The adjunctive effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide on bone formation in alveolar ridge preservation: A pre-clinical in vivo study.

AIM: This study investigated the adjunctive effect of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) on bone formation in alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) sockets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both mandibular second, third and fourth premolars of eight beagle dogs were randomly divided into ARP and ARP/PDRN groups. Following tooth extraction, ARP procedures were conducted using collagenized alloplastic graft material and bilayer collagen membrane soaked with normal saline (ARP group) or PDRN (ARP/PDRN group) for 10 min before application. Both groups were also randomly allocated to 2-, 4- or 12-week healing subgroups. The primary endpoint of this study was to compare histomorphometric differences between ARP and ARP/PDRN. The secondary endpoints of this study were to compare micro-CT analysis and three-dimensional volumetric measurement between the two groups. RESULTS: In the histomorphometric analysis, the ARP/PDRN group exhibited greater new bone formation at coronal, middle and total position compared with the ARP group at 2-week healing. The number of newly formed blood vessels was higher in the ARP/PDRN group than in the ARP group at 2- and 4-week healing. In micro-CT analysis, the mean new bone volume/total bone volume between ARP and ARP/PDRN was statistically significant at 2-week healing. Ridge volume alterations were significantly decreased in the ARP/PDRN group during entire healing time compared with the ARP group, especially on the buccal side. CONCLUSIONS: The application of PDRN in ARP might provide additional benefits for early bone regeneration and maintenance of buccal ridge volume.

Lactate Levels as a Predictor of Emergency Department Revisits in Infants With Acute Bronchiolitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify predictive biomarkers for unscheduled emergency department (ED) revisits within 24 hours of discharge in infants diagnosed with acute bronchiolitis (AB). METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on infants diagnosed with AB who visited 3 emergency medical centers between January 2020 and December 2022. The study excluded infants with comorbidities, congenital diseases, and prematurity and infants who revisited the ED after 24 hours of discharge. Demographic data, vital signs, and laboratory results were collected from the medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed on factors with P of less than 0.1 in univariable analysis. Receiver operator curve analysis was used to assess the accuracy of lactate measurements in predicting ED revisits within 24 hours of discharge. RESULTS: Out of 172 participants, 100 were in the revisit group and 72 in the discharge group. The revisit group was significantly younger and exhibited higher lactate levels, lower pH values, and higher pCO2 levels compared to the discharge group. Univariable logistic regression identified several factors associated with revisits. Multivariable analysis found that only lactate was a variable correlated with predicting ED revisits (odds ratio, 18.020; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.764-56.334). The receiver operator curve analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.856, with an optimal lactate cutoff value of 2.15. CONCLUSION: Lactate value in infants diagnosed with AB were identified as a potential indicator of predicting unscheduled ED revisits within 24 hours of discharge. The predictive potential of lactate levels holds promise for enhancing prognosis prediction, reducing health care costs, and alleviating ED overcrowding. However, given the study's limitations, a more comprehensive prospective investigation is recommended to validate these findings.

Comparison of osteogenesis and osseointegration following implant placement with simultaneous maxillary sinus augmentation using particulate and collagenated block types of deproteinized porcine bone mineral: a radiographic and histomorphometric analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare osseointegration and osteogenesis after single-stage maxillary sinus augmentation with the lateral window using particulate deproteinized porcine bone mineral (PDPBM) and collagenated block deproteinized porcine bone mineral (BDPBM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bi-maxillary premolars of six beagle dogs were extracted. Eight weeks later, an implant was placed into each augmented sinus with PDPBM or BDPBM according to a split-mouth design. Eight weeks later, all specimens were harvested. Each specimen was separated into the region of interest with the implant (ROI-I) and region of interest with sinus augmented area (ROI-S) 5 mm away from ROI-I. ROI-I and ROI-S were evaluated through micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry. RESULTS: Bone substitute insertion took longer for the PDPBM group than for the BDPBM group (P = 0.002). In ROI-I, three-dimensional bone-to-implant contact (BIC) did not show statistically significant differences between the groups. Two-dimensional BIC also showed comparable values for both groups. In ROI-S, the graft material volume/tissue volume, trabecular bone pattern factor, and structural model index were higher in the BDPBM group than in the PDPBM group (P < 0.05). The proportions of new bone, graft material, and connective tissue were not significantly statistically different between groups. Less new bone was found in the apical area than in the coronal or middle areas in the BCPBM group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: BDPBM may save time in inserting bone substitutes and provide comparable osteogenesis and osseointegration to PDPBM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When performing sinus augmentation, BDPBM might improve operator's convenience with comparable biological results compared to PDPBM.

