bones. Anthropologists and archeaologists need to work together to make database to determine identification and period.
Adolescent ; Anthropology, Physical ; Archaeology ; Artifacts ; Burial ; Female ; Humans ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Skeleton ; Tooth

PURPOSE: Specific immunoglobulin G4 (sIgG4) and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-blocking factors produced by subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) play a critical role in the induction of allergen tolerance. However, comparative studies of available SCIT reagents on the induction of sIgG4 are limited. We compared increases in sIgG4 for three different house dust mite (HDM) SCIT reagents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two HDM sensitized allergic patients were enrolled and classified into four groups: 1) control (n=27), 2) SCIT with Hollister-Stier® (n=19), 3) Tyrosine S® (n=16), and 4) Novo-Helisen® (n=10). Levels of specific IgE (sIgE), sIgG4, and IgE blocking factor to Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae) were measured using ImmunoCAP (sIgE, sIgG4) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (IgE-blocking factors). Levels were measured before and 13.9±6.6 months after the SCIT. The allergen specificity and the induction levels of sIgE and sIgG4 were confirmed by immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: After SCIT, sIgG4 levels to D. farinae increased significantly; however, the increases differed significantly among the SCIT groups (p<0.001). Specific IgG4 levels to D. farinae were highest in Hollister-Stier® (3.7±4.1 mg/L), followed by Novo-Helisen® (2.2±2.3 mg/L) and Tyrosine S® (0.7±0.5 mg/L). In addition, patients who were administered using Hollister-Stier® showed the most significant decrease in IgE/IgG4 ratio (p<0.001) and increase in blocking factor (p=0.009). Finally, according to IgE immunoblot results, the Hollister-Stier® group showed the most significant attenuation of IgE binding patterns among others. CONCLUSION: Currently available SCIT reagents induce different levels of specific IgG4, IgE/IgG4 ratio, and IgE-blocking factor.
Dermatophagoides farinae ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulins* ; Immunotherapy* ; Indicators and Reagents ; Mites* ; Pyroglyphidae ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tyrosine

PURPOSE: Specific immunoglobulin G4 (sIgG4) and immunoglobulin E (IgE)-blocking factors produced by subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) play a critical role in the induction of allergen tolerance. However, comparative studies of available SCIT reagents on the induction of sIgG4 are limited. We compared increases in sIgG4 for three different house dust mite (HDM) SCIT reagents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two HDM sensitized allergic patients were enrolled and classified into four groups: 1) control (n=27), 2) SCIT with Hollister-Stier® (n=19), 3) Tyrosine S® (n=16), and 4) Novo-Helisen® (n=10). Levels of specific IgE (sIgE), sIgG4, and IgE blocking factor to Dermatophagoides farinae (D. farinae) were measured using ImmunoCAP (sIgE, sIgG4) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (IgE-blocking factors). Levels were measured before and 13.9±6.6 months after the SCIT. The allergen specificity and the induction levels of sIgE and sIgG4 were confirmed by immunoblot analysis. RESULTS: After SCIT, sIgG4 levels to D. farinae increased significantly; however, the increases differed significantly among the SCIT groups (p<0.001). Specific IgG4 levels to D. farinae were highest in Hollister-Stier® (3.7±4.1 mg/L), followed by Novo-Helisen® (2.2±2.3 mg/L) and Tyrosine S® (0.7±0.5 mg/L). In addition, patients who were administered using Hollister-Stier® showed the most significant decrease in IgE/IgG4 ratio (p<0.001) and increase in blocking factor (p=0.009). Finally, according to IgE immunoblot results, the Hollister-Stier® group showed the most significant attenuation of IgE binding patterns among others. CONCLUSION: Currently available SCIT reagents induce different levels of specific IgG4, IgE/IgG4 ratio, and IgE-blocking factor.
Dermatophagoides farinae ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulins* ; Immunotherapy* ; Indicators and Reagents ; Mites* ; Pyroglyphidae ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tyrosine

While radioactive isotope analysis has proved to be a useful method in disciplines such as archaeology and forensic anthropology, more recently, radiocarbon dating has allowed for a more nuanced biological profile of human skeletal remains. Radiocarbon dating has been made possible by the above ground nuclear bomb test conducted in 1963, which raised the level of atmospheric radiocarbon concentration to almost twice the natural level. Because the annually measured tropospheric ¹⁴C concentrations are integrated into the bomb peak curve, the time of birth and death of an individual can be estimated by comparing the radiocarbon content of a skeletal sample to the bomb-curve value. In July 2017, about 1,000 skeletal remains were excavated at the construction site of Sokcho. For medico-legal purposes, we conducted anthropological and odontological examinations of all the human remains. We then conducted the radiocarbon analysis on seven femora (head and body portions), five mandibular teeth, and soil from the site through a request to the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources. The results demonstrated that the estimated year of birth or death was prior to the 1950s. Due to the diverse distribution of results, we deduced that the human remains were from the local mass grave. This study supports and suggests the use of radiocarbon dating more frequently in the analysis of human skeletal remains.

