OBJECTIVES: We estimated the population prevalence of antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), including unreported infections, through a Korea Seroprevalence Study of Monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Retention and Transmission (K-SEROSMART) in 258 communities throughout Korea. METHODS: In August 2022, a survey was conducted among 10,000 household members aged 5 years and older, in households selected through two stage probability random sampling. During face-to-face household interviews, participants self-reported their health status, COVID-19 diagnosis and vaccination history, and general characteristics. Subsequently, participants visited a community health center or medical clinic for blood sampling. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of antibodies to spike proteins (anti-S) and antibodies to nucleocapsid proteins (anti-N) SARS-CoV-2 proteins using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. To estimate the population prevalence, the PROC SURVEYMEANS statistical procedure was employed, with weighting to reflect demographic data from July 2022. RESULTS: In total, 9,945 individuals from 5,041 households were surveyed across 258 communities, representing all basic local governments in Korea. The overall population-adjusted prevalence rates of anti-S and anti-N were 97.6% and 57.1%, respectively. Since the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has reported a cumulative incidence of confirmed cases of 37.8% through July 31, 2022, the proportion of unreported infections among all COVID-19 infection was suggested to be 33.9%. CONCLUSIONS The K-SEROSMART represents the first nationwide, community-based seroepidemiologic survey of COVID-19, confirming that most individuals possess antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 and that a significant number of unreported cases existed. Furthermore, this study lays the foundation for a surveillance system to continuously monitor transmission at the community level and the response to COVID-19.

Background: Sebocytes are the main cells involved in the pathogenesis of acne by producing lipids and inflammatory cytokines. Although palmitic acid (PA) has been suggested to induce an inflammatory reaction, its effect on sebocytes remains to be elucidated. Objective: In the present study, we investigated whether PA promotes inflammasome-mediated inflammation of sebocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Methods: We intradermally injected PA into the mice ears. And, we treated cultured human sebocytes with PA. Inflammasome-mediated inflammation was verified by immunohistochemistry, Western blot and ELISA. Results: PA-treated mice developed an inflammatory response associated with increased interleukin (IL)-1β expression in the sebaceous glands. When PA was added to cultured human sebocytes, caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion were significantly enhanced. In addition, NLRP3 knockdown attenuated IL-1β production by sebocytes stimulated with PA. PA-mediated inflammasome activation required reactive oxygen species. Conclusion These findings indicate that PA activates the NLRP3 inflammasome before induction of an inflammatory response in sebocytes. Thus, PA may play a role in the inflammation of acne

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological results between patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty using the conventional method and the navigation-assisted method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of was performed on 32 patients (40 knees) who underwent total knee arthroplasty between February 2004 and December 2006 and were followed-up for 8 to 10 years. Mechanical axis deviation, range of motion, radiologic position of the implants, and subjective clinical scores were measured and compared between 20 navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasties and 20 conventional total knee arthoplasties. Change in the values (α, β, γ, and δ angles) from the immediate postoperative period to the last follow-up were also calculated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean range of motion in the navigation group was improved to 121.8°±16.3° (92°–140°) at the last follow-up, and the Western Ontario McMaster Universities osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score was 89.8±5.4 and the Knee Society score (KSS) was 91.5±7.5. The mean range of motion in the conventional group was 112.6°±25.6° (60°–140°) at the last follow-up. The WOMAC score was 84.2±10.6, and the KSS was 81.1±14.3. The α, β, γ, and δ angles of the implants were not significantly changed until the last follow-up. In the comparison between the two groups, only the mean range of motion (p=0.018) and the KSS (p=0.038) showed statistically better results in the navigation group than the conventional group. CONCLUSION: Navigation-assisted total knee arthroplasty showed better KSS and range of motion compared with the conventional group in a cross-sectional study with 8 to 10 years of follow-up results. However, only the KSS showed a significant difference between the two groups by the amount of changes in the clinical and radiological results.
Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans ; Knee ; Magnets* ; Methods ; Ontario ; Osteoarthritis ; Postoperative Period ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: The rotational alignment of the femoral and tibial components is closely related to the results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In this study, we measured the combined rotational alignment change (ΔCR) after TKA and compared the different influence of symmetric and asymmetric tibial component designs on the combined rotational alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four patients (mean age, 67.9 years) were included. A symmetric tibial component was used in 51 knees (group I), whereas an asymmetric tibial component was used in 50 knees (group II). We measured the angles of four anatomical landmarks by using preoperative and postoperative computed tomography images. The combined rotational alignment and the amount of change were calculated. The correlation between the isolated tibial component rotation (ITR) and ΔCR was analyzed by using the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The mean ΔCR was −0.1°±6.3° in group I and −4.8°±5.7° in group II after TKA. Excluding the intercomponent rotation, the change was −1.0°±7.3° and −6.7°±6.7° in group I and group II, respectively. A correlation analysis between the ITR and tibial component rotation relative to the tibial tuberosity showed a statistically significant correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The combined lower limb rotational alignment was internally rotated in both symmetric and asymmetric tibial component designs after TKA. The asymmetric tibial component was better than the symmetric tibial component in achieving internally rotated combined lower limb rotational alignment. The internal rotation of the symmetric tibial component relative to the tibial tuberosity tip should fall within 20° to correct the externally deformed lower limb.
Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Humans ; Knee ; Lower Extremity ; Tibia

Anemia, iron deficiency (ID), and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are common disorders. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA in Korean females. We examined the associations between IDA, heavy metals in blood, vitamin D level and nutritional intakes. The study was performed using on data collected from 10,169 women (aged > or =10 yr), including 1,232 with anemia, 2,030 with ID, and 690 with IDA during the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V; 2010-2012). Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and path analysis was performed to identify a multivariate regression model incorporating IDA, heavy metals in blood, vitamin D level, and nutritional intakes. The overall prevalence of anemia, ID and IDA was 12.4%, 23.11%, and 7.7%, respectively. ID and IDA were more prevalent among adolescents (aged 15-18 yr; 36.5% for ID; 10.7% for IDA) and women aged 19-49 yr (32.7% for ID; 11.3% for IDA). The proposed path model showed that IDA was associated with an elevated cadmium level after adjusting for age and body mass index (beta=0.46, P<0.001). Vitamin D levels were found to affect IDA negatively (beta=-0.002, P<0.001). This study shows that the prevalence of anemia, ID, and IDA are relatively high in late adolescents and women of reproductive age. Path analysis showed that depressed vitamin D levels increase the risk of IDA, and that IDA increases cadmium concentrations in blood. Our findings indicate that systematic health surveillance systems including educational campaigns and well-balanced nutrition are needed to control anemia, ID, and IDA.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency/*blood/*epidemiology ; Body Mass Index ; Cadmium/*blood ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoradiometric Assay ; Middle Aged ; Nutrition Surveys ; Prevalence ; Regression Analysis ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Risk ; Vitamin D/*blood ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: This research was aimed at evaluating the differences in depression by skinfold thickness, and the relationship between two variables. METHODS: Research design was a non-experimental descriptive survey. Using a caliper, we measured skinfold thickness on the triceps, and then on the suprailiac, and the mid-thigh. Depression was evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF). Data were collected for one month from Sept 1st to 30th, 2011. There were 52 subjects, 25 of which were from elderly welfare centers and 27 were hospitalized. RESULTS: Subjects were an average age of 76.4+/-4.45, and the incidence rate of depression (> or =6) was 36.5% and those who had a sum of 3 skinfolds over 62 mm were 22.7%. The GDS-SF was significantly different in only the suprailiac skinfold thickness (F=7.25, p<.05). CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that depression is different based on suprailiac thickness in older adult women at elderly welfare centers and those who were hospitalized in an medical ward. It suggests that the suprailiac skinfold may be an indicator of abdominal obesity when considering depression in elderly women. Further study is needed to evaluate a cutoff score of skinfold thickness in obesity for older adult women.
Adult* ; Aged ; Depression* ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Obesity ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Research Design ; Skinfold Thickness*

BACKGROUNDNo clinical study has systematically analyzed and compared circumferential neointimal and plaque distribution of stent neointimal proliferation and in native atherosclerotic plaques. This study aimed to investigate and compare the pattern of instent neointimal formation and native atherosclerosis in the coronary bifurcation lesions by volumetric analysis using systematic intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

METHODSWe examined bifurcation lesions in native coronary artery (plaque group, n = 102) and stented bifurcations at 9-month follow-up (neointima group, n = 51) using volumetric IVUS analysis of both the main vessel (MV) and side branch (SB). Three 5-mm segments were analyzed; the proximal MV (MVp), distal MV (MVd) and SB ostium (SBo). For each segment, volumetric analysis was performed in each of four quadrants (divided according to the branch takeoff and the geometric center of the lumen); carinal, epicardial, abcarinal, and myocardial. The eccentricity index was defined as the ratio of the abcarinal plaque (or neointimal) volume to the carinal plaque (or neointimal) volume.

