In this study, nutrient intake status and energy expenditure were examined to investigate the nutritional status of the elderly in a rural community. The results obtained by questionaries, the 24 hour recall method, and time-diary were as follows: The elderly men surveyed were 73.8 years old, on the average. The elderly women surveyed were 73.5 years old, on the average. The proportion of the elderly with diseases was 51.9%. Most of the subjects (86.1%) had a regular meal pattern of consuming three meals a day. The average daily energy intake of the rural elderly was much lower than the Korean RDA. The dietary assessment data showed that each energy intake of the males and the females was 79.5% and 84.3% of the RDA, respectively. The dietary intake of Ca, Fe, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin was lower than the Korean RDA, and that of P and Vitamin C was adequate. The Fe intake was significantly different with respect to age and sex (p < 0.05). Although, in both elderly men and elderly women it decreased with age, the elderly men's intake was lower than the elderly women's. The heights of the elderly men and the elderly women was 159.7 cm and 147.5 cm, respectively, and the weights were 60.0 kg and 52.2 kg, respectively, and the BMI was in the moderate range. Heights significantly decreased with age (p < 0.05). According to daily living schedules, leisure time (11.0 hour) was the longest, physiological time (9.6 hours) was next, and work time (3.4 hours) was the shortest. Energy expenditure significantly decreased with age (p < 0.01). Energy intake also decreased with aging. Energy balance (energy expenditure/ energy intake) was 93.4% in elderly men and 104.0% in elderly women. Especially, in elderly men in the 65 to 74 age range, the energy balance was the lowest, and the nutrient intake was also much lower than that of elderly women.
Aged* ; Aging ; Appointments and Schedules ; Ascorbic Acid ; Energy Intake ; Energy Metabolism* ; Female ; Humans ; Leisure Activities ; Male ; Meals ; Niacin ; Nutritional Status* ; Riboflavin ; Rural Population* ; Weights and Measures

The healthy cities approach emphasizes the role of the leadership of local governments in promoting the health of the population in city settings. The concept emerged from public health strategies declared in the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, and reflects the characteristics of the third public health revolution. The Korean healthy cities movement, characterized by voluntary participation of local governments in the Alliance for Healthy Cities, has grown rapidly in recent years. A strong push of the healthy cities movement by a local government without a profound commitment to the vision may hinder the effective and sustainable development of the movement. By reviewing the historical background and significance of the healthy cities movement and its underlying concepts, and illustrating the main strategies and goals of the movement, that is, the development of partnerships, community participation and empowerment, and working in networks for stimulating change, this article argues that the healthy cities movement is a potent vehicle for implementing the new paradigm of public health introduced to local governments. We also argue that the Korean healthy cities movement needs more active participants and more support of the central government and other related stakeholders.
Consumer Participation ; Health Promotion ; Korea ; Local Government ; Natural Resources ; Power (Psychology) ; Public Health ; Vision, Ocular

Background/Aims: Annual fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are often repeated within the recommended colonoscopy surveillance intervals. However, it remains unclear whether interval FITs are useful. To answer this question, we assessed the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) according to the interval from the last colonoscopy to an FIT. Methods: Using the Korean National Cancer Screening Program database, we collected data on patients who underwent FITs in 2011. Patients with positive FIT results were classified into three groups according to their previous colonoscopy interval: 0.5 to 5 years (group 1), 5 to 10 years (group 2), and ≥ 10 years or no colonoscopy (group 3). CRC incidence was defined as CRC diagnosed within 1 year after an FIT. Results: Among 177,660 patients with positive FIT results, the incidence of CRC in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 0.72% (n = 214/29,575), 1.28% (n = 116/9,083), and 3.88% (n = 5,387/139,002), respectively. The age- and sex-adjusted risk for CRC was higher in groups 2 (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43 to 2.25) and 3 (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 4.85 to 6.38) than in group 1. Among patients who did and did not undergo a polypectomy during the previous colonoscopy, those in group 2 had a higher rate of CRC than those in group 1 (without polypectomy: 1.15% vs. 0.63%; OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.34) (with polypectomy: 2.37% vs. 0.93 %; OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.44 to 3.69). Conclusion In patients with positive FIT results who had undergone a colonoscopy within the past 5 years, the risk of CRC is very low, regardless of whether a polypectomy was performed, suggesting that interval FITs are not useful.

