We surveyed on the infection status of zoonotic trematode metacercariae (ZTM) in freshwater fishes from Soyang-cheon (a branch stream of Mangyeong-gang) in Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, the Republic of Korea. A total of 927 fishes were individually examined with the artificial digestion method during 2013-2015 (462 fish in 15 spp.) and 2018-2019 (465 fish in 25 spp.). Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae were detected in 207 (31.4%) out of 659 fishes in 14 positive fish species (PFS), and their mean intensity was 114 per fish infected (PFI). Metagonimus spp. metacercariae were found in 302 (37.4%) out of 808 fishes in 21 PFS, and their mean intensity was 12 PFI. Centrocestus armatus metacercariae were detected in 222 (59.0%) out of 376 fishes in 12 PFS, and their mean intensity was 383 PFI. Echinostoma spp. metacercariae were found in 139 (22.1%) out of 628 fishes in 10 PFS, and their mean intensity was 7 PFI. Clinostomum complanatum metacercariae were detected in 14 (6.5%) out of 214 fishes in 4 PFS, and their mean intensity was 2.4 PFI. Metorchis orientalis metacercariae were detected in 36 (13.5%) out of 267 fishes in 5 PFS, and their mean intensity was 4.3 PFI. Conclusively, the prevalence and infection intensity of ZTM is generally not so high in fishes from Soyang-cheon. However, those of C. sinensis metacercariae are more or less higher in 2 fish species, Pungtungia herzi and Sarcocheilichthys variegatus wakiyae.

We surveyed on the infection status of zoonotic trematode metacercariae (ZTM) in freshwater fishes from Soyang-cheon (a branch stream of Mangyeong-gang) in Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, the Republic of Korea. A total of 927 fishes were individually examined with the artificial digestion method during 2013-2015 (462 fish in 15 spp.) and 2018-2019 (465 fish in 25 spp.). Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae were detected in 207 (31.4%) out of 659 fishes in 14 positive fish species (PFS), and their mean intensity was 114 per fish infected (PFI). Metagonimus spp. metacercariae were found in 302 (37.4%) out of 808 fishes in 21 PFS, and their mean intensity was 12 PFI. Centrocestus armatus metacercariae were detected in 222 (59.0%) out of 376 fishes in 12 PFS, and their mean intensity was 383 PFI. Echinostoma spp. metacercariae were found in 139 (22.1%) out of 628 fishes in 10 PFS, and their mean intensity was 7 PFI. Clinostomum complanatum metacercariae were detected in 14 (6.5%) out of 214 fishes in 4 PFS, and their mean intensity was 2.4 PFI. Metorchis orientalis metacercariae were detected in 36 (13.5%) out of 267 fishes in 5 PFS, and their mean intensity was 4.3 PFI. Conclusively, the prevalence and infection intensity of ZTM is generally not so high in fishes from Soyang-cheon. However, those of C. sinensis metacercariae are more or less higher in 2 fish species, Pungtungia herzi and Sarcocheilichthys variegatus wakiyae.

Background: Various types of miniplates have been developed and used for the reduction of facial bone fractures. We introduced Yang’s Keyhole (YK) plate, and reported on its short-term stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term stability of the YK plate, as a follow-up study, by examining the patients who had used the YK plate among the patients with the reduction of mandible fractures and who visited for plate removal. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 16 patients who underwent mandibular fracture fixation using a YK plate (group I) and 17 patients who underwent mandibular fracture fixation using a conventional plate (group II). Assessment was then made on malunion, occlusal stability, discomfort during the application, and clinical symptoms. Results: From January 2015 to December 2017, a total of 36 patients underwent mandibular fracture surgery using a YK plate. A total of 16 patients received plate removal. Among them, 15 were male and 1 female. The average age was 26 years. The applied surgical sites were the 12 on mandibular angle, 4 on mandibular symphysis, and 2 on subcondyle. The application period of YK plate was an average of 335 days. During the same period, 45 people underwent surgery on the conventional plate. A total of 17 patients received plate removal. Among them, 15 were male and 2 females. The average age was 36 years. The applied surgical sites were the 8 on mandibular angle, 4 on mandibular symphysis, and 2 on subcondyle. The application period of the conventional plate was an average of 349 days. No malocclusion occurred at the time of removal, and occlusion was stable. No patient complained of joint disease or discomfort. Conclusion The YK plate system, in which the screw was first inserted and the plate was applied, for clinical convenience did not cause any particular problem and no significant difference from the conventional plate.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical, biological, and esthetic stability of a zirconium abutment according to evidence-based dentistry. MAIN TEXT: An electronic search was performed. Domestic studies were found using the keywords “zirconia abutments” and “zirconium abutment” in KMbase, KoreaMed, and the National Assembly Library, and international studies were found using the same keywords in PubMed. All identified studies were divided by evidence level from the viewpoint of the research type utilizing the evidence-based review manual. A total of 102 domestic studies (with Korean language) were found, and 9 of these studies were selected. In these nine studies, 3 had evidence level 3 and 6 had evidence level 4. A total of 97 international studies (with English language) were found, and 19 were selected. Among these 19 studies, 5 had evidence level 2 and 7 had evidence level 3, whereas the remainder had evidence level 4. According to the studies, zirconium abutments are mechanically, biologically, and esthetically stable, but the evidence level of these studies is low, and the follow-up duration is no longer than 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: All examined studies verified the mechanical stability of zirconium abutments for a period no longer than 5 years. Therefore, a long-term clinical observation is needed. Zirconium abutments are thought to be biologically stable, but they are not superior to titanium abutments. As the esthetic stability of such abutments had a low evidence level in the studies that examined here, a much higher evidence level is needed.
Dental Implants ; Evidence-Based Dentistry ; Follow-Up Studies ; Titanium ; Zirconium

