This study analyzed dental treatments under general anesthesia at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry of Pusan National University Dental Hospital from 2014 to 2023. The study results indicated an increased use of general anesthesia, primarily for younger patients, highlighting the increasing need for specialized healthcare professionals in pediatric dentistry. The study population predominantly consisted of male patients and those residing in Gyeongsangnam-do province. The most common treatment for dental caries was restorative, followed by surgical procedures and orthodontic interventions. The number of surgical procedures abruptly increased after 2020. However, pulp treatments and restorations using stainless steel or zirconia crowns decreased over time, with increased resin restorations. Individuals with disabilities more frequently undergo repeat dental procedures under general anesthesia, indicating potential barriers to access for this population. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive and equitable dental care for all individuals, particularly those with disabilities. Future research should focus on expanding the scope of the analysis to include multiple institutions and exploring long-term outcomes of patients receiving dental treatment under general anesthesia to inform policy development and best practices in pediatric dentistry.

This study examined the transverse relationship between the maxilla and mandible in children with mixed dentition. The study focused on the primary second molar and the permanent first molar in relation to the anteroposterior skeletal patterns using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). A total of 102 patients from the Pediatric Dentistry Department at Pusan Dental Hospital were classified into three skeletal groups (Class I, Ⅱ, Ⅲ) based on the ANB angle (angle formed by A-point-nasion-B-point). CBCT scans were analyzed to assess the transverse dimensions of basal bone and dento-alveolar measurements. The results showed that Class Ⅲ patients exhibited a significantly narrower maxillary basal bone compared with Class I and Ⅱ patients. The mandibular basal width was not significantly different between the classes. For primary second molars, Class Ⅲ patients showed significantly narrower maxillary alveolar bone width at the root bifurcation level (51.7 ± 2.5 mm, p < 0.05) compared with Class I and II patients. For permanent first molars, the maxillary occlusal fossa distance was smallest in Class II (45.4 ± 2.4 mm, p < 0.05), and was significantly different from Class I and Class Ⅲ. Maxillary first molar inclination was more lingually inclined in Class Ⅱ patients (99.0 ± 4.2°, p < 0.05) compared with Class Ⅲ patients, whereas Class Ⅲ patients exhibited more buccal inclination. This study highlights the correlation between transverse discrepancies and anteroposterior skeletal classifications, with Class Ⅲ showing a narrower maxillary base and Class Ⅱ patients presenting greater lingual compensation. These findings may aid pediatric dentists in diagnosing transverse relationships in mixed dentition.

This study aims to analyze anatomical and structural changes related to abnormal eruption of the maxillary first premolar in children, focusing on the correlation between maxillary sinus pneumatization volume and positional shifts in the premolar and canine. Twenty-nine children, with Hellman dental age IIIA, exhibiting unilateral abnormal eruption of the maxillary first premolar, were selected. Maxillary sinus morphology and the positions of tooth buds were assessed through CBCT images, and 3D-scanned diagnostic models were used to evaluate the upper arch form. The affected and control sides were compared in terms of sinus pneumatization and the positions of the first premolar and canine tooth buds. Maxillary sinus pneumatization on the affected side was significantly increased (p = 0.0202), while no significant difference was found in the total sinus volume (p = 0.9694). On the affected side, the apex of the first premolar was positioned more anteriorly (p = 0.0029) and more palatally (p = 0.0011) than that on the unaffected side. Additionally, the apex of the canine was positioned more posteriorly on the affected side compared to that on the unaffected side (p = 0.0039). Model analysis revealed that the anteroposterior total arch length on the affected side was longer than that on the control side (p < 0.0001), while the transverse width did not show any statistically significant difference. These findings suggest a potential relationship between maxillary sinus pneumatization and the abnormal eruption path of the first premolar, as well as possible effects on the eruption of canines.

Frailty is a condition marked by a progressive decline in physiological functioning due to aging, leading to increased disease morbidity and rising healthcare costs. Therefore, it is important to prevent frailty through proper management. Not only does a lack of physical activity contribute to frailty, but inadequate dietary intake, resulting from decreased appetite and malabsorption, is also a significant risk factor. This study aimed to develop a 16-week algorithm to assess the nutritional risks associated with frailty, provide personalized nutritional solutions, and manage frailty risk factors through continuous monitoring and periodic reassessment. A total of 20 indicators were selected to create a nutritional health score. The selected indicators encompassed nutritional risk factors for frailty, disease history, and hematological factors. Reassessments were designed to occur at four-week intervals to revise personalized management goals and adjust solutions. Metrics were prioritized to provide a personalized solution. A user-friendly monitoring system was developed that leveraged voice recognition technology to determine compliance. It is anticipated that the algorithm will serve several purposes. First, this outcome will allow us to help prevent and delay the onset of frailty by utilizing a mobile app. Second, it will reduce the time and economic costs associated with nutritional management. Finally, it will facilitate future professional counseling and monitoring.

