Purpose: We aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) among Korean males and explore implications for targeted vaccination strategies. Materials and Methods: A total of 44,065 males underwent HPV testing between March 2014 and February 2022 using the Anyplex™ II HPV 28 system, detecting 19 high-risk (HR) and 9 low-risk (LR) HPV types. Additionally, data from 507 male patients at local clinic (2017–2022) were analyzed to compare genotype prevalence between those with (WAT group) and without (WAT X group) genital warts. Results: Overall HPV positivity was 59.1%. HPV 6 (33.3%) and HPV 11 (11.0%) were the most prevalent LR genotypes, while HPV 16 (5.2%) dominated HR infection. Multiple HPV genotype co-infection occurred in 49.3% of positive cases, with 11.3% involving multiple HR types. Younger males (teens, 20s) exhibited higher HR-HPV positivity, although total HPV positivity peaked in the 40s (60.1%). Non–9-valent HR genotypes (HPV 53, 51, 39, 66) accounted for 27.6%–35.0% of infections annually. At local clinic, HPV 43 was significantly associated with genital warts (p=0.017). Conclusions These data support including males in national HPV vaccination strategies using the current 9-valent vaccine and underscore the need for ongoing genotype surveillance to monitor non‑vaccine high‑risk types and inform public health policy, and support inclusion of males in national HPV vaccination strategies using the current 9‑valent vaccine.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a stroke subtype with high mortality and poor functional outcomes. Prompt occlusion of a ruptured aneurysm at an early stage is crucial to prevent rebleeding, which can result in even higher mortality and more severe disabilities. The most critical initial decision in SAH management is the choice of treatment method with surgical clipping or endovascular coiling. We aimed to develop an evidence-based clinical guideline to select the optimal initial treatment in patients with SAH. We developed this guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed) to answer two population, intervention, comparison, outcome questions comparing clipping and coiling. The risk of bias was assessed using ROB 2.0 and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagrams and meta-analyses were generated for functional outcome and mortality. We included six randomized control trials (RCTs) and 58 observational studies. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that coiling improved functional outcomes compared to clipping (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.97). No significant mortality difference was observed in RCTs (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.91–2.09), but non-RCTs favored clipping for reduced mortality (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69–0.86). However, it is difficult to generalize these findings to all clinical situations, as patients with SAH have a highly variable clinical course. Final treatment decision should be tailored to the individual patient’s status, including aneurysm location, morphology, and the expertise available at the treatment center. Such decisions are best made by specialists such as a board-certified physician and should be explained to the patient and their caregivers, along with the rationale for selecting the most appropriate treatment at the given hospital. Korea has many certified endovascular neurosurgeons, cerebrovascular surgeons, and certified cerebrovascular centers. Proper selection of the most suitable treatment method by certified physicians and centers would greatly benefit patient outcomes and healthcare professionals.

Accurate and early identification of stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO) in emergency settings is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring the efficient allocation of medical resources. This clinical practice guideline systematically reviews domestic and international literature and conducts meta-analyses to evaluate the utility and diagnostic accuracy of stroke assessment tools used in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS). We developed a guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of diagnostic EMS assessment tools for diagnosing stroke and LVO. Overall, 70 non-randomized control studies were selected for this study. A meta-analysis was conducted with a subgroup analysis to distinguish between patients with stroke and those with LVO. EMS tools demonstrated high sensitivity but low specificity for diagnosing stroke. In the prehospital setting, using validated EMS stroke assessment tools is recommended for the early identification of stroke and LVO. Upon hospital arrival, stroke specialists should conduct further evaluation and triage to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate management. Delays in diagnosing LVO are frequently unacceptable. While experts advocate for the use of EMS assessment tools to facilitate early identification of LVO, these tools alone lack adequate sensitivity. Therefore, further diagnostic evaluations and consultation with stroke specialists upon hospital arrival are recommended.

The mothership (MS) model, where patients are directly transferred to a thrombectomy-capable center, and the drip-and-ship (DS) model, where thrombolysis is initiated at the nearest primary stroke center before transfer for thrombectomy, are the primary transport modes for patients with stroke. We aimed to establish guidelines for selecting the appropriate transfer strategy based on emergent large vessel occlusion (LVO). We developed this guideline based on evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses via a de novo process. A systematic literature review was conducted across four databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed) to answer three Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome questions comparing MS and DS models. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow diagrams and meta-analyses were generated for functional outcomes, mortality, and successful recanalization. Twenty-six non-randomized controlled studies showed that the MS model improved good functional outcomes by approximately 14% compared with the DS model (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.30). Fifteen studies reported that mortality in the MS and DS models showed no significant differences (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.84–1.11). Twenty-four studies revealed no significant difference in successful recanalization between the MS and DS models (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.68–1.10). The MS model should be considered first to improve the functional outcome of patients with LVO. However, if thrombectomy cannot be performed immediately after thrombolysis, or if a thrombectomy-enabled hospital is not nearby, the DS model should be considered by stroke specialists depending on transportation time and regional factors. We suggest a mixed approach with the DS model based on specific circumstances or regions to ensure the optimum treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Appropriate transport for patients with LVO improves the prognosis of AIS.