Background/Aims: Annual fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) are often repeated within the recommended colonoscopy surveillance intervals. However, it remains unclear whether interval FITs are useful. To answer this question, we assessed the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) according to the interval from the last colonoscopy to an FIT. Methods: Using the Korean National Cancer Screening Program database, we collected data on patients who underwent FITs in 2011. Patients with positive FIT results were classified into three groups according to their previous colonoscopy interval: 0.5 to 5 years (group 1), 5 to 10 years (group 2), and ≥ 10 years or no colonoscopy (group 3). CRC incidence was defined as CRC diagnosed within 1 year after an FIT. Results: Among 177,660 patients with positive FIT results, the incidence of CRC in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 0.72% (n = 214/29,575), 1.28% (n = 116/9,083), and 3.88% (n = 5,387/139,002), respectively. The age- and sex-adjusted risk for CRC was higher in groups 2 (odds ratio [OR], 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43 to 2.25) and 3 (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 4.85 to 6.38) than in group 1. Among patients who did and did not undergo a polypectomy during the previous colonoscopy, those in group 2 had a higher rate of CRC than those in group 1 (without polypectomy: 1.15% vs. 0.63%; OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.37 to 2.34) (with polypectomy: 2.37% vs. 0.93 %; OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.44 to 3.69). Conclusion In patients with positive FIT results who had undergone a colonoscopy within the past 5 years, the risk of CRC is very low, regardless of whether a polypectomy was performed, suggesting that interval FITs are not useful.

Background/Aims: Studies have reported an association between fecal occult blood and increased all-cause, non-colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as CRC mortality. This study aimed to determine whether positive fecal immunochemistry test (FIT) results are associated with death from various causes in the South Korean population. Methods: Using the Korean National Cancer Screening Program database, we collected data on patients who underwent FIT between 2009 and 2011. Results: Of the 5,932,544 participants, 380,789 (6.4%) had positive FIT results. FIT-positive participants had a higher mortality rate than FIT-negative participants from CRC (1.33 and 0.21 per 1,000 person-years, p < 0.001, respectively) and non-CRC causes (10.40 and 7.50 per 1,000 person-years, p < 0.001, respectively). Despite adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption habits, body mass index, comorbidity, and aspirin use, FIT positivity was associated with an increased risk of dying from all non-CRC causes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15 to 1.18) and CRC (aHR, 5.61; 95% CI, 5.40 to 5.84). Additionally, FIT positivity was significantly associated with increased mortality from circulatory disease (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.17), respiratory disease (aHR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.19), digestive disease (aHR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.48 to 1.66), neuropsychological disease (aHR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.16), blood and endocrine diseases (aHR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.17), and external factors (aHR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.11 to 1.20). Conclusions Positive FIT results are associated with an increased risk of mortality from CRC and various other chronic diseases, suggesting that it could be a predictor of mortality independent of its association with CRC.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of an unknown origin. The role of leptospirosis as a triggering factor for SLE is unknown. This paper reports an uncommon case of SLE following a leptospira infection. A 29-year-old female was referred due to fevers, myalgia, and facial edema with rash. Laboratory investigations revealed a hepatic dysfunction, significantly raised lactate dehydrogenase with marked leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. A diagnosis of leptospirosis was confirmed. The patient was treated with antibiotic therapy for leptospirosis. She developed dyspnea after one week. The echocardiogram revealed global hypokinesia with a decreased ejection fraction. A positivity of antinuclear, anti-DNA, and anti-Smith antibodies, together with clinical and laboratory improvement by steroid therapy, led to the diagnosis of SLE. This case highlights the presence of concurrent SLE and leptospirosis. As the symptoms of SLE are similar to leptospirosis, accurate diagnosis through high suspicion is essential for appropriate treatment.
Adult ; Antibodies ; Diagnosis ; Dyspnea ; Edema ; Exanthema ; Female ; Fever ; Humans ; Hypokinesia ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; Leptospira ; Leptospirosis* ; Leukopenia ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* ; Myalgia ; Myocarditis ; Thrombocytopenia

