Purpose: To investigate urine microbiome differences among healthy women, women with recurrent uncomplicated cystitis (rUC), and those with sporadic/single uncomplicated cystitis (sUC) to challenge traditional beliefs about origins of these infections. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent both conventional urine culture and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of urine were retrospectively reviewed. Symptom-free women with normal urinalysis results as a control group were also studied. Samples were collected via transurethral catheterization. Results: In the control group, urine microbiome was detected on NGS in 83.3%, with Lactobacillus and Prevotella being the most abundant genera. The sensitivity of urine NGS was significantly higher than that of conventional urine culture in both the sUC group (91.2% vs. 32.4%) and the rUC group (82.4% vs. 16.4%). In urine NGS results, Enterobacterales, Prevotella, and Escherichia/ Shigella were additionally found in the sUC group, while the recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI)/rUC group exhibited the presence of Lactobacillus, Prevotella, Enterobacterales, Escherichia/Shigella, and Propionibacterium. Moreover, distinct patterns of urine NGS were observed based on menopausal status and ingestion of antibiotics or probiotics prior to NGS test sampling. Conclusions Urine microbiomes in control, sUC, and rUTI/rUC groups exhibited distinct characteristics. Notably, sUC and rUC might represent entirely separate pathological processes, given their distinct urine microbiomes. Consequently, the use of urine NGS might be essential to enhancing sensitivity compared to conventional urine culture in both sUC and rUTI/rUC groups.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that can have accompanying comorbidities including arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Patients with psoriasis tend to frequently visit medical institutions, and their economic burden for medical services is high. Objective: To investigate the economic burden of psoriasis in Korea. Methods: The Korean Society for Psoriasis conducted a multi-center field survey of the patients and analyzed the national insurance claim data. Also, we discussed the medical environment of psoriasis in Korea based on the results. Results: The economic burden of psoriasis patients is substantial and varied by the type of medical institute. Patients also paid the indirect and intangible medical costs. Biological agents, which is used in patients with severe psoriasis, led to an increase in the cost. Conclusion This is the first study to estimate the economic burden of psoriasis in Korea comprehensively. To improve the medical environment of psoriasis and alleviate the burden of patients, discussion on the more efficient health policy and medical insurance criteria for psoriasis would be needed.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic disease that can have accompanying comorbidities including arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Patients with psoriasis tend to frequently visit medical institutions, and their economic burden for medical services is high. Objective: To investigate the economic burden of psoriasis in Korea. Methods: The Korean Society for Psoriasis conducted a multi-center field survey of the patients and analyzed the national insurance claim data. Also, we discussed the medical environment of psoriasis in Korea based on the results. Results: The economic burden of psoriasis patients is substantial and varied by the type of medical institute. Patients also paid the indirect and intangible medical costs. Biological agents, which is used in patients with severe psoriasis, led to an increase in the cost. Conclusion This is the first study to estimate the economic burden of psoriasis in Korea comprehensively. To improve the medical environment of psoriasis and alleviate the burden of patients, discussion on the more efficient health policy and medical insurance criteria for psoriasis would be needed.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the status of LDL-cholesterol level and its relationship with subsequent cardiovascular events in Korean patients with chronic stable angina. METHODS: The patients with stable angina were retrospectively and consecutively enrolled from out-patients clinic during 2007-2009. Mean follow-up duration was 3 years. Occurrences of major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular event (MACCE: a composite of death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, coronary revascularization, cerebrovascular events, peripheral artery disease and aortic disease requiring hospital admission.) were compared by initial LDL-cholesterol levels using Cox proportional-hazards model. RESULTS: 1,683 subjects were enrolled from 9 hospitals. Initial median LDL-cholesterol by tertile was 62.2, 90.2, and 124.0mg/dL respectively, however, the differences in LDL-cholesterol level among initial 3 tertile groups became narrow at 3rd year (67.8, 85.0, and 91.6mg/dL, respectively). MACCE occurred in 138 (8.2%) subjects, including 127 coronary events, 9 cerebrovascular events and 2 peripheral artery disease during the 3-year follow-up. The adjusted hazard ratio for MACCE was 1.02 (95% confidence interval 0.64-1.64) in the middle tertile of LDL-cholesterol, 1.53 (p=0.063, 95% Confidence Interval 0.98-2.40) in the highest tertile of LDL-cholesterol. The newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus was more frequent in subjects with statin treatment than subjects without statin during the 3-year follow-up (1.5% vs 0.6%). CONCLUSION: Increased cardiovascular risk was observed in angina patients with higher initial LDL-cholesterol levels during the 3-year follow-up, although the differences were statistically insignificant.
