Health Risk Assessment of Toluene and Formaldehyde Based on a Short-Term Exposure Scenario: A Comparison of the Reference Concentration, Reference Dose, and Minimal Risk Level.

Conventional health risk assessments do not adequately reflect short-term exposure characteristics following chemical accidents. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of existing assessment methods and propose a more suitable risk assessment approach for short-term exposure to hazardous chemicals. We analyzed foundational studies used to derive reference concentration (RfC), reference dose (RfD), and minimal risk level (MRL) values and applied these health guidance values (HGVs) to a hypothetical chemical accident scenario.

Predictors of clinical failure after stenting for malignant esophageal stricture: a single-institution retrospective analysis.

Background: The placement of an esophageal self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) is an effective palliative treatment for inoperable malignant esophageal stricture. However, despite successful stent placement, some patients continue to experience persistent dysphagia. We aimed to evaluate the predictive factors of clinical outcomes after endoscopic SEMS placement for malignant esophageal stricture.

Diagnostic endoscopic resection as first-line management for grade 1-2 duodenal neuroendocrine tumors: a retrospective study.

Objectives: Duodenal neuroendocrine tumors are increasingly identified incidentally during screening endoscopy. While surgical resection is standard, the role of endoscopic resection, particularly for grade 1 and 2 tumors, remains under discussion. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of diagnostic endoscopic resection in grade 1 or 2 duodenal neuroendocrine tumors.

Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome Presenting as Diarrhea and Weight Loss: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) is a rare, non-hereditary disorder characterized by diffuse, non-neoplastic gastrointestinal polyposis along with ectodermal abnormalities, such as alopecia, skin hyperpigmentation, and nail dystrophy. It typically affects individuals aged >50 years and can lead to severe complications, including protein-losing enteropathy, chronic diarrhea, and malnutrition, if not diagnosed early. We report the case of a 68-year-old male who presented with a 2-month history of diarrhea, weight loss, and hair loss.

Source apportionment and dynamics of PM across regions during and after the coronavirus 2019 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was reported to improve air quality. However, the effects of lockdown on PM₂.₅ and its chemical components based on source-specific characteristics remain unclear.

Time-weighted assessment of personal PM2.5 exposure of patients with allergies using portable monitors in Seoul Metropolitan Area, Korea.

Patients with allergies are more sensitive to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) than the general population; however, since PM2.5 exposure levels are influenced by microenvironments, time, and activity patterns, epidemiological studies using conventional stationary monitors face challenges in accurately estimating personal exposure levels.

Clinical features and differential diagnosis in symptomatic localized terminal ileitis or ulcer.

Despite advancements in diagnostic techniques, the accurate identification and management of localized terminal ileitis or ulcers (LTIU) remains challenging, with a wide range of associated diseases presenting with similar clinical and endoscopic features. This retrospective observational study aimed to determine the etiology and discrimination of various diseases in patients with symptomatic LTIU. Data on demographics, clinical manifestations, and endoscopic findings were collected and analyzed statistically using descriptive and inferential methods, including frequency analysis and chi-square tests.

Gradual Temperature Rise in Radiofrequency Ablation: Enhancing Lesion Quality and Safety in Porcine Myocardial Tissue.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a pivotal therapeutic technique for various medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease and oncological conditions such as liver and lung cancer. The energy-controlled mode in RFA procedures allows for uniform energy delivery but is less safe compared to the temperature-controlled mode. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a protocol that ensures safety while efficiently delivering energy in the temperature-controlled mode.

Personal PM Exposure and Associated Factors Among Adults with Allergic Diseases in an Urban Environment: A Panel Study.

This study analyzed the factors influencing personal PM exposure levels among adults with allergic diseases in Seoul using a linear mixed-effects (LMEs) model. The average personal PM exposure concentration of the study participants was 17.38 μg/m, exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) daily recommended guideline (15.

Regional Differences in PM Chemical Composition and Inhalation Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Seoul, Incheon, and Wonju.

This study evaluates the chemical components of an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM) and its health risks in Seoul, Incheon, and Wonju, South Korea. The results revealed significant regional variations, particularly under the reasonable maximum exposure scenario, with Seoul's average daily dose (6.

Acute and Chronic Health Risk Assessment for Automobile Users Due to Inhalation Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Carbonyl Compounds.

Since automobiles are the primary means of transportation in modern society, the assessment of health effects from acute and chronic exposure to pollutants in automobiles is crucial. In this study, the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbonyl compounds, and odor-including substances in newly manufactured automobiles were analyzed, and exposure factors reflecting automobile user characteristics were selected for health risk assessment. Toluene exhibited the highest concentration (203.

Trans-Coronary Sinus Intra-Septal Radiofrequency Ablation (TIRA) for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: First-in-Human Results.

Background: Current treatments for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), including medication, surgery, and alcohol septal ablation (ASA), have limitations in terms of efficacy and safety. To address these challenges, we developed the trans-coronary intra-septal radiofrequency ablation (TIRA) device.

