Association between diet quality and untreated dental caries: results from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES@#Few studies have provided evidence of the association between diet quality and dental caries. This study aimed to examine the association between diet quality and untreated dental caries in a Korean representative population. @*SUBJECTS/METHODS@#The study population included a sample of 13,815 participants, aged ≥ 19 from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2013–2015. The explanatory variable was diet quality and the outcome variable was untreated dental caries.Untreated dental caries were defined by the number of decayed teeth recorded according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization. Diet quality was defined by using the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) through the 24-h recall methods. We assessed the association between diet quality and untreated dental caries while adjusting for age, sex, education, income, smoking status, dental visits, toothbrushing frequencies, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. @*RESULTS@#The mean overall KHEI scores in the untreated dental caries group were significantly lower than those in the group without untreated dental caries. Significant differences were observed in the untreated dental caries group based on the KHEI quartiles (P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the quartiles of KHEI scores showed an association with untreated dental caries, demonstrating a dose-effect trend (odds ratio [OR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35–1.84 for 1st quartile; OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.19–1.59 for 2nd quartile; OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14–1.53 for 3rd quartile; reference quartile highest]). @*CONCLUSIONS@#The findings indicated an inverse association between diet quality and untreated dental caries in Korean adults. Healthcare providers should take into account the significant role of diet quality in preventing and managing oral health.

Short-term Efficacy and Safety of XEN Stent Implantation with or without a Conjunctival Incision

Purpose@#Comparison of the 6-month outcomes of ab externo XEN 45 gel stent implantation with conjunctival resection in Korean glaucoma patients. @*Methods@#From January to May 2021, 43 open-angle glaucoma patients who underwent ab externo XEN stent insertion alone and were followed for more than 6 months were classified into incision (n = 23) and non-incision (n = 20) groups according to the presence or absence of a conjunctival incision and analyzed retrospectively. Qualified or complete success was defined as achieving the personal target intraocular pressure (IOP) with or without medication, respectively. @*Results@#The IOP measured 6 months after surgery decreased significantly in both groups. The number of IOP-lowering drugs required was also reduced. The decrease in IOP after surgery was greater in the non-incision group. Six months after surgery, the qualified success rate was 55% in the non-incision group and 52.2% in the incision group, while the complete success rate was 40% and 8.7%, respectively. During follow-up, 58.1% of the patients underwent bleb needling more than once, and 20.9% underwent additional IOP-lowering surgery, but there was no difference between the two groups. @*Conclusions@#XEN stent insertion helped to reduce IOP and the number of IOP-lowering agents after 6 months regardless of a conjunctival incision. However, to maintain the target IOP, bleb manipulation was required in many cases.

Accuracy of Intraocular Pressure Measurements of Eyes with Therapeutic Contact Lenses after Vitrectomy

Purpose@#To evaluate the accuracy of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained by a rebound and non-contact tonometer in eyes with a therapeutic contact lens (CL) after vitrectomy. @*Methods@#In 60 eyes of 60 patients who underwent vitrectomy for vitreoretinal disease, IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer (iCare ic200®; IOPRT) and non-contact computerized air puff tonometer (CT-80, IOPNCT), before and after wearing a CL (Purevision2®, +0.0 diopter). The mean IOP of three consecutive measurements were analyzed, and a comparative analysis with IOP measured by a Goldman applanation tonometer (IOPGAT) was performed. @*Results@#The mean IOPRT without and with the CL was 12.55 ± 5.43 and 13.12 ± 5.13 mmHg, respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.02) and strong positive correlation (r = 0.90, p < 0.001). The mean IOPNCT with and without the CL was 12.18 ± 3.24 and 12.17 ± 3.14 mmHg, showing no statistically significant difference (p = 0.17). The consistency with IOPGAT (12.57 ± 5.22 mmHg) was highest in IOPRT without the CL, followed by IOPRT with the CL, IOPNCT without the CL, and IOPNCT with the CL (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.955, 0.945, 0.856, and 0.850, respectively). In addition, the rebound tonometer successfully measured IOP, regardless of whether the CL was worn; however, the non-contact tonometer failed to measure IOP in seven eyes without the CL and nine with the CL. No difference was observed according to intraocular tamponade type. @*Conclusions@#A rebound tonometer can be used as an alternative IOL measuring method in eyes for which it is difficult to use a Goldman applanation tonometer due to the postoperative presence of a therapeutic CL.

