Objective: To evaluate the performance of supplemental automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) added to mammography-based breast cancer screening for women with nondense breasts. Materials and Methods: A retrospective search of radiology databases at two tertiary institutions identified asymptomatic women with nondense breasts who underwent breast cancer screening using both digital mammography (DM) and supplemental ABUS between January 2020 and December 2023. We excluded women without sufficient follow-up data or those without an established final diagnosis, including histopathologic results. The performance measures of DM alone and ABUS combined with DM (ABUS plus DM) were compared. The primary outcome was the cancer detection rate (CDR), and the secondary outcomes were sensitivity and specificity. Subgroup analyses were performed for women with scattered fibroglandular density and almost entirely fatty breasts. Results: A total of 2,904 pairs of screening examinations were performed in 1,683 women (59 ± 10 years), detecting 26 cancers. In comparison with DM alone, ABUS plus DM showed higher CDR (9.0 vs. 7.9 per 1,000 examinations, P < 0.001), higher sensitivity (100% [26/26] vs. 88.5% [23/26], P < 0.001), and lower specificity (95.0% [2,735/2,878] vs. 97.9% [2,817/2,878], P < 0.001). In women with scattered fibroglandular density, ABUS increased the CDR from 7.4 to 8.5 per 1,000 examinations and improved the sensitivity from 87.0% [20/23] to 100% [23/23] (P < 0.001). In women with almost entirely fatty breasts, ABUS plus DM showed the same CDR (16.4 per 1,000 examinations) and sensitivity (100% [3/3]) as DM alone. Three cancers (11.5% [3/26]), all of which were stage T1N0, were detected only by supplemental ABUS. Conclusion Supplemental ABUS improved cancer detection and sensitivity in women with nondense breasts, with the benefits primarily observed in those with scattered fibroglandular density.

Background: Menopausal status can increase the risk of cardiocerebrovascular diseases (CCVDs) in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Regular exercise is well-known to reduce this risk. This study explored the impact of exercise on CCVD and mortality in women with T2DM according to their menopausal status. Methods: A total of 32,477 premenopausal and 53,690 postmenopausal Korean women with T2DM aged 40 to 60 years from a national health examination cohort (2009 to 2018) were included. We evaluated risks for stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and mortality based on exercise intensity. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to obtain the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval. Results: Exercise reduced stroke, MI, and mortality risks in women with T2DM, regardless of menopausal status. The highest effects of aHR compared to the sedentary group were 0.68 for stroke, 0.66 for MI, and 0.81 for mortality. Postmenopausal women experienced significant MI risk reductions at most exercise intensities, with the greatest reduction in the ≥1,500 metabolic equivalent of task score group unlike premenopausal women. However, stroke and mortality risk reductions in postmenopausal women were less pronounced compared to premenopausal women. Conclusion Exercise reduces CCVD risk in women with T2DM across menopausal status. Postmenopausal women with T2DM had more benefits from exercise on MI but fewer benefits on stroke and mortality than premenopausal women. In premenopausal women with T2DM, exercise was not associated with a lower MI risk.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and early-onset dementia (EOD), defined as dementia diagnosed at an age <65 years, is increasing worldwide, with significant socioeconomic implications. We investigated the association between diabetes, prediabetes, and EOD, focusing on the influence of diabetes duration on EOD risk. Methods: Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed data from 1,979,509 patients aged 40–60 years who underwent health checkups in 2009. Patients were categorized into five groups: normal, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), newly diagnosed diabetes, diabetes duration <5 years, and diabetes duration ≥5 years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for EOD after adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates. Results: During the observation period (mean 7.75 years), 8,921 patients with EOD were identified. The diabetes group demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of EOD compared to the normal group (aHR, 1.334; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.226 to 1.451). EOD risk increased with longer diabetes duration, with the highest risk observed in patients with diabetes ≥5 years (aHR, 1.543; 95% CI, 1.368 to 1.741). No significant difference was observed between the IFG and normal groups (aHR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.938 to 1.043). Additionally, the hypertension group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of EOD compared to the non-hypertension group (aHR, 1.364; 95% CI, 1.291 to 1.442). Conclusion Diabetes is independently associated with increased risk of EOD, and this risk increases with longer diabetes duration. This association remained significant regardless of the presence and duration of hypertension.

Objective: The treatment rate for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Korea is significantly lower than its prevalence rate. Because untreated AUD can have harmful consequences, it is important to identify the factors that contribute to individuals with AUD seeking mental health services. Methods: We collected nationally representative data from the National Mental Health Survey of Korea 2021 and analyzed responses from 643 individuals with AUD, of which 76.8% were male. Factors related to mental health service utilization among individuals with AUD were classified into three categories: sociodemographic (such as sex, age, marital status, education, and monthly household income), clinical (including symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidity, suicidality, and physical illness), and psychological characteristics (like perceived stigma, loneliness and social isolation, and resilience). We used multiple logistic regression analyses to examine each characteristic separately and combined in a single model to determine the most significant factors. Results: The three logistic regression models revealed that sex, psychiatric comorbidity, physical illness, and perceived stigma are significantly linked to the utilization of mental health services among individuals with AUD. Results from the comprehensive model indicated that only physical illness and perceived stigma have significant associations with mental health service utilization. Conclusion These findings can assist in developing targeted interventions for individuals with AUD.

