2.Trends and Socioeconomic Disparities in Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use among 66-Year-Olds in Korea: A Nationwide Study, 2012–2021
Hee-Won JUNG ; Hoyol JHANG ; Kyunik PARK ; So Jin PARK ; Ji Yeon BAEK ; Woo-Youn KIM ; Dahye KIM ; Mirinae LEE ; Seul-gi HAN ; Ji Eun YUN ; Sun-wook KIM
Annals of Geriatric Medicine and Research 2025;29(4):507-518
Background:
With increasing life expectancy, the number of older adults with multiple chronic conditions requiring complex medication regimens is growing, raising concerns about polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use. This study investigated trends in polypharmacy and PIM use among 66-year-olds in South Korea from 2012 to 2021, considering participant characteristics, to inform interventions and policies.
Methods:
A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Services database covering approximately 97% of Koreans. We included 3,397,044 individuals aged 66 who underwent the National Screening Program for Transitional Ages between 2012 and 2021. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of ≥5 medications for ≥90 days annually, hyper-polypharmacy as ≥10 medications, and PIM use as ≥1 PIM for ≥28 days. Trends were analyzed by sex, frailty, comorbidity, income, insurance type, and residence.
Results:
Polypharmacy prevalence increased from 32.0% in 2012 to 35.4% in 2021, and hyper-polypharmacy also rose. PIM use slightly decreased from 55.7% to 53.7%. Higher rates of polypharmacy and PIM use were observed among rural residents, medical aid beneficiaries, and those with lower income. Despite improvements in comorbidity and frailty, socioeconomic disparities widened, particularly among medical aid beneficiaries. Frequently prescribed PIMs included NSAIDs, PPIs, muscle relaxants, and anxiolytics/hypnotics.
Conclusion
While PIM use slightly decreased over the study period, it remained above 50%, and polypharmacy prevalence increased among older adults in Korea. Socioeconomic disparities in medication use persist, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policies to promote safe medication use among vulnerable groups.
3.2023 Obesity Fact Sheet: Prevalence of Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Adults, Adolescents, and Children in Korea from 2012 to 2021
Su-Min JEONG ; Jin-Hyung JUNG ; Ye Seul YANG ; Wonsock KIM ; In Young CHO ; You-Bin LEE ; Kye-Yeung PARK ; Ga Eun NAM ; Kyungdo HAN ;
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome 2024;33(1):27-35
Background:
The 2023 Obesity Fact Sheet aims to present an updated overview of obesity prevalence across all age groups, including children and adolescents.
Methods:
This study included individuals aged ≥20 years (n=16,941,423 in 2021) who underwent health checkups provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2012 and 2021. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was standardized by age and sex using data from the 2010 population and housing census. For children and adolescents (6 to 18 years) (n= 884 in 2021), we used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012 to 2021), and obesity was defined by the corresponding sex- and agespecific body mass index percentile of 95th or greater based on the 2017 Korean National Growth Chart for Children and Adolescents.
Results:
The overall prevalence of obesity in 2021 is 38.4% (49.2% in men and 27.8% in women), which is a 1.27-fold increase from 30.2% in 2012. The prevalence of obesity has increased across all age groups, particularly among those aged 20, 30, and 80 years. The prevalence of class III obesity substantially increased from 0.35% (men) and 0.42% (women) in 2012 to 1.21% and 0.97% in 2021, with 3.46- and 2.31-fold increases, respectively.This increase was particularly pronounced in young adults. The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has surged from 9.7% in 2012 to 19.3% in 2021, with a greater increase among boys.
Conclusion
Our study provides information on the current status of obesity prevalence based on the 2023 Obesity Fact Sheet, emphasizing the urgency of implementing timely strategies to reverse this increasing trend.
4.Mutation-Driven Immune Microenvironments in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Unrevealing Patterns through Cluster Analysis
Youngtaek KIM ; Joon Yeon HWANG ; Kwangmin NA ; Dong Kwon KIM ; Seul LEE ; Seong-san KANG ; Sujeong BAEK ; Seung Min YANG ; Mi Hyun KIM ; Heekyung HAN ; Seong Su JEONG ; Chai Young LEE ; Yu Jin HAN ; Jie-Ohn SOHN ; Sang-Kyu YE ; Kyoung-Ho PYO
Yonsei Medical Journal 2024;65(12):683-694
Purpose:
We aimed to comprehensively analyze the immune cell and stromal components of tumor microenvironment at the single-cell level and identify tumor heterogeneity among the major top-derived oncogene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data.