Diagnostic performance of a point-of-care test device for periodontitis using human saliva: a single-center, single-blinded, confirmatory study.

OBJECTIVE: Recently, matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) has been used to diagnose periodontal disease in a point-of-care (POC) test in order to save time and cost relative to the traditional diagnostic workflow. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of INCLIX TRF MMP-8, a POC testing device for periodontitis using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Full-mouth periodontal examination and radiographic analysis were used for evaluating periodontal condition based on the 2018 classification of periodontal disease. A dichotomous diagnosis of clinical periodontal condition was performed using the POC device. The relationships among periodontal condition and the concentration of MMP-8, tooth loss (TL), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and alveolar bone loss (ABL) were assessed by the Spearman rank correlations (rs). RESULTS: In all, 108 cases of non-periodontitis (NP) and 191 cases of periodontitis (P), including 38 cases of periodontitis stage I, 42 cases of periodontitis stage II, 99 cases of periodontitis stage III, and 11 cases of periodontitis stage IV, were enrolled in this study. Diagnostic accuracy in assessing periodontal condition with the POC device improved when it was used with participants aged ≥ 40 years. There were weak positive correlations between periodontal condition and MMP-8 and between periodontal condition and GI (rs2 = 0.1124 and rs2 = 0.0906, respectively), whereas a strong positive correlation between periodontal condition and alveolar bone loss (rs2 = 0.6877) was observed. CONCLUSION: The POC device investigated in this study is a potential tool to distinguish between NP and P in individuals ≥ 40 years of age.

Minimally Invasive Regenerative Surgery by Peri-implant Excision and Regenerative Surgery (PERS) in Peri-implantitis: One-year Result on Three Cases.

This case series presents three patients undergoing minimally invasive regenerative surgery for peri-implantitis using peri-implant excision and regenerative surgery (PERS). No report of a resolved inflammatory state with peri-implant bone loss following nonsurgical treatment was included in this case report. After the suprastructure of the implant was disconnected, a peri-implant circular incision was made to remove inflammatory tissue. The combination decontamination method was conducted using a chemical agent and a mechanical device. After copious irrigation with normal saline, collagenated demineralized bovine bone mineral was applied to fill the peri-implant defect. The suprastructure of the implant was connected following the PERS procedure. The three patients with peri-implantitis that underwent successfully PERS procedures suggest that surgical intervention is a feasible approach to obtaining proper peri-implant bone filling of 3.42 ± 1.08 mm. However, this novel technique should be investigated in a larger sample size to determine its reliability and validity.

A Case Report of a 2-Year Follow-Up of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Peri-Implantitis: Peri-Implant Excisional Procedure and Access Surgery.

This case report describes the treatment of peri-implantitis lesions through a minimally invasive surgical procedure using a peri-implant excisional procedure and access surgery (PEAS). The prosthesis was disconnected, and the peri-implant granulation tissue removed after a peri-implant circular incision. Chemical debridement with hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball and then mechanical debridement with a rotary round titanium brush and tufted brush with titanium bristles were conducted. The surgical intervention was effective in arresting the peri-implantitis. No further radiographic bone loss was observed over the 2-year follow-up period. This technique effectively cleans the contaminated implant surface, minimizes surgical morbidity, and allows for prosthesis delivery on the day of surgery. However, further studies with a larger sample size are needed to identify the reliability and validity of this novel technique.