To grasp the infection status of Metagonimus spp. metacercariae (MsMc), the freshwater fishes were surveyed from Seomjin-gang (river) and Tamjin-gang in the Republic of Korea. Total 1,604 fishes from 7 local sites of Seomjin-gang and 1,649 fishes from 2 sites of Tamjin-gang were examined for 6 years (2012–2017) by the artificial digestion method. MsMc were detected in fishes from 7 sites, i.e., Osucheon in Imsil-gun (36.3% fish in 6 spp.), Seomjin-gang in Sunchanggun (49.8% in 18 spp.), Songdaecheon in Namwon-si (64.5% in 8 spp.), Seomjin-gang in Gokseong-gun (72.4% in 14 spp.) and in Gurye-gun (78.8% in 17 spp.), Hoengcheon (75.9% in 11 spp.) and Namsancheon (58.9% in 7 spp.) in Hadong-gun. Their average densities were 4.2, 86.8, 39.9, 43.1, 246.5, 173.6 and 67.5 per fish infected respectively. Prevalence with MsMc in rasborinid fish from Seomjin-gang was 89.2% and their intensity was 73.6 per fish infected. Endemicities of MsMc in rasborinid fish from Seomjin-gang were significantly higher in fishes from the lower reaches (prevalence: 98.7%; density: 137) rather than in fishes from the middle (93.5%; 38) and upper (72.4%; 13) reaches. MsMc were also detected in 56.1% and 66.4% fishes from 2 surveyed areas, i.e., the middle reaches in Jangheung-gun and the lower reaches in Gangjin-gun, of Tamjin-gang, and their densities were 147 and 121 per fish infected. In susceptible fishes from Tamjin-gang, the prevalence was 84.1% and density was 227 per fish infected. By the present study, it was confirmed that MsMc is highly prevalent in the fishes from Seomjin-gang and Tamjin-gang in Korea.
Digestion ; Fishes ; Fresh Water ; Hand Strength ; Heterophyidae ; Korea ; Metacercariae ; Methods ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea

The infection status of Centrocestus armatus metacercariae (CaMc) was broadly surveyed in freshwater fishes from major river systems in the Republic of Korea (Korea) during 2008–2017. A total of 14,977 fishes was caught and examined by the artificial digestion method. CaMc were detected in 3,818 (97.1%) (2,114 Z. platypus: 96.1% and 1,704 Z. temminckii: 98.4%) out of 3,932 Zacco spp. examined and their density was 1,867 (2,109 in Z. platypus and 1,567 in Z. temminckii) per fish infected. The prevalences with CaMc were high, 93.7–100%, in Zacco spp. from all surveyed areas. However, their densities were more or less different by the surveyed areas and fish species. They were most high in Nakdong-gang in Gyeongsangnam-do (4,201 in average), and followed by Geum-gang (2,343), Nakdong-gang in Gyeongsangbuk-do (1,623), Han-gang (1,564), Tamjin-gang and Yeongsan-gang (1,540), streams in the east coast (1,028), Seomjin-gang (488) and Mangyeong-gang (170). In another species of rasborinid fish, Opsariichthys uncirostris amurensis, CaMc were detected in 222 (74.8%) out of 297 ones examined and their density was 278 (1–4,480) per fish infected. CaMc were also detected in total 41 fish species except for the rasborinid fish, Z. platypus, Z. temminckii and O. uncirostris amurensis. Conclusively, it was confirmed that among the 3 species of rasborinid fish, Z. platypus and Z. temminckii are highly prevalent and O. uncirostris amurensis is moderately prevalent with CaMc. Additionally, we could know that variety of fish species act as the second intermediate hosts of C. armatus in Korea.
Digestion ; Fishes ; Fresh Water ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Gyeongsangnam-do ; Korea ; Metacercariae ; Methods ; Platypus ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea ; Rivers ; Water

PURPOSE: The complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors plays an important role in the development of asthma. Several studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the 2 asthma-related risk factors: antibiotic usage during infancy and/or a history of bronchiolitis during early life and the development of asthma. In addition to these risk factors, we also explored the effects of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) polymorphism on the development of childhood asthma. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 7,389 middle school students who were from 8 areas of Seoul, Korea, and completed the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. The TLR4 polymorphism rs1927911 was genotyped in 1,395 middle school students from two areas using the TaqMan assay. RESULTS: Bronchiolitis in the first 2 years of life, antibiotic exposure during the first year of life, and parental history of asthma were independent risk factors for the development of asthma. When combined, antibiotic use and a history of bronchiolitis increased the risk of asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.09-6.97, P value for interaction=0.02). In subjects with CC genotype of TLR4, antibiotic exposure and a history of bronchiolitis during infancy, the risk of asthma was increased, compared to subjects without these risk factors (aOR: 5.72, 95% CI: 1.74-18.87). CONCLUSIONS: Early-life antibiotic exposures and a history of bronchiolitis are risk factors for asthma in young adolescents. Polymorphisms of TLR4 modified the influence of these environmental factors. Reducing antibiotic exposure and preventing bronchiolitis during infancy may prevent the development of asthma, especially in genetically susceptible subjects.
Adolescent ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Asthma* ; Bronchiolitis* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Genotype ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Korea ; Odds Ratio ; Parents ; Risk Factors ; Seoul ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Nitric oxide (NO) is a biologic mediator of various physiologic functions. Recent evidence suggests the clinical utility of fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) as a biomarker for assessing asthma and other respiratory diseases. FeNO methodologies have been recently standardized by international research groups and subsequently validated in several Korean population studies. Normal ranges for FeNO have been reported for various ethnic groups, and the clinical utility has been widely evaluated in asthma and various respiratory diseases. Based on current evidence including most of Korean population data, this position paper aims to introduce the methodological considerations, and provide the guidance for the proper clinical application of FeNO measurements in Korean populations.
Asthma ; Ethnic Groups ; Humans ; Nitric Oxide* ; Reference Values

PURPOSE: Pulmonary function tests are useful and important methods for evaluating patients with respiratory diseases. To assess lung function, we need to establish normal values of lung function, which vary according to population, age, gender and growth, particularly in children. This study was undertaken to establish normal predicted values of pulmonary function tests and to predict renewed reference values by spirometry in Korean school children. METHODS: Spirometric forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced expiratory flow at 25% to 75% of FVC (FEF25%-75%), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured in 406 healthy elementary school children (age, 6-12 years old) in May, 2012. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed for each spirometric parameter against age, height, weight and body surface area (BSA) separately for boys and girls, and derived reference equations and coefficients for all the spirometric parameters. RESULTS: All the measured spirometric parameters were significantly correlated with age, height, weight, and BSA. FVC was higher in boys aged 6-10 years than girls at ages matched. Height showed the highest correlation coefficient for all the spirometric parameters followed by BSA, weight and age in both genders. The normal predicted values of FVC and FEV1 at 130 cm in this study using renewed reference equations were approximately in the middle compared to previous studies. CONCLUSION: We reported here the renewed reference equations for normal predicted values of pulmonary function tests with high coefficients of determination based on updated data in healthy Korean children.
Body Surface Area ; Child* ; Female ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Lung ; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate ; Reference Values* ; Respiratory Function Tests* ; Spirometry ; Vital Capacity

PURPOSE: We investigated the prevalence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) and its associated factors in population-based elementary school children. METHODS: Methacholine bronchial provocation tests were performed on 1,151 elementary school children and BHR was defined as PC20 (provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]) < or =8 mg/mL. We analyzed the prevalence of BHR according to age and sex. The Korean version of International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire, skin prick test, pulmonary function test, and blood tests were performed to determine associated factors for BHR. RESULTS: A total of 1,106 students eligible for provocation tests were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of PC20 < or =8 mg/mL was 11.5% (95% confidence interval, 10.6-13.4) and BHR decreased with age (P-value for trend <0.001). Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.860; P=0.032), higher blood eosinophil % (aOR, 1.151; P=0.001), lower predictive % of FEV1 (aOR, 0.977; P=0.029), fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) > or =25 ppb (aOR, 2.118; P=0.025), and sensitization to mites (aOR, 1.705; P=0.034) were associated with BHR. Preterm birth (aOR, 2.056; P=0.068) showed borderline significance. The associated factors for BHR with atopy were lower body mass index (aOR, 0.838; P=0.005), preterm birth (aOR, 4.361; P=0.003), and FeNO > or =25 ppb (aOR, 2.161; P=0.043). Younger age (aOR, 0.810; P=0.037) and higher blood eosinophil % (aOR, 1.296; P<0.001) were associated with BHR without atopy. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of BHR decreased with age in elementary school children. Younger age, preterm birth, eosinophilia, sensitization to mites, lower lung function, and higher FeNO level were independently associated with BHR.
Asthma ; Body Mass Index ; Bronchial Hyperreactivity ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Child* ; Eosinophilia ; Eosinophils ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Lung ; Methacholine Chloride ; Mites ; Nitric Oxide ; Odds Ratio ; Premature Birth ; Prevalence* ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Skin ; Surveys and Questionnaires