Background: Mercury, particularly in its methylmercury form, significantly affects neurological and developmental functions. In Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea, blood mercury levels are elevated due to high fish consumption, especially shark meat. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, are at increased risk as methylmercury can cross the placenta and accumulate in breast milk. This study aimed to investigate the risks of mercury exposure from shark meat consumption among young and middle-aged women in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Methods: The data of women aged 19–55 years from the 2018 Gyeongsangbuk-do Community Health Survey were included. Survey questions focused on frequency and amount of shark meat consumption, as well as pregnancy status, recent childbirth, and breastfeeding status. The Complex Sample Analysis was used to determine the prevalence and risk of overconsumption. Weekly mercury intake was calculated for respondents who reported their body weight, and the population size exceeding Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)’s threshold was estimated. Results: Regions where the consumption rate of shark meat exceeds the average for Gyeongsangbuk-do are found to be distributed in the southeastern part of the province. Population estimates revealed that approximately 9,895 women aged 19–55, including 255 who had breastfed in the past year, consumed shark meat exceeding the recommended intake. Based on the maximum recorded mercury concentration (8.93 μg/g), an estimated 2,645 women surpassed the JECFA’s mercury exposure threshold, while 845 exceeded the MFDS’s threshold. Conclusions In young and middle-aged women of Gyeongsangbuk-do, approximately 7.1% exceed the single intake limit, while up to 1.9% exceed the JECFA’s provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) and 0.6% exceed the MFDS’s PTWI, suggesting considerable risk that warrants monitoring and guidance. More stringent advisory measures regarding shark meat consumption and updated standards on mercury concentration in shark meat are essential for young and middle-aged women in the province.

The multi-decade household humidifier disinfectant poisoning tragedy (HHDT) in South Korea highlights the importance of investigating government failures. This study aims to identify and discuss key failures and shortcomings in the South Korean authorities’ approach to regulating humidifier disinfectants (HDs) and monitoring cases of chemical poisoning. We reviewed both the HD risk prevention measures that the South Korean Ministry of Environment (KME) should have implemented under the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA) (1991–2013).Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG), a new chemical, was approved for use as a disinfectant under the TCCA. KME declared PHMG non-hazardous based solely on preproduction documentation provided by the industry. In addition, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCPA) failed to detect the HHDT that had accumulated each year for more than a decade. KME’s neglect of its responsibilities, coupled with KDCPA’s lack of chemical poisoning surveillance systems, led to the accumulation of widespread HHDT.

The multi-decade household humidifier disinfectant poisoning tragedy (HHDT) in South Korea highlights the importance of investigating government failures. This study aims to identify and discuss key failures and shortcomings in the South Korean authorities’ approach to regulating humidifier disinfectants (HDs) and monitoring cases of chemical poisoning. We reviewed both the HD risk prevention measures that the South Korean Ministry of Environment (KME) should have implemented under the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA) (1991–2013).Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG), a new chemical, was approved for use as a disinfectant under the TCCA. KME declared PHMG non-hazardous based solely on preproduction documentation provided by the industry. In addition, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCPA) failed to detect the HHDT that had accumulated each year for more than a decade. KME’s neglect of its responsibilities, coupled with KDCPA’s lack of chemical poisoning surveillance systems, led to the accumulation of widespread HHDT.

The multi-decade household humidifier disinfectant poisoning tragedy (HHDT) in South Korea highlights the importance of investigating government failures. This study aims to identify and discuss key failures and shortcomings in the South Korean authorities’ approach to regulating humidifier disinfectants (HDs) and monitoring cases of chemical poisoning. We reviewed both the HD risk prevention measures that the South Korean Ministry of Environment (KME) should have implemented under the Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA) (1991–2013).Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG), a new chemical, was approved for use as a disinfectant under the TCCA. KME declared PHMG non-hazardous based solely on preproduction documentation provided by the industry. In addition, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCPA) failed to detect the HHDT that had accumulated each year for more than a decade. KME’s neglect of its responsibilities, coupled with KDCPA’s lack of chemical poisoning surveillance systems, led to the accumulation of widespread HHDT.

This study analyzed dental treatments under general anesthesia at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry of Pusan National University Dental Hospital from 2014 to 2023. The study results indicated an increased use of general anesthesia, primarily for younger patients, highlighting the increasing need for specialized healthcare professionals in pediatric dentistry. The study population predominantly consisted of male patients and those residing in Gyeongsangnam-do province. The most common treatment for dental caries was restorative, followed by surgical procedures and orthodontic interventions. The number of surgical procedures abruptly increased after 2020. However, pulp treatments and restorations using stainless steel or zirconia crowns decreased over time, with increased resin restorations. Individuals with disabilities more frequently undergo repeat dental procedures under general anesthesia, indicating potential barriers to access for this population. This study emphasizes the need for comprehensive and equitable dental care for all individuals, particularly those with disabilities. Future research should focus on expanding the scope of the analysis to include multiple institutions and exploring long-term outcomes of patients receiving dental treatment under general anesthesia to inform policy development and best practices in pediatric dentistry.