Is ridge preservation effective in the extraction sockets of periodontally compromised teeth? A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether ridge preservation is effective in the reduction of dimensional loss and in bone formation compared to spontaneous healing in extraction sockets of periodontally compromised teeth. METHODS: Twenty-six subjects requiring tooth extraction for stage III/IV periodontitis were randomly assigned to one of two interventions: alveolar ridge preservation using collagenated bovine bone mineral and a resorbable collagen membrane (test, RP) or spontaneous healing (control, SH). Six months later, postoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed to measure the linear and volumetric changes of the sockets compared to baseline scans. Biopsies were retrieved at the implant site for histomorphometric calculations. Nonparametric tests were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significantly less shrinkage occurred in RP compared to SH, mainly in the crestal zone. The width loss difference between groups was 3.3 mm and 2.2 mm at 1 mm and 3 mm below the crest, respectively (p < .05). RP yielded a gain in socket height of 0.25 mm, whereas a loss of -0.39 mm was observed in SH (p < .05). The percentage of volume loss recorded in RP was also less than that recorded in SH (-26.53% vs -50.34, p < .05). Significantly less bone proportion was detected in biopsies from RP (30.1%) compared with SH (53.9%). A positive association between baseline bone loss and ridge shrinkage was found in SH but not in RP. CONCLUSION: Ridge preservation in extraction sockets of periodontally compromised teeth was effective in reducing the amount of ridge resorption.

Periodontal Regeneration Using Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 and a Bilayer Collagen Matrix.

Previous studies demonstrated that recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) delivered using a collagen sponge could be a candidate for periodontal regeneration therapy. However, there is little evidence related to rhBMP-2 delivered with a bilayer collagen matrix. The aim of this study was to investigate the proper dose of rhBMP-2 using a bilayer collagen matrix for periodontal regeneration in a 1-wall defect. The mandibular first premolars and first molars of 6 beagle dogs were extracted, and an 8-week healing period was allowed. One-wall intrabony defects (4 mm in width and 5 mm in height) were made on the mesial side of the 2nd premolar and/or the distal side of the 4th premolar bilaterally. Subsequently, a bilayer collagen matrix containing 0 µg (C), 200 µg (T1), or 500 µg (T2) of lyophilized rhBMP-2 was randomly applied to the defect area. Calcein and xylenol orange were injected at 4 and 8 weeks following the surgery, respectively, to label periodic bone formation. After a 12-week healing period, the animals were sacrificed for micro-computed tomography and histomorphometric analysis. Bone mineral density and bone volume density showed statistically significant differences between the control group and group T1, while no significant differences were observed between the control group and group T2 or between groups T1 and T2. The bone height in groups T1 and T2 was smaller than that in the control group. Low doses of rhBMP-2 delivered using a bilayer collagen matrix in 1-wall intrabony defects can promote periodontal regeneration compared to no or high doses of rhBMP-2.

Validity of a regenerative procedure for a minor bone defect with immediate implant placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review evaluates implant survival and the change in the width of the horizontal ridge following immediate implant placement with or without a regenerative procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the LILACS database of the Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials was performed, along with a manual search, up to April 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs) with >10 subjects were eligible for this systematic review. A meta-analysis of the risk difference in implant failure between the regenerative and non-regenerative procedure groups was performed using a fixed-effect model. In addition, a meta-analysis of the change in alveolar bone width was conducted using a fixed-effect model. RESULTS: Seven studies (six RCTs and one CCT) were included. A meta-analysis of three studies found no statistically significant risk difference in implant failure between the regenerative procedure and non-regenerative procedure groups. A meta-analysis of four studies showed that horizontal shrinkage of the alveolar ridge in the site of immediate implant placement was statistically significantly lower with the regenerative procedure than without it (<1 year follow up studies: weighted mean difference (WMD) 0.75 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.41-1.09, p < .00001; ≥1 year follow up study: WMD 1.22, 95% confidence interval 0.52-1.91, p = .00006; total: WMD 0.84 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.53-1.14, p < .00001). CONCLUSION: Within the study limitations, immediate implant placement with a regenerative procedure showed similar implant survival and less shrinkage of the ridge width than immediate implant placement without a regenerative procedure. Due to the high risk of bias and small sample sizes of the included studies, further clinical studies are warranted to draw definitive conclusions.

New signal detection theory-based framework for eyewitness performance in lineups.