Materials and Methods:
The scRNA-seq dataset utilized in this study comprised 64369 primary tumor tissue cells from 21 NSCLC patients, focusing on mutations in EGFR, ALK, BRAF, KRAS, TP53, and the wild-type.
Results:
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) analysis revealed differential immune responses across NSCLC mutation subtypes. TIM analysis revealed different immune responses across the mutation subtypes. Two mutation clusters emerged: KRAS, TP53, and EGFR+TP53 mutations (MC1); and EGFR, BRAF, and ALK mutations (MC2). MC1 showed higher tertiary lymphoid structures signature scores and enriched populations of C2-T-IL7R, C3-T/NK-CXCL4, C9-T/NK-NKG, and C1-B-MS4A1 clusters than cluster 2. Conversely, MC2 cells exhibited higher expression levels of TNF, IL1B, and chemokines linked to alternative immune pathways. Remarkably, co-occurring EGFR and TP53 mutations were grouped as MC1. EGFR+TP53 mutations showed upregulation of peptide synthesis and higher synthetic processes, as well as differences in myeloid and T/NK cells compared to EGFR mutations. In T/NK cells, EGFR+TP53 mutations showed a higher expression of features related to cell activity and differentiation, whereas EGFR mutations showed the opposite.
Conclusion
Our research indicates a close association between mutation types and tumor microenvironment in NSCLC, offering insights into personalized approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
5.A Three-Year Analysis of Emergency Response for Psychiatric Crisis Intervention at the Jeonbuk State Mental Health Welfare Center
Jin-Woo HAN ; Seul-Bi LEE ; Mi Sun KIM ; Young-Ju SONG ; Sang-Yeol LEE
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2024;63(4):260-270
Objectives:
This paper provides evidence for the improvement of the local and national longterm psychiatric emergency response system by analyzing emergency response cases for psychiatric crisis intervention conducted over three years at the Jeonbuk State Mental Health Welfare Center.
Methods:
From August 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023, 314 cases of emergency response for psychiatric crisis intervention were analyzed. The analysis included factors such as gender, age, marital status, location, classification of psychiatric crises, referral pathways, intervention response time, counseling history, location of intervention, types of mental health issues, types of suicidal issues, psychiatric treatment history, suicide plans and attempts, outcomes of major interventions, levels of depression, alcohol consumption, and suicidal behavior.
Results:
The emergency response for psychiatric crisis intervention had a higher proportion of suicide counseling compared to general mental health emergencies, and most cases were referred through administrative agencies such as the police and fire department. The majority of intervention targets were first-time counselees, classified as high-risk individuals because of depression, alcohol consumption, and suicidal behavior, and either discontinued or were maintaining medication treatment.
Conclusion
This study illustrated the major role of emergency response in psychiatric crisis intervention and the need for strengthening networks with police, fire departments, and relevant agencies, and improving the treatment of care staff and public awareness. In addition, this study provides evidence for predicting risk factors and offering preventive and preemptive measures.
6.Mutation-Driven Immune Microenvironments in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Unrevealing Patterns through Cluster Analysis
Youngtaek KIM ; Joon Yeon HWANG ; Kwangmin NA ; Dong Kwon KIM ; Seul LEE ; Seong-san KANG ; Sujeong BAEK ; Seung Min YANG ; Mi Hyun KIM ; Heekyung HAN ; Seong Su JEONG ; Chai Young LEE ; Yu Jin HAN ; Jie-Ohn SOHN ; Sang-Kyu YE ; Kyoung-Ho PYO
Yonsei Medical Journal 2024;65(12):683-694
Purpose:
We aimed to comprehensively analyze the immune cell and stromal components of tumor microenvironment at the single-cell level and identify tumor heterogeneity among the major top-derived oncogene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data.
Materials and Methods:
The scRNA-seq dataset utilized in this study comprised 64369 primary tumor tissue cells from 21 NSCLC patients, focusing on mutations in EGFR, ALK, BRAF, KRAS, TP53, and the wild-type.
