Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

Objectives: . Allergic rhinitis (AR) significantly impacts quality of life and incurs socioeconomic costs. The influence of smoking habits, including the use of conventional cigarettes (CCs) and electronic cigarettes (ECs), on the prevalence and management of AR remains a subject of debate. This study aims to explore the association between smoking status (CC and EC use) and the prevalence and management of AR among Koreans by analyzing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VII (2018) and VIII (2019–2021). Methods: . This cross-sectional study involved 22,290 participants aged 19 years and older from the KNHANES. Participants self-reported their smoking status, and urinary cotinine levels were measured to assess nicotine exposure. We employed statistical analyses, including logistic regression, to examine the relationships between smoking status, cotinine levels, and the prevalence and management of AR. Results: . In univariable logistic regression analysis, EC users exhibited a 35.8% increased risk of AR compared to non-smokers, whereas CC users experienced a 27.7% reduced risk. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a 20.3% lower risk of AR among CC users; however, no significant association was observed for EC users. Higher cotinine levels (>500 ng/mL) were associated with a lower prevalence of AR. Specifically, heavy CC users with high cotinine levels demonstrated a 35% reduced risk of AR. Nonetheless, after adjusting for confounders, this association was no longer significant, indicating that other variables might influence this relationship. Conclusion . Smoking status is associated with the prevalence of AR in Koreans. Notably, heavy use of CCs is negatively correlated with the prevalence of AR.

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

Objectives: . Allergic rhinitis (AR) significantly impacts quality of life and incurs socioeconomic costs. The influence of smoking habits, including the use of conventional cigarettes (CCs) and electronic cigarettes (ECs), on the prevalence and management of AR remains a subject of debate. This study aims to explore the association between smoking status (CC and EC use) and the prevalence and management of AR among Koreans by analyzing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VII (2018) and VIII (2019–2021). Methods: . This cross-sectional study involved 22,290 participants aged 19 years and older from the KNHANES. Participants self-reported their smoking status, and urinary cotinine levels were measured to assess nicotine exposure. We employed statistical analyses, including logistic regression, to examine the relationships between smoking status, cotinine levels, and the prevalence and management of AR. Results: . In univariable logistic regression analysis, EC users exhibited a 35.8% increased risk of AR compared to non-smokers, whereas CC users experienced a 27.7% reduced risk. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a 20.3% lower risk of AR among CC users; however, no significant association was observed for EC users. Higher cotinine levels (>500 ng/mL) were associated with a lower prevalence of AR. Specifically, heavy CC users with high cotinine levels demonstrated a 35% reduced risk of AR. Nonetheless, after adjusting for confounders, this association was no longer significant, indicating that other variables might influence this relationship. Conclusion . Smoking status is associated with the prevalence of AR in Koreans. Notably, heavy use of CCs is negatively correlated with the prevalence of AR.

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

Objectives: . Allergic rhinitis (AR) significantly impacts quality of life and incurs socioeconomic costs. The influence of smoking habits, including the use of conventional cigarettes (CCs) and electronic cigarettes (ECs), on the prevalence and management of AR remains a subject of debate. This study aims to explore the association between smoking status (CC and EC use) and the prevalence and management of AR among Koreans by analyzing data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) VII (2018) and VIII (2019–2021). Methods: . This cross-sectional study involved 22,290 participants aged 19 years and older from the KNHANES. Participants self-reported their smoking status, and urinary cotinine levels were measured to assess nicotine exposure. We employed statistical analyses, including logistic regression, to examine the relationships between smoking status, cotinine levels, and the prevalence and management of AR. Results: . In univariable logistic regression analysis, EC users exhibited a 35.8% increased risk of AR compared to non-smokers, whereas CC users experienced a 27.7% reduced risk. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a 20.3% lower risk of AR among CC users; however, no significant association was observed for EC users. Higher cotinine levels (>500 ng/mL) were associated with a lower prevalence of AR. Specifically, heavy CC users with high cotinine levels demonstrated a 35% reduced risk of AR. Nonetheless, after adjusting for confounders, this association was no longer significant, indicating that other variables might influence this relationship. Conclusion . Smoking status is associated with the prevalence of AR in Koreans. Notably, heavy use of CCs is negatively correlated with the prevalence of AR.

Background/Aims: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the recent nationwide trends in major dietary risk factors for dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. Methods: We estimated age-standardized mean intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, whole grains, dietary fiber, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs); and mean percentage of energy intake from protein, total fat, saturated fat, and polyunsaturated fat using nationally representative samples from the Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey 2013–2022. To assess overall diet quality, we calculated mean Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) (range 0–100, higher scores indicating greater diet quality). Results: In 2013–2022, there were overall decreasing trends in age-standardized mean KHEI score and intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dietary fiber; and overall increasing trends in mean intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat among both male and female. The KHEI score increased in older adults aged ≥ 60 years, whereas it decreased among younger adults. Throughout the study period, younger adults tended to have lower intakes of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and whole grains; higher intakes of SSBs, protein, and dietary fat; and lower KHEI score. The mean KHEI score was lower in male (vs. female) and lower (vs. higher) income groups. Conclusions Our data suggest that, from 2013 to 2022, there was a trend toward an unhealthy diet in Korean adults. Our findings also suggest dietary inequalities among age, sex, and income groups, suggesting the need for more intense interventions targeting the vulnerable populations.

Fibroadenomas are the most common benign breast tumors in women. Giant juvenile fibroadenomas, which represent about 0.5% to 2% of all fibroadenomas, are a rare variant of these tumors. Giant juvenile fibroadenomas develop between the ages of 11 to 18 years and are usually unilateral and solitary. In the case presented, a 21-year-old woman was found to have multilobular fibroadenomas in both breasts, each with a maximum diameter of over 20 cm. The masses weighed 636 g on the right side and 752 g on the left. The patient underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction with implant insertion in both breasts. This case is notable for the unusual size and shape of the masses, which presented considerable challenges for surgical removal and breast reconstruction. The patient was discharged without postoperative complications and remains under outpatient observation.

This study aimed to enhance the physicochemical properties of sodium iodide-based root filling materials, particularly solubility. In earlier developmental stages, the iodoformcontaining paste exhibited high antibacterial efficacy but failed to meet only the solubility requirement among the ISO 6876 criteria. Therefore, this study focused on enhancing the physicochemical properties of the paste under development, particularly centering on reducing its solubility. Four experimental groups were established, including three control group. The previously developed D30 paste was named the Oil 33 group, and the control group was named the Vitapex® group. The Oil 50 group, in which the oil content was increased, and the Oil 45L group, in which lanolin was incorporated. The physical properties (solubility, pH, flowability, and film thickness) of the four pastes were evaluated according to the ISO 6876 standards. No significant differences were observed between the Oil 45L and Vitapex® groups in any of the physical property evaluations. While the Oil 33 and Oil 50 groups met the ISO 6876 standards for flowability and film thickness, the Oil 45L group met all the physical properties. However, reducing the overall oil content may be necessary to enhance the antimicrobial properties. The result of the physicochemical experiments showed that the Oil 45L group with the newly formulated composition and incorporated lanolin exhibited low solubility meeting the ISO 6876 standard of ≤ 3%. We were able to develop a paste with more stable solubility than previous iodide-based root-filling materials. Therefore, the oil content must be further adjusted to improve its antimicrobial properties. If other physical properties also meet the ISO 6876 standards and demonstrate excellent results in cytotoxicity tests, this root filling material could potentially replace existing options.