OBJECTIVES: Eyewitness research has adapted signal detection theory (SDT) to investigate eyewitness performance. SDT-based measures in yes/no tasks fit well for the measurement of eyewitness performance in show-ups, but not in lineups, because the application of the measures to eyewitness identifications neglects the role of fillers. In the present study, we introduce a SDT-based framework for eyewitness performance in lineups-Multi-d' Model. METHOD: The Multi-d' model provides multiple discriminability measures which can be used as parameters to investigate eyewitness performance. We apply the Multi-d' model to issues in eyewitness research, such as the comparison of eyewitness discriminability between show-ups and lineups; the influence of lineup bias on eyewitness performance; filler selection methods (match-to-description vs. match-to-suspect); eyewitness confidence; and lineup presentation modes (simultaneous vs. sequential lineups). RESULTS: The Multi-d' model demonstrates that the discriminability of a guilty suspect from an innocent suspect is a function of discriminability involving fillers; and underscores that the decisions that eyewitnesses make in lineups can be regarded from two perspective-detection and identification. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the Multi-d' model is a useful tool to understand decisionmakers' performance in a variety of compound decision tasks, as well as eyewitness identifications in lineups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Influence of Luting Materials and Methods and the Restoration Surface on the Amount of Cement Remnants in Implant Restorations.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the luting methods on the amount of cement remnants in implant restorations and to determine the restoration surface with the maximum amount of residual cement. Forty abutments and crowns were divided into 4 groups as follows: TB group, luting with zinc oxide-eugenol cement; TBV group, luting with zinc oxide-eugenol cement after application of a separating agent over the transmucosal area of the abutment; PI group, luting with methacrylate cement; and PIV group, luting with methacrylate cement after application of a separating agent. After cementation, all the quadrants of the specimens were photographed, and the amount and location of the cement remnants were statistically analyzed (P ≤ .05). The amount of cement remnants was significantly smaller in the groups with a separating agent. The type of luting material did not significantly affect the results. Cement remnants were more abundant on the mesial and distal sides than on the buccal and lingual sides of the restoration.

Comparison of immediate implant placement in infected and non-infected extraction sockets: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to investigate the feasibility of immediate implant placement in infected extraction sockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed electronic and manual searches up to March 2017 to obtain data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials (CCTs). Using a fixed-effects model to assess the difference in survival rate (primary outcome), we evaluated the risk difference for immediate implant placement in infected and non-infected sites. We estimated the weighted mean differences (WMDs) of the change in marginal bone loss (MBL), probing depth (PD), modified bleeding index (mBI), marginal gingival level (MGL) and width of keratinized gingiva (WKG) at baseline and latest follow-up. RESULTS: In total, five studies (0 RCT, five CCTs) were included in the systematic review and three studies were included in the meta-analysis. The risk difference for immediate implant placement in an infected extraction socket compared with that in a non-infected socket was -0.02. WMDs for MBL, PD, mBI, MGL and WKG between the two groups were 0.32, 0.12, 0.07, -0.06, 0.20 and 0.51, respectively. No statistical differences were observed between the two groups, except for the change in WKG. CONCLUSIONS: Implants can be placed in infected extraction sockets after thorough socket debridement. For aesthetics, WKG should be considered when performing immediate implant placement in infected sites.

Is ridge preservation/augmentation at periodontally compromised extraction sockets safe? A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the safety of ridge preservation/augmentation procedures when performed at compromised extraction sockets. METHODS: Patients subject to ridge preservation/augmentation at periodontally compromised sockets at Seoul National University Dental Hospital (SNUDH) were evaluated in a chart review. Tooth extractions due to acute infection were not included in our study as chronically formed lesions are the only lesions that can be detected from radiographic images. If inflammatory symptoms persisted following ridge preservation/augmentation and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy, the patient was categorized as a re-infection case and implanted biomaterial removed. RESULTS: Of 10,060 patients subject to tooth extractions at SNUDH, 2011 through 2015, 297 cases meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. The severity and type of lesions were not specific because extracting data was only done by radiographic images and chart records. The review identified eight patients exhibiting inflammatory symptoms that required additional antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy. Within this group, re-infection occurred in two patients requiring biomaterials removal. The final safety rate for the ridge preservation/augmentation was 99.3%. None of the demographic factors, systemic conditions or choice of biomaterial affected the safety of ridge preservation/augmentation. CONCLUSION: Alveolar ridge preservation/augmentation at periodontally compromised sockets appears safe following thorough removal of infectious source.

Decreases in left atrial compliance during early-stage exercise are related to exercise intolerance in asymptomatic significant mitral stenosis.

BACKGROUND: Doppler-driven net atrioventricular compliance (Cn ), which represents left atrial (LA) compliance, is an important determinant of pulmonary hypertension in mitral stenosis (MS). HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that decreases in Cn during early-stage exercise underlie exercise intolerance in patients with MS. METHODS: Thirty-three asymptomatic patients with significant MS (valve area 1.24 ± 0.16 cm2 ) underwent resting and bicycle exercise echocardiography. LA compliance and conventional parameters were assessed at each workload. The patients were classified into two groups based on whether they developed dyspnea during exercise: an exercise-intolerance group (n = 22) and an exercise-tolerance group (n = 11). Moreover, "50 W" was defined as an early exercise stage. RESULTS: Although the groups had similar resting characteristics, there were striking differences in their echocardiographic parameters from the early stages of exercise. The relative Cn decrease at 50 W (expressed as a percentage of the resting Cn ) was significantly greater in the exercise-intolerance group (70.3 ± 15.4% vs 49.7 ± 9.7%, P < .001). The overall decrease in relative Cn was significantly greater in the exercise-intolerance group (P = .0005). Furthermore, differences in the trends in this parameter were observed between the two groups (P < .0001 for interaction). Multivariate analysis revealed that the relative Cn decrease at 50 W was an independent predictor of exercise intolerance (adjusted OR 1.105, 95% CI 1.030-1.184) after adjustment for other conventional parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Decreases in Cn during early-stage exercise are an important mechanism underlying exercise intolerance in MS.

RUNX3 and p53: How Two Tumor Suppressors Cooperate Against Oncogenic Ras?

RUNX family members play pivotal roles in both normal development and neoplasia. In particular, RUNX1 and RUNX2 are essential for determination of the hematopoietic and osteogenic lineages, respectively. RUNX3 is involved in lineage determination of various types of epithelial cells. Analysis of mouse models and human cancer specimens revealed that RUNX3 acts as a tumor suppressor via multiple mechanisms. p53-related pathways play central roles in tumor suppression through the DNA damage response and oncogene surveillance, and RUNX3 is involved in both processes. In response to DNA damage, RUNX3 facilitates p53 phosphorylation by the ATM/ATR pathway and p53 acetylation by p300. When oncogenes are activated, RUNX3 induces ARF, thereby stabilizing p53. Here, we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the p53-mediated tumor-suppressor activity of RUNX3.

Beneficial Function of Taurine on Bone Metabolism in Alcohol-Fed OVX Rat Model.

The present study investigates the effects of taurine on bone markers and bone mineral density (BMD) in alcohol-fed ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. We divided twenty four rats into Sham and OVX groups. These two groups were thereafter subdivided into two groups: control and experimental diet containing 2 g/kg of taurine. BMD and bone mineral content (BMC) were estimated by PIXImus. As bone markers, we measured serum calcium, phosphorus, ALP activity, osteocalcin and urine calcium, phosphorus and DPD crosslinks value. The results were as follows: weight gain showed no significant difference and serum calcium concentration was in normal range. Urine DPD crosslink value was significantly decreased in taurine-fed group (p < 0.05). Serum ALP activity and osteocalcin levels, and urine phosphorus concentration did not show any differences among groups. Also the mineral density and content of spinal and femural bone did not show any differences among groups. However, the femur BMD was significantly increased in taurine-fed group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, taurine supplemented diets may have positive results on bone metabolism in alcohol-fed OVX rat model.

Comparative Effectivenesses of Pulsed Radiofrequency and Transforaminal Steroid Injection for Radicular Pain due to Disc Herniation: a Prospective Randomized Trial.

Transforaminal Epidural steroid injections (TFESI) have been widely adopted to alleviate and control radicular pain in accord with current guidelines. However, sometimes repeated steroid injections have adverse effects, and thus, this prospective randomized trial was undertaken to compare the effectivenesses of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) administered to a targeted dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and TFESI for the treatment of radicular pain due to disc herniation. Subjects were recruited when first proved unsuccessful (defined as a score of > 4 on a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-10 mm) and of > 30% according to the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) or the Neck Disability Index (NDI)). Forty-four patients that met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The 38 subjects were randomly assigned to receive either PRF (PRF group; n = 19) or additional TFESI (TFESI group; n = 19) and were then followed for 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. To evaluate pain intensity were assessed by VAS. ODI and NDI were applied to evaluate functional disability. Mean VAS scores for cervical and lumbar radicular pain were significantly lower 12 weeks after treatment in both study groups. NDI and ODI scores also declined after treatment. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the PRF and TFESI groups in terms of VAS, ODI, or NDI scores at any time during follow-up. PRF administered to a DRG might be as effective as TFESI in terms of attenuating radicular pain caused by disc herniation, and its use would avoid the adverse effects of steroid.