Results:
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) analysis revealed differential immune responses across NSCLC mutation subtypes. TIM analysis revealed different immune responses across the mutation subtypes. Two mutation clusters emerged: KRAS, TP53, and EGFR+TP53 mutations (MC1); and EGFR, BRAF, and ALK mutations (MC2). MC1 showed higher tertiary lymphoid structures signature scores and enriched populations of C2-T-IL7R, C3-T/NK-CXCL4, C9-T/NK-NKG, and C1-B-MS4A1 clusters than cluster 2. Conversely, MC2 cells exhibited higher expression levels of TNF, IL1B, and chemokines linked to alternative immune pathways. Remarkably, co-occurring EGFR and TP53 mutations were grouped as MC1. EGFR+TP53 mutations showed upregulation of peptide synthesis and higher synthetic processes, as well as differences in myeloid and T/NK cells compared to EGFR mutations. In T/NK cells, EGFR+TP53 mutations showed a higher expression of features related to cell activity and differentiation, whereas EGFR mutations showed the opposite.
Conclusion
Our research indicates a close association between mutation types and tumor microenvironment in NSCLC, offering insights into personalized approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
7.2023 Obesity Fact Sheet: Prevalence of Obesity and Abdominal Obesity in Adults, Adolescents, and Children in Korea from 2012 to 2021
Su-Min JEONG ; Jin-Hyung JUNG ; Ye Seul YANG ; Wonsock KIM ; In Young CHO ; You-Bin LEE ; Kye-Yeung PARK ; Ga Eun NAM ; Kyungdo HAN ;
Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome 2024;33(1):27-35
Background:
The 2023 Obesity Fact Sheet aims to present an updated overview of obesity prevalence across all age groups, including children and adolescents.
Methods:
This study included individuals aged ≥20 years (n=16,941,423 in 2021) who underwent health checkups provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2012 and 2021. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was standardized by age and sex using data from the 2010 population and housing census. For children and adolescents (6 to 18 years) (n= 884 in 2021), we used the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2012 to 2021), and obesity was defined by the corresponding sex- and agespecific body mass index percentile of 95th or greater based on the 2017 Korean National Growth Chart for Children and Adolescents.
Results:
The overall prevalence of obesity in 2021 is 38.4% (49.2% in men and 27.8% in women), which is a 1.27-fold increase from 30.2% in 2012. The prevalence of obesity has increased across all age groups, particularly among those aged 20, 30, and 80 years. The prevalence of class III obesity substantially increased from 0.35% (men) and 0.42% (women) in 2012 to 1.21% and 0.97% in 2021, with 3.46- and 2.31-fold increases, respectively.This increase was particularly pronounced in young adults. The prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents has surged from 9.7% in 2012 to 19.3% in 2021, with a greater increase among boys.
Conclusion
Our study provides information on the current status of obesity prevalence based on the 2023 Obesity Fact Sheet, emphasizing the urgency of implementing timely strategies to reverse this increasing trend.
8.Mutation-Driven Immune Microenvironments in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Unrevealing Patterns through Cluster Analysis
Youngtaek KIM ; Joon Yeon HWANG ; Kwangmin NA ; Dong Kwon KIM ; Seul LEE ; Seong-san KANG ; Sujeong BAEK ; Seung Min YANG ; Mi Hyun KIM ; Heekyung HAN ; Seong Su JEONG ; Chai Young LEE ; Yu Jin HAN ; Jie-Ohn SOHN ; Sang-Kyu YE ; Kyoung-Ho PYO
Yonsei Medical Journal 2024;65(12):683-694
Purpose:
We aimed to comprehensively analyze the immune cell and stromal components of tumor microenvironment at the single-cell level and identify tumor heterogeneity among the major top-derived oncogene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data.
Materials and Methods:
The scRNA-seq dataset utilized in this study comprised 64369 primary tumor tissue cells from 21 NSCLC patients, focusing on mutations in EGFR, ALK, BRAF, KRAS, TP53, and the wild-type.
Results:
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) analysis revealed differential immune responses across NSCLC mutation subtypes. TIM analysis revealed different immune responses across the mutation subtypes. Two mutation clusters emerged: KRAS, TP53, and EGFR+TP53 mutations (MC1); and EGFR, BRAF, and ALK mutations (MC2). MC1 showed higher tertiary lymphoid structures signature scores and enriched populations of C2-T-IL7R, C3-T/NK-CXCL4, C9-T/NK-NKG, and C1-B-MS4A1 clusters than cluster 2. Conversely, MC2 cells exhibited higher expression levels of TNF, IL1B, and chemokines linked to alternative immune pathways. Remarkably, co-occurring EGFR and TP53 mutations were grouped as MC1. EGFR+TP53 mutations showed upregulation of peptide synthesis and higher synthetic processes, as well as differences in myeloid and T/NK cells compared to EGFR mutations. In T/NK cells, EGFR+TP53 mutations showed a higher expression of features related to cell activity and differentiation, whereas EGFR mutations showed the opposite.