Angina, Stable* ; Angina, Unstable ; Aortic Diseases ; Cardiovascular Diseases* ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Dyslipidemias* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Korea ; Myocardial Infarction ; Outpatients ; Peripheral Arterial Disease ; Retrospective Studies ; Secondary Prevention*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in Korea. Colonoscopic screening with removal of adenomas is an effective strategy for reducing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. This study was conducted to investigate predictable factors of early colorectal cancer (ECC) in patients with advanced adenoma (AA), tumor in situ (Tis), and submucosal (SM) cancer diagnosed after colonoscopic polypectomy. METHODS: Between August 2003 and June 2012, a total of 1,001 patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy in Jeju National University Hospital were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Patients were classified into four groups; non-AA, AA, Tis, and SM cancer. Compared to the AA group, the ECC group (n=50) had large adenoma size (12.2+/-5.9 mm vs. 15.3+/-6.5 mm, P<0.01), distal location (39.3% vs. 52.0%, P=0.05) and diabetes mellitus (13.1% vs. 25.0%, P=0.04). However, age, sex, body mass index, the mean number of polyps, and morphological features (polypoid vs. nonpolypoid lesions) were not significantly different between the AA and ECC groups. In multivariate analysis, adenoma size >15 mm (odds ratio [OR], 4.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.40-8.38), distal location (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.33-5.05), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.07-4.43) were significantly associated with ECC. Of the 12 patients with SM cancer, 5 underwent additional operations and had no remnant carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Predictable factors of ECC after colonoscopic polypectomy may be adenoma size >15 mm, distal location and diabetes mellitus.
Adenoma ; Body Mass Index ; Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Multivariate Analysis ; Polyps

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The point mutations in 23S rRNA gene accounts for the majority of the clarithromycin resistance of Helicobacter pylori. This study aimed to investigate the association between the clarithromycin-resistance of H. pylori and the failure of primary H. pylori eradication therapy in Jeju Island. METHODS: Between April 2011 and October 2012, 6,937 patients underwent endoscopy, and H. pylori infection was evaluated in 2,287 patients (33.0%). Total of 110 patients with H. pylori infection were treated with proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy. The result of eradication was evaluated with urea breath test, histology and PCR which were conducted 4 weeks from the last dose of medicine. RESULTS: The patients who had point mutations were 33 (26.0%). A2142G and A2143G mutations were observed in 10 patients (7.9%) and 23 patients (18.1%). Among 110 patients treated with PPI-based triple therapy, the success rate of the eradication therapy was 52.7% (58/110) and 70.7% (58/82) by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis, respectively. Fifteen of the 24 patients who failed the eradication therapy showed point mutations; 1 patient (4.2%) showed A2142G mutation and 14 patients (58.3%) showed A2143G mutation. Patients with A2143G mutation H. pylori showed higher failure rate of 87.5%. Patients with A2142G mutation H. pylori showed similar failure rate compared to those of the patients with wild type H. pylori. CONCLUSIONS: In Jeju Island, the frequency of 23S rRNA point mutations is similar (26.0%) with other regions of Korea (15.8-31.3%). A2143G mutation is associated with the failure of H. pylori eradication.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/*therapeutic use ; Clarithromycin/*therapeutic use ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Female ; Gastroscopy ; Helicobacter Infections/*drug therapy ; Helicobacter pylori/drug effects/*genetics ; Humans ; Islands ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Proton Pump Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; RNA, Ribosomal, 23S/*genetics ; Republic of Korea ; Young Adult

The author list should be corrected as follows. Jin-Hyun Cho, Kwang-Heon Jo, Kyu-Bok Lee, Cheong-Hee Lee.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of mobilization on bone-implant interface prior to osseointegration of fixtures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental implants (3.75 mm in diameter, 4.0 mm in length) were made of commercially pure (Grade IV) titanium, and were treated with RBM (MegaGen(R): Ca-P). The 80 implants (two in each tibia) were inserted into the monocortical tibias of 20 rabbits which each weighed more than 3.5 kg (Female, New Zealand White). According to the removal torque interval, the groups were divided into 10 groups, Group I (6 wks), Group II (4 days + 6 wks), Group III (4 days + 1 wk + 6 wks), Group IV (1 wk + 6 wks), Group V (1 wk + 1 wk + 6 wks), Group VI (2 wks + 6 wks), Group VII (2 wks+ 1 wk + 6 wk), Group VIII (3 wks + 6 wks), Group IX (3 wks + 1 wk + 6 wks) and Group X (10 wks). The control groups were Group I and X, the removal torque was measured at 6 wks and 10 wks with a digital torque gauge (Mark-10, USA). In the experimental groups, the removal torque was given once or twice before the final removal torque and the value was measured each time. After which, the implants were put back where they had been except the control groups. All the experimental groups were given a final healing time (6 wks) before the final removal torque test, in which values were compared with the control groups and the 1st and/or 2nd removal torque values in each experimental group. RESULTS: In the final removal torque tests, the removal torque value of Group X (10 wks) was higher than that of Group I (6 wks) in the control groups but not statistically different. There were no significant differences between the experimental groups and control groups (P>.05). In the first removal torque comparison, the experimental groups (4 days or 1 wk) values were significantly lower than the other experimental groups (2 wks or 3 wks). In the comparison of each experimental group according to healing time, the final removal torque value was significantly higher than the 1st torque test value. CONCLUSION: Once or twice mobilization of fixture prior to osseointegration did not deter the final bone to implant osseointegration, if sufficient healing time was given.