The Anion Gap is a Predictive Clinical Marker for Death in Patients with Acute Pesticide Intoxication.

Pesticide formulation includes solvents (methanol and xylene) and antifreeze (ethylene glycol) whose metabolites are anions such as formic acid, hippuric acid, and oxalate. However, the effect of the anion gap on clinical outcome in acute pesticide intoxication requires clarification. In this prospective study, we compared the anion gap and other parameters between surviving versus deceased patients with acute pesticide intoxication. The following parameters were assessed in 1,058 patients with acute pesticide intoxication: blood chemistry (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, glucose, lactic acid, liver enzymes, albumin, globulin, and urate), urinalysis (ketone bodies), arterial blood gas analysis, electrolytes (Na(+), K(+), Cl(-) HCO3 (-), Ca(++)), pesticide field of use, class, and ingestion amount, clinical outcome (death rate, length of hospital stay, length of intensive care unit stay, and seriousness of toxic symptoms), and the calculated anion gap. Among the 481 patients with a high anion gap, 52.2% had a blood pH in the physiologic range, 35.8% had metabolic acidosis, and 12.1% had acidemia. Age, anion gap, pesticide field of use, pesticide class, seriousness of symptoms (all P < 0.001), and time lag after ingestion (P = 0.048) were significant risk factors for death in univariate analyses. Among these, age, anion gap, and pesticide class were significant risk factors for death in a multiple logistic regression analysis (P < 0.001). In conclusions, high anion gap is a significant risk factor for death, regardless of the accompanying acid-base balance status in patients with acute pesticide intoxication.

Exhaled nitric oxide as a better diagnostic indicator for evaluating wheeze and airway hyperresponsiveness in preschool children.

OBJECTIVE: Fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a known marker of airway inflammation. The aims of this study were to evaluate FeNO, impulse oscillometry (IOS), and spirometry in preschool children and to investigate their relationship with wheeze and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). METHODS: We performed a population-based, cross-sectional study with 561 children aged 5-6 years. A total of 544 children completed a modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) questionnaire and eligible for the study. We measured FeNO, spirometry, methacholine bronchial provocation, and IOS. AHR was defined as the induction of a 20% decrease in FEV(1)(PC(20)) by a methacholine concentration ≤8.0 mg/dL. RESULTS: Children who had wheeze or AHR had higher FeNO levels than children without these symptoms. However, neither IOS nor spirometry parameters showed significant differences between children with wheeze or AHR and those without. FeNO was associated with AHR, whereas IOS or spirometry parameters showed no association. Mean FeNO levels were positively correlated with a dose-response slope for methacholine, but neither IOS nor spirometry parameters showed significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS: FeNO is a more sensitive measurement of AHR and wheeze than spirometry or IOS in preschool children.

Common Pesticides Used in Suicide Attempts Following the 2012 Paraquat Ban in Korea.

To determine the change in pesticides used during suicide attempts after the 2012 paraquat (PQ) ban, we evaluated the annual number of suicide attempts by pesticide ingestion between 2011 and 2014. We extracted demographic, clinical outcome, and pesticide class data from the medical records of 1,331 patients that attempted suicide by pesticide ingestion. Pesticides were sorted into 5 groups: herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, other pesticides, and combined pesticides. Each group was subdivided into various classes based on publications by the respective Resistance Action Committees. The chi-square test for trends was used to compare the annual incidence of categorical variables. The total number of suicide attempts decreased each year, from 399 in 2011 to 245 in 2014. Simultaneously, PQ ingestion decreased from 253 patients in 2011 to 60 in 2014. The proportion of PQ to pesticides also decreased from 63.4% in 2011 to 24.5% in 2014. Furthermore, the rate of decrease in the proportion of PQ to all herbicide categories increased by calendar year. In conclusion, there is a significant trend in increased annual number of suicides and proportion of suicides using glyphosates and glufosinates versus total herbicides. However, the number of suicide attempts using glyphosate and glufosinate is lower than that using PQ. The ratio of persons completing suicide to those attempting suicide after pesticide ingestion has decreased every year after the PQ ban.