While radioactive isotope analysis has proved to be a useful method in disciplines such as archaeology and forensic anthropology, more recently, radiocarbon dating has allowed for a more nuanced biological profile of human skeletal remains. Radiocarbon dating has been made possible by the above ground nuclear bomb test conducted in 1963, which raised the level of atmospheric radiocarbon concentration to almost twice the natural level. Because the annually measured tropospheric ¹⁴C concentrations are integrated into the bomb peak curve, the time of birth and death of an individual can be estimated by comparing the radiocarbon content of a skeletal sample to the bomb-curve value. In July 2017, about 1,000 skeletal remains were excavated at the construction site of Sokcho. For medico-legal purposes, we conducted anthropological and odontological examinations of all the human remains. We then conducted the radiocarbon analysis on seven femora (head and body portions), five mandibular teeth, and soil from the site through a request to the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources. The results demonstrated that the estimated year of birth or death was prior to the 1950s. Due to the diverse distribution of results, we deduced that the human remains were from the local mass grave. This study supports and suggests the use of radiocarbon dating more frequently in the analysis of human skeletal remains.
Archaeology ; Bombs ; Earth Sciences ; Forensic Anthropology ; Gangwon-do ; Humans ; Korea ; Methods ; Miners ; Parturition ; Radiometric Dating ; Soil ; Tooth

Background/Aims: Little is known about the national colonoscopy volume in Asian countries. This study aimed to assess the national colonoscopy volume in Korea over a 12-year period on the basis of a nationwide population-based database. Methods: We conducted a population-based study for colonoscopy claims (14,511,158 colonoscopies performed on 13,219,781 patients) on the basis of the Korean National Health Insurance Service database from 2002 to 2013. The 12-year national colonoscopy burden was analyzed according to patient age, patient sex, and healthcare facility type. Results: The overall volume of colonoscopy increased 8-fold over the 12-year period. The annual colonoscopic polypectomy rate significantly increased in all patient sex and age groups over the 12-years period (all p<0.001). The yearly colonoscopic polypectomy rate for men was significantly increased compared with that for women (2.3% vs 1.7%, p<0.001) and for the screening-age group compared with that for the young-age group (2.0% vs 1.6%, p<0.001). The yearly colonoscopic polypectomy rate relative to the total colonoscopy volume significantly increased in primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities by 2.4%, 1.9%, and 1.4% during the 12-year period (all p<0.001). In addition, the annual colonoscopy volume covered by high-volume facilities significantly increased by 1.8% in primary healthcare facilities over the 12-year period (p<0.001). Conclusions Healthcare resources should be prioritized to allow adequate colonoscopic capacity, especially for men, individuals in the screening-age group, and at primary healthcare facilities. Cost-effective strategies to improve the quality of colonoscopy may focus on primary healthcare facilities and high-volume facilities in Korea.

Both immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to iodinated contrast media (ICM) are relatively common. However, there are few data to determine the clinical utility of immunologic evaluation of ICM. To evaluate the utility of ICM skin testing in patients with ICM hypersensitivity, 23 patients (17 immediate and 6 delayed reactions) were enrolled from 3 university hospitals in Korea. With 6 commonly used ICM including iopromide, iohexol, ioversol, iomeprol, iopamidol and iodixanol, skin prick (SPT), intradermal (IDT) and patch tests were performed. Of 10 patients with anaphylaxis, 3 (30.0%) and 6 (60.0%) were positive respectively on SPTs and IDTs with the culprit ICM. Three of 6 patients with urticaria showed positive IDTs. In total, 11 (64.7%) had positive on either SPT or IDT. Three of 6 patients with delayed rashes had positive response to patch test and/or delayed IDT. Among 5 patients (3 anaphylaxis, 1 urticaria and 1 delayed rash) taken subsequent radiological examinations, 3 patients administered safe alternatives according to the results of skin testing had no adverse reaction. However, anaphylaxis developed in the other 2 patients administered the culprit ICM again. With 64.7% (11/17) and 50% (3/6) of the sensitivities of corresponding allergic skin tests with culprit ICM for immediate and delayed hypersensitivity reactions, the present study suggests that skin tests is useful for the diagnosis of ICM hypersensitivity and for selecting safe ICM and preventing a recurrence of anaphylaxis caused by the same ICM.
Anaphylaxis/chemically induced/diagnosis/immunology ; Contrast Media/*adverse effects ; Cross Reactions/immunology ; Dermatitis, Contact/*diagnosis/*immunology ; Drug Hypersensitivity/diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Iodides/*immunology ; Iohexol/analogs & derivatives ; Iopamidol/analogs & derivatives ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea ; Skin Tests/*methods ; Triiodobenzoic Acids ; Urticaria/diagnosis/immunology