This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes. The analysis includes the expansion in the number of centers, the transfer of responsibilities to local governments, and the launch of significant projects such as the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS ). During the initial phase (May 2007–February 2009), the 10 centers concentrated on research-driven activities, shifting from a media-centered to a receptor-centered approach. In the second phase, prompted by the enactment of the Environmental Health Act, six additional centers were established, broadening their scope to address national environmental health issues. The third phase introduced Ko-CHENS, a 20-year national cohort project designed to influence environmental health policy by integrating research findings into policy frameworks. The fourth phase marked a decentralization of authority, empowering local governments and redefining the centers' roles to focus on regional environmental health challenges. The Regional Environmental Health Centers have significantly evolved and now play a crucial role in addressing local environmental health issues and supporting local government policies. Their capacity to adapt and respond to region-specific challenges is essential for the effective implementation of environmental health policies, reflecting geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic differences.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, disabling, and functional bowel disorder that significantly affects social functioning and reduces quality of life and increases social costs. The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility published clinical practice guidelines on the management of IBS based on a systematic review of the literature in 2017, and planned to revise these guidelines in light of new evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IBS. The current revised version of the guidelines is consistent with the previous version and targets adults diagnosed with or suspected of having IBS. These guidelines were developed using a combination of de novo and adaptation methods, with analyses of existing guidelines and discussions within the committee, leading to the identification of key clinical questions. Finally, the guidelines consisted of 22 recommendations, including 3 concerning the definition and risk factors of IBS, 4 regarding diagnostic modalities and strategies, 2 regarding general management, and 13 regarding medical treatment. For each statement, the advantages, disadvantages, and precautions were thoroughly detailed. The modified Delphi method was used to achieve expert consensus to adopt the core recommendations of the guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for clinicians (including primary care physicians, general healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals) and patients, helping them to make informed decisions regarding IBS management.

Background and Objectives: The Korean Organ Transplant Registry (KOTRY) provided data for this third official report on adult heart transplantation (HT), including information from 709 recipients. Methods: Data from HTs performed at seven major centers in Korea between March 2014 and December 2020 were analyzed, focusing on immunosuppression, acute rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), post-transplant survival, and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) usage. Results: The median ages of the recipients and donors were 56.0 and 43.0 years, respectively.Cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease were the most common preceding conditions for HT. A significant portion of patients underwent HT at waiting list status 1 and 0. In the multivariate analysis, a predicted heart mass mismatch was associated with a higher risk of 1-year mortality. Patients over 70 years old had a significantly increased risk of 6-year mortality. The risk of CAV was higher for male donors and donors older than 45 years. Acute rejection was more likely in patients with panel reactive antibody levels above 80%, while statin use was associated with a reduced risk. The employment of left ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation increased from 2.17% to 22.4%. Pre-transplant extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation was associated with worse post-transplant survival. Conclusions In this third KOTRY report, we analyzed changes in the characteristics of adult HT recipients and donors and their impact on post-transplant outcomes. The most notable discovery was the increased use of MCS before HT and their impact on post-transplant outcomes.

Background: This study aimed to report the radiological outcomes and risk factors for malalignment of fractures in the distal onefourth of the tibia treated with intramedullary nailing via the infrapatellar approach. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 60 patients (37 men and 23 women; mean age, 45.4 years) who had distal onefourth tibial fractures and were treated with intramedullary nailing using the infrapatellar approach. These patients were treated between January 2009 and December 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Fractures were classified according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association system: 25 were type 42A, 30 were type 42B, and 5 were type 43A. Radiographic outcomes focused on bone union and malalignment, defined as a valgus deviation greater than 5° compared to the unaffected side. Potential risk factors for malalignment, including open fractures (9 cases, 15%), distal tibial extension (20 cases, 33%), and distal fibular fractures (24 cases, 40%), were documented. Results: Bone union was achieved in all cases, with an average duration of 3.2 months (range, 3–5 months). No cases of postoperative wound infection or neurovascular damage were observed. The average coronal plane malalignment was 2.6° of valgus (range, 0°–9.3°), with significant malalignment (over 5°) occurring in 5 patients (8.3%). Comparison of the malalignment (n = 5) and normal (n = 55) groups showed a statistically significant difference in distal bone fragment length (average, 66.5 mm vs. 77.2 mm;p = 0.008) but no significant differences in other variables. A change-point analysis revealed that cases with a primary fracture line < 65 mm showed 4.5° of coronal malalignment, while those with > 65 mm showed 2.3°; the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). Conclusions Intramedullary nailing using the infrapatellar approach for distal one-fourth tibial fractures results in successful bone union with a low incidence of valgus malalignment. However, careful attention is necessary to prevent angular deformities, especially when the distal fragment is short.