Symptomatic sinus bradycardia in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rare. Here, we report a case of severe sinus bradycardia requiring temporary cardiac pacing in a SLE patient successfully treated using methylprednisolone pulse therapy.
Adult ; Bradycardia ; Humans ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Methylprednisolone ; Sick Sinus Syndrome

Symptomatic sinus bradycardia in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rare. Here, we report a case of severe sinus bradycardia requiring temporary cardiac pacing in a SLE patient successfully treated using methylprednisolone pulse therapy.

Background: The present study aimed to analyze several aspects of the working conditions and health status of platform workers in the Republic of Korea, such as ergonomic and emotional hazards. We also compared the health status of the platform workers with that of the general population. Methods: A total of 1,000 platform workers participated in this survey from August 7 to August 17, 2022. The participants included 400 designated drivers, 400 food-delivery drivers, and 200 housekeeping managers. A face-to-face survey with a structured questionnaire was conducted by researchers who had received specific instructions. The focus of the survey extended to the work environment, encompassing factors such as workplace violence, as well as physical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards. Health-related data for the previous year were also collected, covering a range of issues such as hearing problems, skin problems, musculoskeletal symptoms, headaches, injuries, mental health issues, and digestive problems. Subsequently, we compared the health symptom data of the responders with those of the general population in the Republic of Korea. Results: Platform workers, including designated drivers, food-delivery drivers, and housekeeping managers, existed in the blind spot of social insurance, facing frequent exposure to physical and chemical hazards, ergonomic risk factors, and direct or indirect violence. The prevalence of health problems, including musculoskeletal symptoms, general fatigue, and depressive symptoms, in each occupational group was statistically higher than that in the general population after standardization for age and gender. Conclusion The results revealed unfavorable working environment and inferior occupational health of platform workers compared with those of the general population.

PURPOSE: Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) is a new magnetic resonance technique that can exploit the magnetic susceptibility differences of various tissues. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) looks a dark blooming on the magnitude images of SWI. However, the pattern of ICH on phase images is not well known. The purpose of this study is to characterize hemorrhagic lesions on the phase images of SWI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled patients with ICH, who underwent both SWI and precontrast CT, between 2012 and 2013 (n = 95). An SWI was taken, using the 3-tesla system. A phase map was generated after post-processing. Cases with an intracranial hemorrhage were reviewed by an experienced neuroradiologist and a trainee radiologist, with 10 years and 3 years of experience, respectively. The types and stages of the hemorrhages were determined in correlation with the precontrast CT, the T1- and T2-weighted images, and the FLAIR images. The size of the hemorrhage was measured by a one-directional axis on a magnitude image of SWI. The phase values of the ICH were qualitatively evaluated: hypo-, iso-, and hyper-intensity. We summarized the imaging features of the intracranial hemorrhage on the phase map of the SWI. RESULTS: Four types of hemorrhage are observed: subdural and epidural; subarachnoid; parenchymal hemorrhage; and microbleed. The stages of the ICH were classified into 4 groups: acute (n = 34); early subacute (n = 11); late subacute (n = 15); chronic (n = 8); stage-unknown microbleeds (n = 27). The acute and early subacute hemorrhage showed heterogeneous mixed hyper-, iso-, and hypo-signal intensity; the late subacute hemorrhage showed homogeneous hyper-intensity, and the chronic hemorrhage showed a shrunken iso-signal intensity with the hyper-signal rim. All acute subarachnoid hemorrhages showed a homogeneous hyper-signal intensity. All parenchymal hemorrhages (> 3 mm) showed a dipole artifact on the phase images; however, microbleeds of less than 3 mm showed no dipole artifact. Larger hematomas showed a heterogeneous mixture of hyper-, iso-, and hypo-signal intensities. CONCLUSION: The pattern of the phase value of the SWI showed difference, according to the type, stage, and size.
Artifacts ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Hematoma ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intracranial Hemorrhages* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage