Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for maintaining skeletal health, yet deficiencies in these nutrients are particularly widespread in regions such as Asia and Africa. Inadequate intake of these nutrients in these areas has been associated with diminished bone integrity and a rising incidence of osteoporosis. This review examines the underlying mechanisms of bone loss driven by calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, emphasizing their crucial roles in bone metabolism. It also presents strategies to improve nutrient intake, such as fortification of staple foods and supplementation, along with lifestyle modifications including increased physical activity, sun exposure, and dietary education, to prevent bone loss effectively. Special consideration is given to vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals with limited sun exposure, and those with dietary restrictions, who are at higher risk of deficiency.The review further evaluates public health strategies, including government-initiated fortification and educational programs, as essential measures for tackling widespread nutrient deficiencies. Lastly, it explores future avenues for addressing calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, including the potential role of digital health tools, personalized nutrition, and innovative public health policies to alleviate the global burden of bone-related diseases.

Background/Aims: The Korean guidelines for Helicobacter pylori treatment were revised in 2020, however, the extent of adherence to these guidelines in clinical practice remains unclear. Herein, we initiated a prospective, nationwide, multicenter registry study in 2021 to evaluate the current management of H.pylori infection in Korea. Methods: This interim report describes the adherence to the revised guidelines and their impact on firstline eradication rates. Data on patient demographics, diagnoses, treatments, and eradication outcomes were collected using a web-based electronic case report form. Results: A total of 7,261 patients from 66 hospitals who received first-line treatment were analyzed.The modified intention-to-treat eradication rate for first-line treatment was 81.0%, with 80.4% of the prescriptions adhering to the revised guidelines. The most commonly prescribed regimen was the 14-day clarithromycin-based triple therapy (CTT; 42.0%), followed by tailored therapy (TT; 21.2%), 7-day CTT (14.1%), and 10-day concomitant therapy (CT; 10.1%). Time-trend analysis demonstrated significant increases in guideline adherence and the use of 10-day CT and TT, along with a decrease in the use of 7-day CTT (all p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that guideline adherence was significantly associated with first-line eradication success (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.61 to 2.56; p<0.001). Conclusions The revised guidelines for the treatment of H. pylori infection have been increasingly adopted in routine clinical practice in Korea, which may have contributed to improved first-line eradication rates. Notably, the 14-day CTT, 10-day CT, and TT regimens are emerging as the preferred first-line treatment options among Korean physicians.

Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for maintaining skeletal health, yet deficiencies in these nutrients are particularly widespread in regions such as Asia and Africa. Inadequate intake of these nutrients in these areas has been associated with diminished bone integrity and a rising incidence of osteoporosis. This review examines the underlying mechanisms of bone loss driven by calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, emphasizing their crucial roles in bone metabolism. It also presents strategies to improve nutrient intake, such as fortification of staple foods and supplementation, along with lifestyle modifications including increased physical activity, sun exposure, and dietary education, to prevent bone loss effectively. Special consideration is given to vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals with limited sun exposure, and those with dietary restrictions, who are at higher risk of deficiency.The review further evaluates public health strategies, including government-initiated fortification and educational programs, as essential measures for tackling widespread nutrient deficiencies. Lastly, it explores future avenues for addressing calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, including the potential role of digital health tools, personalized nutrition, and innovative public health policies to alleviate the global burden of bone-related diseases.

Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for maintaining skeletal health, yet deficiencies in these nutrients are particularly widespread in regions such as Asia and Africa. Inadequate intake of these nutrients in these areas has been associated with diminished bone integrity and a rising incidence of osteoporosis. This review examines the underlying mechanisms of bone loss driven by calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, emphasizing their crucial roles in bone metabolism. It also presents strategies to improve nutrient intake, such as fortification of staple foods and supplementation, along with lifestyle modifications including increased physical activity, sun exposure, and dietary education, to prevent bone loss effectively. Special consideration is given to vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals with limited sun exposure, and those with dietary restrictions, who are at higher risk of deficiency.The review further evaluates public health strategies, including government-initiated fortification and educational programs, as essential measures for tackling widespread nutrient deficiencies. Lastly, it explores future avenues for addressing calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, including the potential role of digital health tools, personalized nutrition, and innovative public health policies to alleviate the global burden of bone-related diseases.

Echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is rare in Korea and is primarily imported from endemic areas. We report a case of a 37-year-old Korean man with multiple large hepatic cysts, initially diagnosed as simple cysts at a local clinic in 2018. The patient had lived in Oman, an endemic area, for several months in 2016. Upon referral to a tertiary hospital in 2023, due to progressive cyst enlargement, liver magnetic resonance imaging revealed three large cysts with a water lily sign. Serum IgG against Echinococcus was positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After diagnosis of echinococcosis, treatment with albendazole and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) was performed.Microscopic and molecular analysis of cyst aspirates confirmed Echinococcus granulosus infection. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a reduction in cyst size, yet the emergence of a new right pleural effusion and consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung necessitated the continuation of albendazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough travel history, imaging findings, and the effectiveness of PAIR combined with albendazole in treating imported echinococcosis.

Echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is rare in Korea and is primarily imported from endemic areas. We report a case of a 37-year-old Korean man with multiple large hepatic cysts, initially diagnosed as simple cysts at a local clinic in 2018. The patient had lived in Oman, an endemic area, for several months in 2016. Upon referral to a tertiary hospital in 2023, due to progressive cyst enlargement, liver magnetic resonance imaging revealed three large cysts with a water lily sign. Serum IgG against Echinococcus was positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After diagnosis of echinococcosis, treatment with albendazole and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) was performed.Microscopic and molecular analysis of cyst aspirates confirmed Echinococcus granulosus infection. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a reduction in cyst size, yet the emergence of a new right pleural effusion and consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung necessitated the continuation of albendazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough travel history, imaging findings, and the effectiveness of PAIR combined with albendazole in treating imported echinococcosis.

Background/Aims: The Korean guidelines for Helicobacter pylori treatment were revised in 2020, however, the extent of adherence to these guidelines in clinical practice remains unclear. Herein, we initiated a prospective, nationwide, multicenter registry study in 2021 to evaluate the current management of H.pylori infection in Korea. Methods: This interim report describes the adherence to the revised guidelines and their impact on firstline eradication rates. Data on patient demographics, diagnoses, treatments, and eradication outcomes were collected using a web-based electronic case report form. Results: A total of 7,261 patients from 66 hospitals who received first-line treatment were analyzed.The modified intention-to-treat eradication rate for first-line treatment was 81.0%, with 80.4% of the prescriptions adhering to the revised guidelines. The most commonly prescribed regimen was the 14-day clarithromycin-based triple therapy (CTT; 42.0%), followed by tailored therapy (TT; 21.2%), 7-day CTT (14.1%), and 10-day concomitant therapy (CT; 10.1%). Time-trend analysis demonstrated significant increases in guideline adherence and the use of 10-day CT and TT, along with a decrease in the use of 7-day CTT (all p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that guideline adherence was significantly associated with first-line eradication success (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.61 to 2.56; p<0.001). Conclusions The revised guidelines for the treatment of H. pylori infection have been increasingly adopted in routine clinical practice in Korea, which may have contributed to improved first-line eradication rates. Notably, the 14-day CTT, 10-day CT, and TT regimens are emerging as the preferred first-line treatment options among Korean physicians.

Background/Aims: The Korean guidelines for Helicobacter pylori treatment were revised in 2020, however, the extent of adherence to these guidelines in clinical practice remains unclear. Herein, we initiated a prospective, nationwide, multicenter registry study in 2021 to evaluate the current management of H.pylori infection in Korea. Methods: This interim report describes the adherence to the revised guidelines and their impact on firstline eradication rates. Data on patient demographics, diagnoses, treatments, and eradication outcomes were collected using a web-based electronic case report form. Results: A total of 7,261 patients from 66 hospitals who received first-line treatment were analyzed.The modified intention-to-treat eradication rate for first-line treatment was 81.0%, with 80.4% of the prescriptions adhering to the revised guidelines. The most commonly prescribed regimen was the 14-day clarithromycin-based triple therapy (CTT; 42.0%), followed by tailored therapy (TT; 21.2%), 7-day CTT (14.1%), and 10-day concomitant therapy (CT; 10.1%). Time-trend analysis demonstrated significant increases in guideline adherence and the use of 10-day CT and TT, along with a decrease in the use of 7-day CTT (all p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that guideline adherence was significantly associated with first-line eradication success (odds ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.61 to 2.56; p<0.001). Conclusions The revised guidelines for the treatment of H. pylori infection have been increasingly adopted in routine clinical practice in Korea, which may have contributed to improved first-line eradication rates. Notably, the 14-day CTT, 10-day CT, and TT regimens are emerging as the preferred first-line treatment options among Korean physicians.

Echinococcosis, caused by the tapeworm Echinococcus, is rare in Korea and is primarily imported from endemic areas. We report a case of a 37-year-old Korean man with multiple large hepatic cysts, initially diagnosed as simple cysts at a local clinic in 2018. The patient had lived in Oman, an endemic area, for several months in 2016. Upon referral to a tertiary hospital in 2023, due to progressive cyst enlargement, liver magnetic resonance imaging revealed three large cysts with a water lily sign. Serum IgG against Echinococcus was positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After diagnosis of echinococcosis, treatment with albendazole and puncture-aspiration-injection-reaspiration (PAIR) was performed.Microscopic and molecular analysis of cyst aspirates confirmed Echinococcus granulosus infection. Follow-up computed tomography demonstrated a reduction in cyst size, yet the emergence of a new right pleural effusion and consolidation in the left lower lobe of the lung necessitated the continuation of albendazole therapy. This case highlights the importance of thorough travel history, imaging findings, and the effectiveness of PAIR combined with albendazole in treating imported echinococcosis.

Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for maintaining skeletal health, yet deficiencies in these nutrients are particularly widespread in regions such as Asia and Africa. Inadequate intake of these nutrients in these areas has been associated with diminished bone integrity and a rising incidence of osteoporosis. This review examines the underlying mechanisms of bone loss driven by calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, emphasizing their crucial roles in bone metabolism. It also presents strategies to improve nutrient intake, such as fortification of staple foods and supplementation, along with lifestyle modifications including increased physical activity, sun exposure, and dietary education, to prevent bone loss effectively. Special consideration is given to vulnerable populations, including older adults, individuals with limited sun exposure, and those with dietary restrictions, who are at higher risk of deficiency.The review further evaluates public health strategies, including government-initiated fortification and educational programs, as essential measures for tackling widespread nutrient deficiencies. Lastly, it explores future avenues for addressing calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, including the potential role of digital health tools, personalized nutrition, and innovative public health policies to alleviate the global burden of bone-related diseases.