This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes. The analysis includes the expansion in the number of centers, the transfer of responsibilities to local governments, and the launch of significant projects such as the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS ). During the initial phase (May 2007–February 2009), the 10 centers concentrated on research-driven activities, shifting from a media-centered to a receptor-centered approach. In the second phase, prompted by the enactment of the Environmental Health Act, six additional centers were established, broadening their scope to address national environmental health issues. The third phase introduced Ko-CHENS, a 20-year national cohort project designed to influence environmental health policy by integrating research findings into policy frameworks. The fourth phase marked a decentralization of authority, empowering local governments and redefining the centers' roles to focus on regional environmental health challenges. The Regional Environmental Health Centers have significantly evolved and now play a crucial role in addressing local environmental health issues and supporting local government policies. Their capacity to adapt and respond to region-specific challenges is essential for the effective implementation of environmental health policies, reflecting geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic differences.

This study explores the development, roles, and key initiatives of the Regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea, detailing their evolution through four distinct phases and their impact on environmental health policy and local governance. It chronicles the establishment and transformation of these centers from their inception in May 2007, through four developmental stages. Originally named Environmental Disease Research Centers, they were subsequently renamed Environmental Health Centers following legislative changes. The analysis includes the expansion in the number of centers, the transfer of responsibilities to local governments, and the launch of significant projects such as the Korean Children’s Environmental Health Study (Ko-CHENS ). During the initial phase (May 2007–February 2009), the 10 centers concentrated on research-driven activities, shifting from a media-centered to a receptor-centered approach. In the second phase, prompted by the enactment of the Environmental Health Act, six additional centers were established, broadening their scope to address national environmental health issues. The third phase introduced Ko-CHENS, a 20-year national cohort project designed to influence environmental health policy by integrating research findings into policy frameworks. The fourth phase marked a decentralization of authority, empowering local governments and redefining the centers' roles to focus on regional environmental health challenges. The Regional Environmental Health Centers have significantly evolved and now play a crucial role in addressing local environmental health issues and supporting local government policies. Their capacity to adapt and respond to region-specific challenges is essential for the effective implementation of environmental health policies, reflecting geographical, socioeconomic, and demographic differences.

Background and Objectives: The Korean Organ Transplant Registry (KOTRY) provided data for this third official report on adult heart transplantation (HT), including information from 709 recipients. Methods: Data from HTs performed at seven major centers in Korea between March 2014 and December 2020 were analyzed, focusing on immunosuppression, acute rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV), post-transplant survival, and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) usage. Results: The median ages of the recipients and donors were 56.0 and 43.0 years, respectively.Cardiomyopathy and ischemic heart disease were the most common preceding conditions for HT. A significant portion of patients underwent HT at waiting list status 1 and 0. In the multivariate analysis, a predicted heart mass mismatch was associated with a higher risk of 1-year mortality. Patients over 70 years old had a significantly increased risk of 6-year mortality. The risk of CAV was higher for male donors and donors older than 45 years. Acute rejection was more likely in patients with panel reactive antibody levels above 80%, while statin use was associated with a reduced risk. The employment of left ventricular assist device as a bridge to transplantation increased from 2.17% to 22.4%. Pre-transplant extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation was associated with worse post-transplant survival. Conclusions In this third KOTRY report, we analyzed changes in the characteristics of adult HT recipients and donors and their impact on post-transplant outcomes. The most notable discovery was the increased use of MCS before HT and their impact on post-transplant outcomes.