Purpose: We examined the progression of experimental peri-implantitis in sites that underwent either alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) or spontaneous healing (SH), comparing infected teeth (IT) and non-infected teeth (NIT). This investigation is a secondary analysis of a preclinical study aimed at exploring the correlation between newly formed bone and implant stability quotient (ISQ), as well as the association between newly formed bone and the progression of experimental peri-implantitis. Methods: The bilateral mandibular third or fourth premolars of 6 beagle dogs were randomly assigned to 4 groups: IT/SH, IT/ARP, NIT/SH, and NIT/ARP. Following implant placement, core biopsies were retrieved from each site, and the ISQ value was measured. A 3-month period was allowed for peri-implantitis induction, followed by an additional 3 months for the spontaneous progression of peri-implantitis, with radiographs taken at each time point. Results: During the spontaneous progression of peri-implantitis, no statistically significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of mean ISQ values and radiographic marginal bone loss. Similarly, the percentages of bone substitute, newly formed bone, and fibrovascular connective tissue in core biopsies did not differ significantly among the groups.Linear regression analysis revealed no significant linear correlation between newly formed bone and ISQ in any group (P>0.05). However, a weak linear correlation between newly formed bone and marginal bone loss during the spontaneous progression of peri-implantitis was noted in the IT/SH group alone (P=0.036). Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, we were unable to demonstrate that ARP could improve newly formed bone or primary implant stability. Furthermore, neither ARP nor SH significantly influenced the spontaneous progression of experimental peri-implantitis.

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of implant vertical positioning within alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) sites on implant stability quotient (ISQ) values, which were measured 10 weeks post-implantation. Methods: Patients who underwent ARP using collagenized deproteinized bovine bone mineral, followed by implant placement in the posterior area, were divided into 2 groups:the within-ARP group and the beyond-ARP group. In the within-ARP group, osteotomy and implant placement occurred within the ARP boundary. In contrast, in the beyond-ARP group, these procedures were performed beyond the ARP boundary, incorporating 3 mm of pristine bone at the implant’s apex. Bone quality was assessed by tactile sense, and both insertion torque during implant surgery and ISQ values at 10 weeks post-implant surgery were measured. Multiple linear regression analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to explore the relationship between insertion torque and ISQ values. Results: In total, 30 ARP sites in 28 patients were analyzed. There was no significant difference in bone quality, as determined by tactile sense, between the within-ARP and beyond-ARP groups. At the time of implant placement, the beyond-ARP group exhibited a higher insertion torque (33.33±13.39 Ncm) compared to the within-ARP group (17.08±11.17 Ncm). However, the ISQ values were similar between the 2 groups 10 weeks after implant placement. A positive correlation between insertion torque and ISQ values was confirmed at 10 weeks post-implant. Conclusions The engagement of pristine bone may facilitate high insertion torque during the placement of implants in ARP sites. Nevertheless, by 10 weeks post-implantation, the ISQ values were found to be comparable, irrespective of the implant’s position.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the bone healing potential of 1-, 2-, and 3-wall defects following alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) treatment, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of ARP as a treatment option for destructive sites. Methods: Three groups, characterized by 1-, 2-, and 3-wall defects, were randomly assigned to the maxillary second, third, and fourth premolars in each of 8 beagle dogs. Each defect was created at either the mesial or distal root site of the tooth, which was hemi-sectioned and extracted. The contralateral root was preserved to superimpose with the experimental site for histomorphometric analysis. For each site, either spontaneous healing (SH; control) or ARP (test intervention) was randomly applied. Each group was divided in half and underwent a healing period of either 4 or 12 weeks. The Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used for histomorphometric analyses. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed a higher percentage of new bone in the apical area compared to the coronal area, regardless of defect type and healing period. In quantitative analysis, the 3-wall defect exhibited a significantly higher percentage of mineralization in the ARP group after 12 weeks of healing (ARP: 61.73%±7.52%; SH: 48.84%±3.06%; P=0.029).An increased percentage of mineralization was observed with a greater number of remaining bony walls, although this finding did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions Within the limitations of this study, ARP treatment for compromised sockets appears to yield a higher percentage of mineralization compared to SH. Although the effectiveness of the remaining bony walls was limited, their presence appeared to improve the percentage of mineralization in ARP treatment.

