1.A comparison of traditional and quantitative analysis of acid-base and electrolyte imbalance in 87 cats
Korean Journal of Veterinary Research 2021;61(4):e40-
Acid–base disorder is a common problem in veterinary emergency and critical care. Traditional methods, as well as the Stewart method based on strong ion difference concepts and the Fencl–Stewart method, can be used to analyze the underlying causes. On the other hand, there are insufficient comparative study data on these methods in cats. From 2018 to 2020, 327 acid–base analysis data were collected from 69 sick and 18 healthy cats. The three most well-known methods (traditional method, Stewart method, and Fencl–Stewart method) were used to analyze the acid–base status. The frequency of acid–base imbalances and the degree of variation according to the disease were also evaluated. In traditional acid–base analysis, 5/69 cats (7.2%) showed a normal acid–base status and 23.2% and 40.6% of the mixed and straightforward disorders, respectively. The Fencl–Stewart method showed changes in both the acidotic and alkalotic processes in 64/69 (92.8%), whereas all cats showed an abnormal status in the Fencl–Stewart method (semiquantitative approach). Different acid–base imbalances were identified according to the analysis method. These findings from the disease categories are anticipated to assist in analyzing the underlying causes of acid–base imbalance and developing the appropriate treatment.
2.Gender Inequalities in Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Population-based Study in Korea
Minku KANG ; Sarah YU ; Seung-Ah CHOE ; Daseul MOON ; Myung KI ; Byung Chul CHUN
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2023;56(5):413-421
Objectives:
This study explored the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on psychosocial stress in prime working-age individuals in Korea, focusing on gender inequalities. We hypothesized that the impact of COVID-19 on mental health would differ by age and gender, with younger women potentially demonstrating heightened vulnerability relative to men.
Methods:
The study involved data from the Korea Community Health Survey and included 319 592 adults aged 30 years to 49 years. We employed log-binomial regression analysis, controlling for variables including age, education, employment status, marital status, and the presence of children. The study period included 3 phases: the period prior to the COVID-19 outbreak (pre–COVID-19), the early pandemic, and the period following the introduction of vaccinations (post-vaccination).
Results:
The findings indicated that women were at a heightened risk of psychosocial stress during the early pandemic (relative risk [RR], 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98 to 1.05) and post-vaccination period (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.10) compared to men. This pattern was prominent in urban women aged 30-34 years (pre–COVID-19: RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10; early pandemic: RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.25; post-vaccination period, RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.31).
Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted unequal impacts on psychosocial stress among prime working-age individuals in Korea, with women, particularly those in urban areas, experiencing a heightened risk. The findings highlight the importance of addressing gender-specific needs and implementing appropriate interventions to mitigate the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic.
3.Clinical Case of a Transfusion-Associated Canine Mycoplasma haemocanis Infection in the Republic of Korea: A Case Report
Jihu KIM ; Donghwan LEE ; Eunchae YOON ; Hyeona BAE ; Daseul CHUN ; Jun-Gu KANG ; Dong-In JUNG ; Do-Hyeon YU
The Korean Journal of Parasitology 2020;58(5):565-569
This report describes the first clinical case of a transfusion-associated Mycoplasma haemocanis infection in a dog in Korea. A 6-year-old male Maltese underwent a red blood cell transfusion for idiopathic immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Eighteen days after the blood transfusion, the recipient’s packed cell volume decreased and basophilic organisms were found on erythrocytes. A polymerase chain reaction and sequential analysis showed that both the donor dog and recipient dog had M. haemocanis. Six weeks after doxycycline administration, no organisms were detected and the recipient’s anemia had improved.