Conclusion
Our research indicates a close association between mutation types and tumor microenvironment in NSCLC, offering insights into personalized approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
9.Mutation-Driven Immune Microenvironments in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Unrevealing Patterns through Cluster Analysis
Youngtaek KIM ; Joon Yeon HWANG ; Kwangmin NA ; Dong Kwon KIM ; Seul LEE ; Seong-san KANG ; Sujeong BAEK ; Seung Min YANG ; Mi Hyun KIM ; Heekyung HAN ; Seong Su JEONG ; Chai Young LEE ; Yu Jin HAN ; Jie-Ohn SOHN ; Sang-Kyu YE ; Kyoung-Ho PYO
Yonsei Medical Journal 2024;65(12):683-694
Purpose:
We aimed to comprehensively analyze the immune cell and stromal components of tumor microenvironment at the single-cell level and identify tumor heterogeneity among the major top-derived oncogene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data.
Materials and Methods:
The scRNA-seq dataset utilized in this study comprised 64369 primary tumor tissue cells from 21 NSCLC patients, focusing on mutations in EGFR, ALK, BRAF, KRAS, TP53, and the wild-type.
Results:
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) analysis revealed differential immune responses across NSCLC mutation subtypes. TIM analysis revealed different immune responses across the mutation subtypes. Two mutation clusters emerged: KRAS, TP53, and EGFR+TP53 mutations (MC1); and EGFR, BRAF, and ALK mutations (MC2). MC1 showed higher tertiary lymphoid structures signature scores and enriched populations of C2-T-IL7R, C3-T/NK-CXCL4, C9-T/NK-NKG, and C1-B-MS4A1 clusters than cluster 2. Conversely, MC2 cells exhibited higher expression levels of TNF, IL1B, and chemokines linked to alternative immune pathways. Remarkably, co-occurring EGFR and TP53 mutations were grouped as MC1. EGFR+TP53 mutations showed upregulation of peptide synthesis and higher synthetic processes, as well as differences in myeloid and T/NK cells compared to EGFR mutations. In T/NK cells, EGFR+TP53 mutations showed a higher expression of features related to cell activity and differentiation, whereas EGFR mutations showed the opposite.
Conclusion
Our research indicates a close association between mutation types and tumor microenvironment in NSCLC, offering insights into personalized approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
10.Mutation-Driven Immune Microenvironments in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Unrevealing Patterns through Cluster Analysis
Youngtaek KIM ; Joon Yeon HWANG ; Kwangmin NA ; Dong Kwon KIM ; Seul LEE ; Seong-san KANG ; Sujeong BAEK ; Seung Min YANG ; Mi Hyun KIM ; Heekyung HAN ; Seong Su JEONG ; Chai Young LEE ; Yu Jin HAN ; Jie-Ohn SOHN ; Sang-Kyu YE ; Kyoung-Ho PYO
Yonsei Medical Journal 2024;65(12):683-694
Purpose:
We aimed to comprehensively analyze the immune cell and stromal components of tumor microenvironment at the single-cell level and identify tumor heterogeneity among the major top-derived oncogene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data.
Materials and Methods:
The scRNA-seq dataset utilized in this study comprised 64369 primary tumor tissue cells from 21 NSCLC patients, focusing on mutations in EGFR, ALK, BRAF, KRAS, TP53, and the wild-type.
Results:
Tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) analysis revealed differential immune responses across NSCLC mutation subtypes. TIM analysis revealed different immune responses across the mutation subtypes. Two mutation clusters emerged: KRAS, TP53, and EGFR+TP53 mutations (MC1); and EGFR, BRAF, and ALK mutations (MC2). MC1 showed higher tertiary lymphoid structures signature scores and enriched populations of C2-T-IL7R, C3-T/NK-CXCL4, C9-T/NK-NKG, and C1-B-MS4A1 clusters than cluster 2. Conversely, MC2 cells exhibited higher expression levels of TNF, IL1B, and chemokines linked to alternative immune pathways. Remarkably, co-occurring EGFR and TP53 mutations were grouped as MC1. EGFR+TP53 mutations showed upregulation of peptide synthesis and higher synthetic processes, as well as differences in myeloid and T/NK cells compared to EGFR mutations. In T/NK cells, EGFR+TP53 mutations showed a higher expression of features related to cell activity and differentiation, whereas EGFR mutations showed the opposite.
Conclusion
Our research indicates a close association between mutation types and tumor microenvironment in NSCLC, offering insights into personalized approaches for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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