BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a significant global burden, with more than 40% of the global adult population attempting to lose weight. Previous studies on the impact of weight-control methods on mental health, especially among adolescents, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between various weight-control methods and depression among adolescents, with the goal of informing healthier weight management decisions and promoting effective methods. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This nationwide study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, including a sample of 418,254 adolescents collected over 12yrs (2007–2019). We conducted a weighted complex sample analysis to compare depression rates associated with specific weight-control methods, including exercise, fasting (≥ 24 h), eating less, taking prescriptionon-prescription weight-loss medication, taking laxatives or diuretics, vomiting, one-food diet, taking oriental medicine, and diet foods. RESULTS: Of the 418,254 participants, 45.96% (192,246) were male. Among male participants, fasting (≥ 24 h; weighted odds ratio [wOR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.51) and vomiting (wOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Among female participants, prescribed (wOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.90) and non-prescribed (wOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) weight-loss medication reduced the risk of depression. However, fasting (≥ 24 h; wOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41–1.52) vomiting (wOR, 1.45;95% CI, 1.36–1.55) significantly increased the risk of depression. CONCLUSION The risk of depression varies depending on the weight-control method, with a consistent trend observed across both sexes. Methods such as vomiting, fasting, taking oriental medicine for weight loss, and consuming diet foods increased the risk of depression, while weight-loss medications were associated with reduced depression symptoms in females. These findings highlight the need for further research on weightcontrol medications and policies that support effective weight management while reducing depressive effects.

Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a congenital condition in which the bladder fails to excrete urine through the urethra. The primary goal of prenatal treatment for LUTO is the prevention of renal impairment and pulmonary hypoplasia. Vesico-amniotic shunt (VAS) has been the fetal intervention of choice; however, VAS has some limitations, including excretion of urine through an unphysiologic bypass and the need for postnatal corrective reoperation. In this study, we present a novel fetal intervention, a “retro-cystoscopic urethral approach,” performed on a male fetus at 20 weeks gestation diagnosed with enlarged bladder and bilateral hydronephrosis. This approach aims to dilate the narrowed urethra by inserting a urinary catheter using guidewire through a fetal cysto scope. The whole procedure was monitored under real-time ultrasonographic guidance. Despite prenatal intervention, the fetus required multiple cystocenteses, and the bladder dilation persisted.Postnatally, he was diagnosed with megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, a non-obstructive condition which is relatively rare in male infants. Our case emphasizes the compl exity of diagnosing LUTO during the prenatal period. Further studies exploring novel prenatal interven tions should pay more attention to candidate selection. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of organ systems beyond the urinary tract is necessary.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a significant global burden, with more than 40% of the global adult population attempting to lose weight. Previous studies on the impact of weight-control methods on mental health, especially among adolescents, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between various weight-control methods and depression among adolescents, with the goal of informing healthier weight management decisions and promoting effective methods. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This nationwide study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, including a sample of 418,254 adolescents collected over 12yrs (2007–2019). We conducted a weighted complex sample analysis to compare depression rates associated with specific weight-control methods, including exercise, fasting (≥ 24 h), eating less, taking prescriptionon-prescription weight-loss medication, taking laxatives or diuretics, vomiting, one-food diet, taking oriental medicine, and diet foods. RESULTS: Of the 418,254 participants, 45.96% (192,246) were male. Among male participants, fasting (≥ 24 h; weighted odds ratio [wOR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.51) and vomiting (wOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Among female participants, prescribed (wOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.90) and non-prescribed (wOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) weight-loss medication reduced the risk of depression. However, fasting (≥ 24 h; wOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41–1.52) vomiting (wOR, 1.45;95% CI, 1.36–1.55) significantly increased the risk of depression. CONCLUSION The risk of depression varies depending on the weight-control method, with a consistent trend observed across both sexes. Methods such as vomiting, fasting, taking oriental medicine for weight loss, and consuming diet foods increased the risk of depression, while weight-loss medications were associated with reduced depression symptoms in females. These findings highlight the need for further research on weightcontrol medications and policies that support effective weight management while reducing depressive effects.

Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a congenital condition in which the bladder fails to excrete urine through the urethra. The primary goal of prenatal treatment for LUTO is the prevention of renal impairment and pulmonary hypoplasia. Vesico-amniotic shunt (VAS) has been the fetal intervention of choice; however, VAS has some limitations, including excretion of urine through an unphysiologic bypass and the need for postnatal corrective reoperation. In this study, we present a novel fetal intervention, a “retro-cystoscopic urethral approach,” performed on a male fetus at 20 weeks gestation diagnosed with enlarged bladder and bilateral hydronephrosis. This approach aims to dilate the narrowed urethra by inserting a urinary catheter using guidewire through a fetal cysto scope. The whole procedure was monitored under real-time ultrasonographic guidance. Despite prenatal intervention, the fetus required multiple cystocenteses, and the bladder dilation persisted.Postnatally, he was diagnosed with megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, a non-obstructive condition which is relatively rare in male infants. Our case emphasizes the compl exity of diagnosing LUTO during the prenatal period. Further studies exploring novel prenatal interven tions should pay more attention to candidate selection. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of organ systems beyond the urinary tract is necessary.

Background: A nationwide anti-parasite control program (1969–1995) successfully reduced soil-transmitted helminth infections; however, fish-borne trematode infections persisted in some areas. Since the 2012 National Parasite Infection Survey, information on the current status of intestinal helminth infections has not been updated. Analysis of the current trends in intestinal helminth infections is necessary to prevent and manage parasitic diseases in Korea. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the prevalence of intestinal parasites in 1,211,799 individuals who visited 16 regional branches of the Korea Association of Health Promotion between 2011 and 2020. Examinations were performed using microscopy and Kato's method. The results were analyzed according to parasite species, year, sex, age, and region of origin. Results: Intestinal helminth infections remained above 2.0% from 2011 to 2014 but decreased to 1.0% by 2020. Clonorchis sinensis had the highest infection rate (1.3%), followed by Metagonimus yokogawai (0.3%) and Trichuris trichiura (0.2%). Men had a higher infection rate (2.4%) than that of women (1.2%). The infection rate was higher among those in their 50s (2.0%), 60s, and older (1.8%). The highest regional infection rates were observed in Gyeongnam (4.8%), Ulsan (3.1%), Gyeongbuk (2.5%), Busan (1.8%), and Jeonnam (1.6%). Conclusion These results provide valuable insights into the decreasing prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of intestinal helminth infections in the Korean population.Therefore, various control measures are needed to prevent intestinal helminth infections, and continuous monitoring is essential until they are eradicated.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a significant global burden, with more than 40% of the global adult population attempting to lose weight. Previous studies on the impact of weight-control methods on mental health, especially among adolescents, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between various weight-control methods and depression among adolescents, with the goal of informing healthier weight management decisions and promoting effective methods. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This nationwide study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, including a sample of 418,254 adolescents collected over 12yrs (2007–2019). We conducted a weighted complex sample analysis to compare depression rates associated with specific weight-control methods, including exercise, fasting (≥ 24 h), eating less, taking prescriptionon-prescription weight-loss medication, taking laxatives or diuretics, vomiting, one-food diet, taking oriental medicine, and diet foods. RESULTS: Of the 418,254 participants, 45.96% (192,246) were male. Among male participants, fasting (≥ 24 h; weighted odds ratio [wOR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.51) and vomiting (wOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Among female participants, prescribed (wOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.90) and non-prescribed (wOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) weight-loss medication reduced the risk of depression. However, fasting (≥ 24 h; wOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41–1.52) vomiting (wOR, 1.45;95% CI, 1.36–1.55) significantly increased the risk of depression. CONCLUSION The risk of depression varies depending on the weight-control method, with a consistent trend observed across both sexes. Methods such as vomiting, fasting, taking oriental medicine for weight loss, and consuming diet foods increased the risk of depression, while weight-loss medications were associated with reduced depression symptoms in females. These findings highlight the need for further research on weightcontrol medications and policies that support effective weight management while reducing depressive effects.

Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a congenital condition in which the bladder fails to excrete urine through the urethra. The primary goal of prenatal treatment for LUTO is the prevention of renal impairment and pulmonary hypoplasia. Vesico-amniotic shunt (VAS) has been the fetal intervention of choice; however, VAS has some limitations, including excretion of urine through an unphysiologic bypass and the need for postnatal corrective reoperation. In this study, we present a novel fetal intervention, a “retro-cystoscopic urethral approach,” performed on a male fetus at 20 weeks gestation diagnosed with enlarged bladder and bilateral hydronephrosis. This approach aims to dilate the narrowed urethra by inserting a urinary catheter using guidewire through a fetal cysto scope. The whole procedure was monitored under real-time ultrasonographic guidance. Despite prenatal intervention, the fetus required multiple cystocenteses, and the bladder dilation persisted.Postnatally, he was diagnosed with megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, a non-obstructive condition which is relatively rare in male infants. Our case emphasizes the compl exity of diagnosing LUTO during the prenatal period. Further studies exploring novel prenatal interven tions should pay more attention to candidate selection. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of organ systems beyond the urinary tract is necessary.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a significant global burden, with more than 40% of the global adult population attempting to lose weight. Previous studies on the impact of weight-control methods on mental health, especially among adolescents, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between various weight-control methods and depression among adolescents, with the goal of informing healthier weight management decisions and promoting effective methods. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This nationwide study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, including a sample of 418,254 adolescents collected over 12yrs (2007–2019). We conducted a weighted complex sample analysis to compare depression rates associated with specific weight-control methods, including exercise, fasting (≥ 24 h), eating less, taking prescriptionon-prescription weight-loss medication, taking laxatives or diuretics, vomiting, one-food diet, taking oriental medicine, and diet foods. RESULTS: Of the 418,254 participants, 45.96% (192,246) were male. Among male participants, fasting (≥ 24 h; weighted odds ratio [wOR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.51) and vomiting (wOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Among female participants, prescribed (wOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.90) and non-prescribed (wOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) weight-loss medication reduced the risk of depression. However, fasting (≥ 24 h; wOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41–1.52) vomiting (wOR, 1.45;95% CI, 1.36–1.55) significantly increased the risk of depression. CONCLUSION The risk of depression varies depending on the weight-control method, with a consistent trend observed across both sexes. Methods such as vomiting, fasting, taking oriental medicine for weight loss, and consuming diet foods increased the risk of depression, while weight-loss medications were associated with reduced depression symptoms in females. These findings highlight the need for further research on weightcontrol medications and policies that support effective weight management while reducing depressive effects.

Fetal lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a congenital condition in which the bladder fails to excrete urine through the urethra. The primary goal of prenatal treatment for LUTO is the prevention of renal impairment and pulmonary hypoplasia. Vesico-amniotic shunt (VAS) has been the fetal intervention of choice; however, VAS has some limitations, including excretion of urine through an unphysiologic bypass and the need for postnatal corrective reoperation. In this study, we present a novel fetal intervention, a “retro-cystoscopic urethral approach,” performed on a male fetus at 20 weeks gestation diagnosed with enlarged bladder and bilateral hydronephrosis. This approach aims to dilate the narrowed urethra by inserting a urinary catheter using guidewire through a fetal cysto scope. The whole procedure was monitored under real-time ultrasonographic guidance. Despite prenatal intervention, the fetus required multiple cystocenteses, and the bladder dilation persisted.Postnatally, he was diagnosed with megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome, a non-obstructive condition which is relatively rare in male infants. Our case emphasizes the compl exity of diagnosing LUTO during the prenatal period. Further studies exploring novel prenatal interven tions should pay more attention to candidate selection. Additionally, a thorough evaluation of organ systems beyond the urinary tract is necessary.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity has become a significant global burden, with more than 40% of the global adult population attempting to lose weight. Previous studies on the impact of weight-control methods on mental health, especially among adolescents, are limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between various weight-control methods and depression among adolescents, with the goal of informing healthier weight management decisions and promoting effective methods. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This nationwide study utilized data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, including a sample of 418,254 adolescents collected over 12yrs (2007–2019). We conducted a weighted complex sample analysis to compare depression rates associated with specific weight-control methods, including exercise, fasting (≥ 24 h), eating less, taking prescriptionon-prescription weight-loss medication, taking laxatives or diuretics, vomiting, one-food diet, taking oriental medicine, and diet foods. RESULTS: Of the 418,254 participants, 45.96% (192,246) were male. Among male participants, fasting (≥ 24 h; weighted odds ratio [wOR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.51) and vomiting (wOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Among female participants, prescribed (wOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74–0.90) and non-prescribed (wOR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.97) weight-loss medication reduced the risk of depression. However, fasting (≥ 24 h; wOR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41–1.52) vomiting (wOR, 1.45;95% CI, 1.36–1.55) significantly increased the risk of depression. CONCLUSION The risk of depression varies depending on the weight-control method, with a consistent trend observed across both sexes. Methods such as vomiting, fasting, taking oriental medicine for weight loss, and consuming diet foods increased the risk of depression, while weight-loss medications were associated with reduced depression symptoms in females. These findings highlight the need for further research on weightcontrol medications and policies that support effective weight management while reducing depressive effects.