Infectious Keratitis Caused by Eikenella corrodens

Purpose@#We report a case of infectious keratitis caused by Eikenella corrodens in a patient who lost visual function.Case summary: A 65-year-old male with histories of a corneal ulcer, glaucoma, and bullous keratopathy visited our hospital complaining of redness and pain in his right eye for the past 10 days. Slit-lamp examination revealed stromal infiltration, a 2-mm-high hypopyon, and severe inflammation of the anterior chamber. Vitreous opacity was evident on ocular ultrasonography. Culture of corneal scrapings yielded Eikenella corrodens. After 5 days of antibiotic treatment, ceftazidime was injected intravitreally and histoacryl glue applied to treat the corneal perforation and the endophthalmitis. Two months later, the eye was not inflamed. @*Conclusions@#Eikenella corrodens should be considered a possible pathogen when a patient with an underlying ocular disease presents with infectious keratitis. A corneal ulcer caused by Eikenella corrodens has not previously been reported in the Republic of Korea.

Infectious Keratitis Caused by Eikenella corrodens

Purpose@#We report a case of infectious keratitis caused by Eikenella corrodens in a patient who lost visual function.Case summary: A 65-year-old male with histories of a corneal ulcer, glaucoma, and bullous keratopathy visited our hospital complaining of redness and pain in his right eye for the past 10 days. Slit-lamp examination revealed stromal infiltration, a 2-mm-high hypopyon, and severe inflammation of the anterior chamber. Vitreous opacity was evident on ocular ultrasonography. Culture of corneal scrapings yielded Eikenella corrodens. After 5 days of antibiotic treatment, ceftazidime was injected intravitreally and histoacryl glue applied to treat the corneal perforation and the endophthalmitis. Two months later, the eye was not inflamed. @*Conclusions@#Eikenella corrodens should be considered a possible pathogen when a patient with an underlying ocular disease presents with infectious keratitis. A corneal ulcer caused by Eikenella corrodens has not previously been reported in the Republic of Korea.

Efficacy of Intense Pulsed Light Treatment in Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome Associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Purpose@#To investigate the efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) associated with Sjögren’s syndrome. @*Methods@#This study included 43 patients with MGD and Sjögren’s syndrome. Patients received either IPL with meibomian gland expression (IPL/MGX) (n = 22) or MGX only (n = 21). Treatments were administered three times at a 3-week interval. Patients were followed up 6 weeks after the end of the treatment. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film breakup time with fluorescein dye (FBUT), non-invasive tear breakup time, tear meniscus height (TMH), Schirmer test, SICCA ocular surface staining score, meibum quality score (MQS), and meibum expression score (MES) were evaluated at each visit. Meibomian gland dropouts (meiboscore) and tear film lipid layer grade were measured using keratography. @*Results@#OSDI, FBUT, corneal surface staining score, MQS, meiboscore, and tear film lipid layer grade improved after IPL/MGX treatment (p < 0.05). In both treatment groups, MES significantly improved (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 for IPL/MGX and MGX groups, respectively). The Schirmer test score, conjunctival surface staining score, and TMH after treatment were not significantly different between the groups. After treatment, the IPL/MGX group had significantly lower OSDI, FBUT, corneal staining score, MQS, and MES, but higher FBUT, compared with the MGX group (p < 0.05). @*Conclusions@#IPL treatment effectively improved tear film, ocular surface parameters, meibomian gland function, and lipid layer grade in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and MGD.

Surface Mapping of Motor Points in Biceps Brachii Muscle

OBJECTIVE: To localize the site of motor points within human biceps brachii muscles through surface mapping using electrophysiological method. METHOD: We recorded the compound muscle action potentials of each lattice of the biceps brachii in 40 healthy subjects. Standardized reference lines were made as the following: 1) a horizontal reference line (elbow crease) and 2) a vertical reference line connecting coracoid process and mid-point of the horizontal reference line. The Compound muscle action potentials were mapped in reference to the standardized reference lines. The locations of motor points were mapped to the skin surface, in the ratio to the length of the vertical and the half of the horizontal reference lines. RESULTS: The motor point of the short head of biceps was located at 69.0+/-4.9% distal and 19.1+/-9.5% medial to the mid-point of horizontal reference line. The location of the motor point of the long head of the biceps was 67.3+/-4.3% distal and 21.4+/-8.7% lateral. The motor point of the short head of the biceps was located more medially and distally in the male subjects compared to that in the female (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed electrophysiological motor points of the biceps brachii muscles through surface mapping. This data might improve the clinical efficacy and the feasibility of motor point targeting, when injecting botulinum neurotoxin in biceps brachii.