Objective: The treatment rate for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Korea is significantly lower than its prevalence rate. Because untreated AUD can have harmful consequences, it is important to identify the factors that contribute to individuals with AUD seeking mental health services. Methods: We collected nationally representative data from the National Mental Health Survey of Korea 2021 and analyzed responses from 643 individuals with AUD, of which 76.8% were male. Factors related to mental health service utilization among individuals with AUD were classified into three categories: sociodemographic (such as sex, age, marital status, education, and monthly household income), clinical (including symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidity, suicidality, and physical illness), and psychological characteristics (like perceived stigma, loneliness and social isolation, and resilience). We used multiple logistic regression analyses to examine each characteristic separately and combined in a single model to determine the most significant factors. Results: The three logistic regression models revealed that sex, psychiatric comorbidity, physical illness, and perceived stigma are significantly linked to the utilization of mental health services among individuals with AUD. Results from the comprehensive model indicated that only physical illness and perceived stigma have significant associations with mental health service utilization. Conclusion These findings can assist in developing targeted interventions for individuals with AUD.

This study investigated the plaque removal efficacy of a suction-type sonic toothbrush compared to a conventional manual toothbrush in preschool children aged 30 to 59 months. Using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design with a 2-week washout period, 20 pediatric participants were allocated to two study phases, each using either the suction-type sonic toothbrush or the manual toothbrush with caregiver assistance. The plaque removal effectiveness was assessed through the Silness and Löe plaque index and quantitative light-induced fluorescence values, including ΔR30 and ΔR120 indicators of plaque index. The result showed no statistically significant differences in plaque removal efficacy between the two toothbrushes, although both showed similar improvements. Caregiver feedback revealed high acceptability of the suction-type sonic toothbrush due to its convenience and engaging features, such as a light and suction function, which enhanced the tooth brushing experience. Although limited by the short follow-up period and small sample size, the findings suggest that suction-type sonic toothbrushes may offer practical benefits for young children requiring caregiver assistance.

This study investigated the plaque removal efficacy of a suction-type sonic toothbrush compared to a conventional manual toothbrush in preschool children aged 30 to 59 months. Using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design with a 2-week washout period, 20 pediatric participants were allocated to two study phases, each using either the suction-type sonic toothbrush or the manual toothbrush with caregiver assistance. The plaque removal effectiveness was assessed through the Silness and Löe plaque index and quantitative light-induced fluorescence values, including ΔR30 and ΔR120 indicators of plaque index. The result showed no statistically significant differences in plaque removal efficacy between the two toothbrushes, although both showed similar improvements. Caregiver feedback revealed high acceptability of the suction-type sonic toothbrush due to its convenience and engaging features, such as a light and suction function, which enhanced the tooth brushing experience. Although limited by the short follow-up period and small sample size, the findings suggest that suction-type sonic toothbrushes may offer practical benefits for young children requiring caregiver assistance.

Objective: The treatment rate for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Korea is significantly lower than its prevalence rate. Because untreated AUD can have harmful consequences, it is important to identify the factors that contribute to individuals with AUD seeking mental health services. Methods: We collected nationally representative data from the National Mental Health Survey of Korea 2021 and analyzed responses from 643 individuals with AUD, of which 76.8% were male. Factors related to mental health service utilization among individuals with AUD were classified into three categories: sociodemographic (such as sex, age, marital status, education, and monthly household income), clinical (including symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidity, suicidality, and physical illness), and psychological characteristics (like perceived stigma, loneliness and social isolation, and resilience). We used multiple logistic regression analyses to examine each characteristic separately and combined in a single model to determine the most significant factors. Results: The three logistic regression models revealed that sex, psychiatric comorbidity, physical illness, and perceived stigma are significantly linked to the utilization of mental health services among individuals with AUD. Results from the comprehensive model indicated that only physical illness and perceived stigma have significant associations with mental health service utilization. Conclusion These findings can assist in developing targeted interventions for individuals with AUD.

Objective: The treatment rate for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Korea is significantly lower than its prevalence rate. Because untreated AUD can have harmful consequences, it is important to identify the factors that contribute to individuals with AUD seeking mental health services. Methods: We collected nationally representative data from the National Mental Health Survey of Korea 2021 and analyzed responses from 643 individuals with AUD, of which 76.8% were male. Factors related to mental health service utilization among individuals with AUD were classified into three categories: sociodemographic (such as sex, age, marital status, education, and monthly household income), clinical (including symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidity, suicidality, and physical illness), and psychological characteristics (like perceived stigma, loneliness and social isolation, and resilience). We used multiple logistic regression analyses to examine each characteristic separately and combined in a single model to determine the most significant factors. Results: The three logistic regression models revealed that sex, psychiatric comorbidity, physical illness, and perceived stigma are significantly linked to the utilization of mental health services among individuals with AUD. Results from the comprehensive model indicated that only physical illness and perceived stigma have significant associations with mental health service utilization. Conclusion These findings can assist in developing targeted interventions for individuals with AUD.

Objective: The treatment rate for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Korea is significantly lower than its prevalence rate. Because untreated AUD can have harmful consequences, it is important to identify the factors that contribute to individuals with AUD seeking mental health services. Methods: We collected nationally representative data from the National Mental Health Survey of Korea 2021 and analyzed responses from 643 individuals with AUD, of which 76.8% were male. Factors related to mental health service utilization among individuals with AUD were classified into three categories: sociodemographic (such as sex, age, marital status, education, and monthly household income), clinical (including symptom severity, psychiatric comorbidity, suicidality, and physical illness), and psychological characteristics (like perceived stigma, loneliness and social isolation, and resilience). We used multiple logistic regression analyses to examine each characteristic separately and combined in a single model to determine the most significant factors. Results: The three logistic regression models revealed that sex, psychiatric comorbidity, physical illness, and perceived stigma are significantly linked to the utilization of mental health services among individuals with AUD. Results from the comprehensive model indicated that only physical illness and perceived stigma have significant associations with mental health service utilization. Conclusion These findings can assist in developing targeted interventions for individuals with AUD.