Background: This study aimed to report the radiological outcomes and risk factors for malalignment of fractures in the distal onefourth of the tibia treated with intramedullary nailing via the infrapatellar approach. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 60 patients (37 men and 23 women; mean age, 45.4 years) who had distal onefourth tibial fractures and were treated with intramedullary nailing using the infrapatellar approach. These patients were treated between January 2009 and December 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Fractures were classified according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association system: 25 were type 42A, 30 were type 42B, and 5 were type 43A. Radiographic outcomes focused on bone union and malalignment, defined as a valgus deviation greater than 5° compared to the unaffected side. Potential risk factors for malalignment, including open fractures (9 cases, 15%), distal tibial extension (20 cases, 33%), and distal fibular fractures (24 cases, 40%), were documented. Results: Bone union was achieved in all cases, with an average duration of 3.2 months (range, 3–5 months). No cases of postoperative wound infection or neurovascular damage were observed. The average coronal plane malalignment was 2.6° of valgus (range, 0°–9.3°), with significant malalignment (over 5°) occurring in 5 patients (8.3%). Comparison of the malalignment (n = 5) and normal (n = 55) groups showed a statistically significant difference in distal bone fragment length (average, 66.5 mm vs. 77.2 mm;p = 0.008) but no significant differences in other variables. A change-point analysis revealed that cases with a primary fracture line < 65 mm showed 4.5° of coronal malalignment, while those with > 65 mm showed 2.3°; the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). Conclusions Intramedullary nailing using the infrapatellar approach for distal one-fourth tibial fractures results in successful bone union with a low incidence of valgus malalignment. However, careful attention is necessary to prevent angular deformities, especially when the distal fragment is short.

Background: This study aimed to report the radiological outcomes and risk factors for malalignment of fractures in the distal onefourth of the tibia treated with intramedullary nailing via the infrapatellar approach. Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 60 patients (37 men and 23 women; mean age, 45.4 years) who had distal onefourth tibial fractures and were treated with intramedullary nailing using the infrapatellar approach. These patients were treated between January 2009 and December 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Fractures were classified according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association system: 25 were type 42A, 30 were type 42B, and 5 were type 43A. Radiographic outcomes focused on bone union and malalignment, defined as a valgus deviation greater than 5° compared to the unaffected side. Potential risk factors for malalignment, including open fractures (9 cases, 15%), distal tibial extension (20 cases, 33%), and distal fibular fractures (24 cases, 40%), were documented. Results: Bone union was achieved in all cases, with an average duration of 3.2 months (range, 3–5 months). No cases of postoperative wound infection or neurovascular damage were observed. The average coronal plane malalignment was 2.6° of valgus (range, 0°–9.3°), with significant malalignment (over 5°) occurring in 5 patients (8.3%). Comparison of the malalignment (n = 5) and normal (n = 55) groups showed a statistically significant difference in distal bone fragment length (average, 66.5 mm vs. 77.2 mm;p = 0.008) but no significant differences in other variables. A change-point analysis revealed that cases with a primary fracture line < 65 mm showed 4.5° of coronal malalignment, while those with > 65 mm showed 2.3°; the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). Conclusions Intramedullary nailing using the infrapatellar approach for distal one-fourth tibial fractures results in successful bone union with a low incidence of valgus malalignment. However, careful attention is necessary to prevent angular deformities, especially when the distal fragment is short.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, disabling, and functional bowel disorder that significantly affects social functioning and reduces quality of life and increases social costs. The Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility published clinical practice guidelines on the management of IBS based on a systematic review of the literature in 2017, and planned to revise these guidelines in light of new evidence on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of IBS. The current revised version of the guidelines is consistent with the previous version and targets adults diagnosed with or suspected of having IBS. These guidelines were developed using a combination of de novo and adaptation methods, with analyses of existing guidelines and discussions within the committee, leading to the identification of key clinical questions. Finally, the guidelines consisted of 22 recommendations, including 3 concerning the definition and risk factors of IBS, 4 regarding diagnostic modalities and strategies, 2 regarding general management, and 13 regarding medical treatment. For each statement, the advantages, disadvantages, and precautions were thoroughly detailed. The modified Delphi method was used to achieve expert consensus to adopt the core recommendations of the guidelines. These guidelines serve as a reference for clinicians (including primary care physicians, general healthcare providers, medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals) and patients, helping them to make informed decisions regarding IBS management.