Surface Mapping of Motor Points in Biceps Brachii Muscle

OBJECTIVE: To localize the site of motor points within human biceps brachii muscles through surface mapping using electrophysiological method. METHOD: We recorded the compound muscle action potentials of each lattice of the biceps brachii in 40 healthy subjects. Standardized reference lines were made as the following: 1) a horizontal reference line (elbow crease) and 2) a vertical reference line connecting coracoid process and mid-point of the horizontal reference line. The Compound muscle action potentials were mapped in reference to the standardized reference lines. The locations of motor points were mapped to the skin surface, in the ratio to the length of the vertical and the half of the horizontal reference lines. RESULTS: The motor point of the short head of biceps was located at 69.0+/-4.9% distal and 19.1+/-9.5% medial to the mid-point of horizontal reference line. The location of the motor point of the long head of the biceps was 67.3+/-4.3% distal and 21.4+/-8.7% lateral. The motor point of the short head of the biceps was located more medially and distally in the male subjects compared to that in the female (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed electrophysiological motor points of the biceps brachii muscles through surface mapping. This data might improve the clinical efficacy and the feasibility of motor point targeting, when injecting botulinum neurotoxin in biceps brachii.

Establishing Chronic Stroke Rat Models by MCA Occlusion Using Intraluminal Filament

OBJECTIVE: Focal brain ischemia induced in rats by occlusion of middle cerebral artery (MCA) is a widely used paradigm of human brain infarct. The purpose of this study is to establish chronic stroke model by MCA occlusion using intraluminal filament in rats. METHOD: A total 44 rats were operated by modified Longa's method. The surgical procedure consisted of introducing an intraluminal filament into the internal carotid artery and advancing it intracranially to block blood flow for 60 minutes into MCA. After this procedure motor and postural change were assessed using a 0~5 point grading scale consisted of forelimb, hindlimb and circling test. Behavioral tests such as rotarod, stepping and cylinder tests were examined in the survived rats after MCA occlusion up to 14 weeks post-ischemia. Autopsy was done to evaluate the cerebral infarct volume. RESULTS: Thirteen rats were survived up to 14 weeks post-ischemia and for the severely paralyzed subjects by acute neurological severity scoring were examined with behavioral tests once a week for 14 weeks. Although rotarod test have not shown any specific changes during 14 weeks, stepping and cylinder tests have shown stabilizing pattern since 4 weeks after the procedure. CONCLUSION: MCA occlusion using intraluminal filament could be reliable method to make stroke model in rats. We concluded that 4 weeks post-ischemia by this method in rats might be regarded as chronic model.

A Case of Essential Cryoglobulinemic Polyneuropathy Treated with Plasmapheresis: A case report

Peripheral polyneuropathy is caused by various disorders such as diabetes mellitus. Cryoglobulinemia, as a cause of peripheral polyneuropathy, has been well documented in many reports. Recently we experienced a case of essential cyroglobulinemic polyneuropathy and therapeutic effect of plasmapheresis was shown even in chronic periods. In a patient with peripheral polyneuropathy with no known etiology, one should always consider cryoglobulinemia as a cause since early diagnosis and proper treatment will lead to better outcome.

Effect of Slow Walking Speed on Gait

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of slow walking speed on the gait. METHOD: Twenty healthy young male subjects were recruited. The temporospatial data, kinematic and kinetic data in sagittal plane at two different walking speed (2 km/hr, 4 km/hr) were obtained through three dimensional analyzer with the force plate, and compared these parameters at slow gait speed to those at normal gait speed. RESULTS: The cadence and step length decreased significantly and double support time increased significantly (p<0.05) at slow speed compared to at normal speed. The most peak angle of hip, knee and ankle joint decreased, maximal ankle dorsiflexion angle in stance phase increased significantly at slow speed compared to at normal speed (p<0.05). The most maximal extension and flexion moment and power in sagittal plane decreased compared to at normal speed (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that only slow walking speed without any pathology may change the temporospatial, kinematic and kinetic parameters of gait, and these results may be useful to interpret the data of gait analysis in the disabled persons with slow walking speed.