RESULTSThe plaque distribution differed significantly between the four quadrants, with the largest in the abcarinal quadrant, followed by the myocardial, epicardial, and carinal quadrants. The distribution of neointima was similar in the MV, but the four quadrants in the SB did not differ significantly. The eccentricity indices of both the MVd (P < 0.001) and SBo (P = 0.001) were significantly higher for the plaque group than the neointima group.

CONCLUSIONSThe distribution of neointimal proliferation seems to have a similar pattern to that of atherosclerotic plaque in native coronary arteries, particularly in the main vessel, but the trend is less prominent.

Aged ; Coronary Artery Disease ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neointima ; diagnostic imaging ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; diagnostic imaging ; Ultrasonography

Angiomyofibroblastoma is a rare benign soft tissue neoplasm that predominantly occurs in the genital region of middle-aged women. We present a case of an angiomyofibroblastoma that involved the posterior perivesical space in a 48-year-old woman. We have documented the magnetic resonance imaging features of this case.
Angiofibroma/*diagnosis/pathology ; Angiomyoma/*diagnosis/pathology ; Female ; Humans ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Middle Aged ; Vaginal Neoplasms/*diagnosis/pathology

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in the use of a very low calorie diet (VLCD) as a treatment regimen for weight loss in obese subjects. This study was designed to investigate the effects and safety of a traditional Korean very-low-calory diet. METHODS: Twelve hospitalized obese patients at Dong Eui hospital in Busan city from May 1998 to December 1998 were selected. Height, body weight, blood lipids, blood insulin level, body fat, lean body mass, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat were measured. A traditional Korean VLCD was supplied for 14 days. RESULTS: Patient's body weight was significantly decreased from 83.8 kg to 78.6 kg, body fat from 32.2 kg to 28.6 kg, lean body mass from 32.2 kg to 28.6 kg, and BMI from 31.4 to 29.5, respectively (p<0.05). Total fat was significantly decreased from 807 cc to 659 cc, subcutaneous fat from 567 cc to 473 cc, visceral fat from 273 cc to 185 cc, respectively. However there were no significant changes in minerals. After VLCD intervention, total cholesterol was significantly decreased from 199 mg/dL to 166 mg/dL, HDL-cholesterol from 42 mg/dL, to 35 mg/dL, triglyceride from 158 mg/dL, to 75 mg/dL (p<0.05). The insulin area under the curve was also significantly decreased from 205 micro International-Unit/mL x 2hr to 168 micro International-Unit/mL x 2hr (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Above findings suggested that a traditional Korean VLCD is effective and safe for short term use in terms of reducing body fat and improving insulin resistance in obese patients.
Adipose Tissue ; Body Height ; Body Weight ; Busan ; Caloric Restriction ; Cholesterol ; Diet* ; Humans ; Insulin ; Insulin Resistance ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Minerals ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Triglycerides ; Weight Loss

Pulmonary endomertiosis is a rare disorder with the typical symptom of hemoptysis during menstruation (catamenial hemoptysis). We report a case of a 19-year-old woman, gravida 0, with 3-month history of catamenial hemoptysis which was confirmed with chest computed tomography. She was treated by means of thoracoscopic wedge resection for the right lesion and fuperior segmental resection through the left thoracotomy, successively. Preoperative fluoroscopy-guided hooking for thoracosopic target lwsion was helpful in circumstances with one lung anesthesia. Four months of follow-up after an uneventful discharge revealed out no recurrence of catamenial hemoptysis in symptoms and images.
Anesthesia ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemoptysis* ; Humans ; Lung ; Menstruation ; Recurrence ; Thoracotomy ; Thorax ; Young Adult