Methods: This first-in-human trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of the TIRA device.

Spatiotemporal distribution and source analysis of PM and its chemical components in national industrial complexes of Korea: a case study of Ansan and Siheung.

This study investigated the sources and distribution characteristics of PM and its chemical components (ions, carbons, elements) at five locations within the Banwal and Sihwa National Industrial Complexes in Ansan and Siheung. These large-scale industrial clusters, comprising 7642 businesses across sectors such as petrochemicals, steel, machinery, and electronics, operate throughout the year. From 2020 to 2023, the average PM concentration in the study area was 28.

Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Smoking Cessation Provided by the National Health Insurance Service in Korea.

Although major countries, such as South Korea, have developed and disseminated national smoking cessation guidelines, these efforts have been limited to developing individual societies or specialized institution-based recommendations. Therefore, evidence-based clinical guidelines are essential for developing smoking cessation interventions and promoting effective smoking cessation treatments. This guideline targets frontline clinical practitioners involved in a smoking cessation treatment support program implemented in 2015 with the support of the National Health Insurance Service.

A Comparison of Health Risks from PM and Heavy Metal Exposure in Industrial Complexes in Dangjin and Yeosu·Gwangyang.

Particulate matter (PM) can cause illness, including respiratory diseases, and PM compositions are likely to vary according to the emission profiles of industrial complexes. This study analyzed and compared the concentrations and distributions of PM and heavy metals in two regions of Republic of Korea: Yeosu·Gwangyang, which houses a massive national industrial complex, and Dangjin, which houses power plants. Further, we conducted a health risk assessment on the residents of the areas near these industrial complexes.

[A Giant Gastric Perforation Occurring in the Normal Mucosa during Endoscopy in a Patient with Advanced Gastric Cancer].

The incidence of giant gastric perforation occurring during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is exceedingly rare. Gastric perforation can arise from excessive air insufflation and is more prevalent in elderly patients with atrophic gastritis. Although giant gastric mucosal lacerations during diagnostic endoscopy have occasionally been reported, there are few reports of giant gastric perforation.

Correction: Heated tobacco product use and its relationship to quitting combustible cigarettes in Korean adults.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Fruits and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: The Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Cohort.

Background: To determine the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and the consumption of various fruits.

Methods: The Korean Genome And Epidemiology Study is an ongoing prospective longitudinal cohort study of community dwellers and participants (men and women, aged 40-69 years) recruited from the national health examinee registry of Korea. Their individual consumption habits for 12 different fruit types were recorded using food frequency questionnaires.

Proposal of a Methodology for Prediction of Indoor PM Concentration Using Sensor-Based Residential Environments Monitoring Data and Time-Divided Multiple Linear Regression Model.

This study aims to propose an indoor air quality prediction method that can be easily utilized and reflects temporal characteristics using indoor and outdoor input data measured near the indoor target point as input to calculate indoor PM concentration through a multiple linear regression model. The atmospheric conditions and air pollution detected in one-minute intervals using sensor-based monitoring equipment (Dust Mon, Sentry Co Ltd., Seoul, Korea) inside and outside houses from May 2019 to April 2021 were used to develop the prediction model.

Association between the dual use of electronic and conventional cigarettes and NAFLD status in Korean men.

Introduction: This study investigated the association between smoking types, including dual use (usage of both combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) status in Korean men.

Methods: Data from the 7th and 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2016-2020 were used. The presence of NAFLD was defined by the respective cut-off values for the Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), NAFLD Ridge Score (NRS), and Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey NAFLD score (KNS).

Adverse Human Health Effects of Chromium by Exposure Route: A Comprehensive Review Based on Toxicogenomic Approach.

Heavy metals are defined as metals with relatively high density and atomic weight, and their various applications have raised serious concerns about the environmental impacts and potential human health effects. Chromium is an important heavy metal that is involved in biological metabolism, but Cr exposure can induce a severe impact on occupational workers or public health. In this study, we explore the toxic effects of Cr exposure through three exposure routes: dermal contact, inhalation, and ingestion.

Association of intraabdominal fat with the risk of incident chronic kidney disease according to body mass index among Korean adults.

Background: The association between abdominal visceral adipose tissue and the risk of incident chronic kidney disease according to body mass index in the Asian population, remains unclear. We evaluated the impact of abdominal adiposity stratified by body mass index on the risk of incident chronic kidney disease.

Methods: A cohort study included 11,050 adult participants who underwent health check-ups and re-evaluated the follow-up medical examination at a single university-affiliated healthcare center.

Association of Changes in Smoking Intensity With Risk of Dementia in Korea.

Importance: Several observational studies have reported that smoking cessation is associated with a lower risk of dementia. However, no studies have examined the association between change in smoking intensity and risk of dementia.

Objective: To investigate the association between a change in smoking intensity, including smoking reduction and smoking cessation, and risk of all dementia.