Implants, Experimental ; New Zealand ; Osseointegration ; Rabbits ; Tibia ; Titanium ; Torque

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different thread designs on the marginal bone stresses around dental implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standard ITI implant(ITI Dental Implant System; Straumann AG, Waldenburg, Switzerland), 4.1 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length, was selected as control. Test implants of four different thread patterns were created based on control implant, i.e. maintaining all geometrical design of control implant except thread pattern. Four thread designs used in test implants include (1) small V-shape screw (model A), (2) large V-shape screw (model B), (3) buttress screw (model C), and (4) trapezoid screw (model D). Surface area for unit length of implant was 14.4 mm2 (control), 21.7 (small V-shape screw), 20.6 (large V-shape screw), 17.0 (buttress screw) and 28.7 mm2 (trapezoid screw). Finite element models of implant/bone complex were created using an axisymmetric scheme with the use of NISA II/DISPLAY III (Engineering Mechanics Research Corporation, Troy, MI, USA). A load of 100 N applied to the central node on the crown top either in parallel direction or at 30 degree to the implant axis (in order to apply non-axial load to the implant NKTP type 34 element was employed). Quantification and comparison of the peak stress in the marginal bone of each implant model was made using a series of regression analyses based on the stress data calculated at the 5 reference points which were set at 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mm from implant wall on the marginal bone surface. RESULTS: Results showed that although severe stress concentration on the marginal bone cannot be avoided a substantial reduction in the peak stress is achievable using different thread design. The peak marginal bone stresses under vertical loading condition were 7.84, 6.45, 5.96, 6.85, 5.39 MPa for control and model A, B, C and D, respectively. And 29.18, 26.45, 25.12, 27.37, 23.58 MPa when subject to inclined loading. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the thread design is an important influential factor to the marginal bone stresses.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Crowns ; Dental Implants ; Finite Element Analysis ; Mechanics

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate how the crestal module design could affect the level of marginal bone stress around dental implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A submerged implant of 4.1 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length was selected as baseline model (Dentis Co., Daegu,Korea).A total of 5 experimental implants of different crestal modules were designed (Type I model : with microthread at the cervical 3 mm, Type II model : the same thread pattern as Type I but with a trans-gingival module, Type III model: the same thread pattern as the control model but with a trans-gingival module, Type IV model: one piece system with concave transgingival part, Type V model: equipped with beveled platform). Stress analysis was conducted with the use of axisy mmetric finite element modeling scheme. A force of 100 N was applied at 30 degrees from the implant axis. RESULTS: Stress analysis has shown no stress concentration around the marginal bone for the control model. As compared to the control model, the stress levels of 0.2 mm areas away from the recorded implant were slightly lower in Type I and Type IV models, but higher in Type II, Type III and Type V models. As compared to 15.09 MPa around for the control model, the stress levels were 14.78 MPa, 18.39 MPa, 21.11 MPa, 14.63 MPa, 17.88 MPa in the cases of Type I, II, III, IV and V models. CONCLUSION: From these results, the conclusion was drawn that the microthread and the concavity with either crestal or trans-gingival modules maybe used in standard size dental implants to reduce marginal bone stress.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Dental Implants ; Implants, Experimental