Correlation of serum total hydroperoxide levels and diseases of prematurity / 소아과

PURPOSE: Total hydroperoxide (TH), free radical-mediated oxidation product can be used as a measure of free radical injury. The aim of the present study was to see if preterm newborns are at increased risk for oxidative stress compared with term newborns, and to determine whether oxidative stress during postnatal first 1 week is associated with clinical outcomes in preterm infants. METHODS: Serum TH levels of preterm infants (n=39) were compared with those of term infants (n=24) on the postnatal day 1. Among the preterm infants, serum TH levels of uncomplicated group (n=23) were also compared with those of complicated group (n=16) who developed oxygen radical related diseases on the postnatal day 1 and 7. Retrospective analysis was performed to find out risk factors for oxygen radical injuries based on birth history, laboratory data, neuroimaging findings and clinical progress in two preterm groups. RESULTS: Serum TH levels on postnatal day 1 were higher in the preterm infant group than the term infant group. Serum TH levels on postnatal day 1 in the complicated preterm infant group were significantly higher compared with uncomplicated group, but there was no significant difference in serum TH levels on postnatal day 7. Also, there was no significant difference in serum TH levels between uncomplicated preterm infants and term infants. Serum TH level on postnatal day 1 was independently associated with higher morbidity after adjusting for gestational age, Apgar score (5 min), arterial blood gas analysis. CONCLUSION: Complicated preterm newborns are at increased risk for oxidative stress compared with uncomplicated newborns and term newborns. Oxidative injury during the prenatal or postnatal day 1 is associated with adverse outcomes in preterm infants. Elevated TH levels on postnatal day 1 may have a value to predict clinical outcomes in preterm infants.

Intrahemispheric Diaschisis in Subcortical Lesions

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of intrahemispheric diaschisis in subcortical lesions and relationships between involved structures and intrahemispheric diaschisis using positron emission tomography (PET). METHOD: Thirty stroke patients with unilateral subcortical lesions without cortical structural abnormality were recruited. The findings of [18F]Fluoro-2-Deoxy-D-Glucose PET were interpretated by experienced radiologist. RESULTS: In the lesions around basal ganglia, hypometabolism of ipsilateral whole hemisphere was observed in 8 of 20 patients and ipsilateral parietal, frontal, temporal, occipital lobe was observed in order of incidence. Intrahemispheric diaschisis had a tendency to expand when the centrum semiovale was involved. Crossed cerebellar dia-schisis was observed in 17 of 20 patients. In the lesions around thalamus, hypometabolism of ipsilateral whole hemisphere was observed in 6 of 8 patients, and ipsilateral frontal, temporal, parietal lobe was observed in order of incidence. Intrahemispheric diaschisis had a tendency to expand when the internal capsule was involved. Crossed cerebellar diaschisis was observed in 5 of 8 patients. CONCLUSION: This study shows that intrahemispheric diaschisis was observed in all patients with subcortical lesions without cortical structural abnormality and had a tendency to expand to larger area of the cerebral cortex when the connecting fibers between cortical and subcortical structures were involved.

Chronic Pain and Psychosocial Functions in Adults with Athetoid Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of chronic pain on psychosocial functions in adults with athetoid cerebral palsy. METHOD: Thirty-five adults with athetoid cerebral palsy were recruited as subjects, then the radiologic and electrodi agnostic studies were assessed. The characteristics of pain in severity and disability status with Von Korff's chronic pain grade classification system and psychosocial functional status using affect balance scale, Beck depression inventory, social adjustment scale and satisfaction with life scale were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-eight (80.0%) subjects had the pain lasting more than 3 months. The mean score of characteristic pain intensity was 65.5+/-11.5. Eleven subjects (31.4%) showed both abnormal radiologic and electrodiagnostic findings, and these subjects had higher disability score among the subjects who complaint of chronic pain (p<0.05). The pain intensity had significant relationship with negative affects such as depression and dissatisfaction with life style (p<0.05). In addition, social adjustment tended to be lower in subjects with severe chronic pain. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain was commonly observed in adults with athetoid cerebral palsy, and the pain adversely affected psychosocial functions. Therefore, proper management of chronic pain might be helpful for enhancing their psycho social functions in these subjects.