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the bone regeneration and biosorption patterns of different bone substitutes in a rabbit skull defect model. Methods: Four circular 8 mm-defects were created in the cranium of 12 New Zealand white rabbits, each weighing approximately 3 kg. Each defect was randomly assigned to one of 4 treatment groups: cortical deproteinized porcine bone mineral (DPBM), cancellous DPBM, biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) with a 6:4 ratio of hydroxyapatite (HA) to β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) (TCP4), and BCP with a 2:8 ratio of HA to β-TCP (TCP8). The rabbits were euthanized at either 6 weeks (n=6) or 12 weeks (n=6) post-surgery. The harvested specimens were then analyzed both radiographically and histomorphometrically. Results: In the micro-computed tomography analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed among the 4 groups, except in the bone graft volume/tissue volume (GV/TV) at 12 weeks. Cortical DBPM exhibited a higher GV/TV ratio than cancellous DBPM at the same time point. The histomorphometric analysis revealed increased biosorption in cancellous DBPM compared to cortical DBPM at 12 weeks. However, the percentage of newly formed bone did not significantly differ among the 4 groups. Conclusions All types of bone substitutes demonstrated similar patterns of bone regeneration at both 6 and 12 weeks of observation. However, cancellous DPBM exhibited a higher rate of bioabsorption compared to other bone substitutes, suggesting that it may have different indications or applications in guided bone regeneration protocols.

Smoking and sodium intake (SI) have been evaluated as risk factors for kidney disease; however, the data are inconsistent. We assessed the association between SI and cotinine-verified smoking status and the risk of albuminuria. Methods: An observational study using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008–2011 and 2014– 2018) was performed. We included 37,410 adults with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The smoking status was assumed based on the urine cotinine/creatinine ratio (Ucot/Ucrea). SI was estimated from spot urine sodium using the Kawasaki formula. Results: Ucot/Ucrea levels were significantly higher in current smokers (920.22 ± 9.00 ng/mg) than in ex-smokers and nonsmokers (48.31 ± 2.47 and 23.84 ± 1.30 ng/mg) (p < 0.001). Ucot/Ucrea levels were significantly higher in second-hand smokers than in participants without a history of smoking (p < 0.001). Ucot/Ucrea levels were positively associated with SI (p for trend < 0.001). Smoking status was not associated with albuminuria. SI had a linear relationship with albuminuria (p < 0.001). In groups with the highest Ucot/Ucrea levels, the highest SI quartile indicated a significantly higher risk of albuminuria than that in the lowest quartile (risk ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–3.92; p = 0.006). The risk of albuminuria was not significant in groups with the lowest and middle tertile adjusted for multiple risk factors. Conclusion: Smokers consume higher dietary sodium and dietary SI was positively related to the risk of albuminuria. Smoking is not associated with albuminuria as a single factor. The risk of albuminuria is the higher in participants with smoking and high SI.

Background: The obesity epidemic is associated with the emergence of new kidney diseases including obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG) and metabolic syndrome-associated disorders. However, the effects of obesity on prevalence and outcome of biopsy-proven kidney disease are not well known. Methods: We analyzed 14,492 kidney biopsies in 18 hospitals from 1979 to 2018 in Korea.Obesity was defined as a body mass index value of ≥ 30 kg/m 2 . Results: The most common disease was IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in both obese and nonobese participants (33.7% vs. 38.9%). Obesity was associated with a higher risk of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and hypertensive nephropathy (HT-N) (odds ratio [OR], 1.72, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37–2.17; OR, 1.96, 95% CI, 1.21–3.19) and a lower risk of IgAN (OR, 0.74, 95% CI, 0.62–0.88). During the median follow up of 93.1 ± 88.7 months, obesity increased the risk of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in patients with IgAN (relative risk [RR], 1.49, 95% CI, 1.01–2.20) and lupus nephritis (LN) (RR, 3.43, 95% CI, 1.36–8.67). Of 947 obese individuals, ORG was detected in 298 (31.5%), and 230 participants had other kidney diseases, most commonly, IgAN (40.9%) followed by diabetic nephropathy (15.2%). Participants with ORG, when combined with other renal diseases, showed higher risks for developing ESKD compared to those with ORG alone (RR, 2.48, 95% CI, 1.09–5.64). Conclusion Obesity is associated with an increased risk of FSGS and HT-N, and also increase the ESKD risk in IgAN and LN patients. ORG in obese participants may have favorable renal outcomes if it occurs alone without any other renal disease.