OBJECTIVE: Despite the global decrease in influenza infections during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, seasonal influenza remains a significant health issue. South Korea, known for its robust pandemic response and high influenza vaccination rates, offers a unique context for examining changes in vaccination trends during the pandemic. Using nationally representative data, we aimed to understand the impact of the pandemic on influenza vaccination behavior over a 12-year period and to identify vulnerable groups. METHODS: We analyzed influenza vaccination rates in South Korea between 2011-2022, focusing on pandemic-related impacts. The data of 2,426,139 adults (≥ 19 years) from the Korea Community Health Survey were used to assess demographic and sociological factors influencing vaccination behaviors. RESULTS: We observed an increase in influenza vaccination rates during the pre-COVID-19 period from 2011-2013 (weighted prevalence: 46.68% [95% confidence interval ( CI): 46.55-46.82]) to 2017-2019 (weighted prevalence: 52.50% [95% CI: 52.38-52.63]). However, a significant decline was observed in 2022, the late-COVID-19 pandemic period (weighted prevalence: 55.78% [95% CI: 55.56-56.01]), compared with the mid-pandemic period in 2021 (weighted prevalence: 59.12% [95% CI: 58.91-59.32]), particularly among populations traditionally prioritized for influenza vaccination, including older adults (≥ 65 years) and patients with chronic diseases and low educational and income levels. CONCLUSION The influenza vaccination rate in South Korea was significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, showing a notable decrease among vulnerable demographic groups. This suggests the need for targeted public health strategies to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccination rates, particularly among high-risk populations.
Humans ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology* ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Influenza, Human/epidemiology* ; Aged ; Vaccination/statistics & numerical data* ; Young Adult ; Pandemics ; SARS-CoV-2

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of toric intraocular lens (IOL) axis prediction between two preoperative measurement devices: the optical biometry (IOLMaster 500 or IOLMaster 700) and the dual Scheimpflug topography (Galilei G4) Methods: Medical records of 64 eyes from 44 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber toric IOL (Zeiss AT TORBI 709M) implantation between July 2017 and January 2022 were reviewed. All patients underwent preoperative evaluation by optical biometry (IOLMaster 500 or IOLMaster 700) and Galilei G4. The gold-standard axis that minimizes astigmatism was calculated by the online Toric Results Analyzer postoperatively and compared to the preoperative toric IOL axis calculated by the Z CALC Online IOL Calculator using parameters from either IOLMaster or Galilei G4. The axis error (AE) and the absolute AE (AAE) between the gold-standard axis and the preoperative calculated axis were analyzed to assess the accuracy of each device. Results: The mean flat keratometry and steep keratometry were 42.99 diopters (D) and 45.61 D, respectively, in IOLMaster, and 43.04 D and 45.51 D, respectively, in Galilei G4, which did not show any significant difference. The mean keratometric astigmatism was 2.62 D in IOLMaster and 2.46 D in Galilei G4, which also did not show any statistical difference. The keratometric astigmatism axis did not show any significant difference between IOLMaster and Galilei G4. The mean AE and AAE were 0.19° and 6.84°, respectively, by IOLMaster, and –0.80° and 7.98°, respectively, by Galilei G4. The AE and AAE by IOLMaster did not show any significant difference compared to those of Galilei G4 (p = 0.583, and p = 0.346, respectively). Conclusions This study suggests that the Galilei G4 demonstrated a similar level of accuracy to the IOLMaster in predicting the toric IOL axis, based on the gold-standard axis provided by the Toric Results Analyzer.

Ectopic thyroid is thyroid tissue found in places other than the anterolateral aspect of the second to fourth tracheal ring. Mediastinal ectopic thyroid is rare and only few cases have been reported. The authors experienced a case of 41-year-old female patient with an anterior neck mass. The patient had mild chest discomfort when breathing with no other symptoms. Imaging studies suggested tumor of thymic tissue origin and surgical excision was done. The mass was successfully removed and histopathologically determined to be thyroid tissue. We hereby report with a review of literature a case of ectopic thyroid found in the mediastinum, which was successfully removed by transcervical incision.

This report presents radiologic changes after clinical improvement in a patient with acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). A 45-year-old female patient was referred for decreased renal function. Eight months prior, she had undergone hysterectomy and received chemotherapy. At the start of chemotherapy, her baseline creatinine level was 0.55 mg/dL, which rose to 1.46 mg/dL. Multiple imaging modalities performed when decreased renal function was observed revealed bilateral renal enlargement with increased cortical attenuation on computed tomography (CT), cortical hyperechogenicity on ultrasonography, and diffusion restriction in the renal cortices on magnetic resonance imaging. A renal biopsy was performed, and AIN was diagnosed. Follow-up laboratory tests showed that kidney function had improved to normal levels, and CT at that time showed a reduction in the size of both kidneys. Radiologic changes can serve as clues for the diagnosis of AIN. This is the first report to confirm radiological changes after the clinical improvement of AIN, thereby providing novel information about the course of AIN.

Objective: Previous studies have reported an association between cancer-related symptoms and perceived social support (PSS). The objective of this study was to analyze whether Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a prevalent side effect of chemotherapy, varies according to PSS level using a validated tool for CIPN at prospective follow-up. Methods: A total of 39 breast cancer patients were evaluated for PSS using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) prior to chemotherapy and were subsequently grouped into one of two categories for each subscale: low-to-moderate PSS and high PSS. CIPN was prospectively evaluated using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20 (CIPN20) at five time points. A linear mixed-effects model with square root transformation was employed to investigate whether the CIPN20 scales varied by PSS level and time point. Results: Statistical analysis of the MSPSS total scale and subscales revealed a significant effect of the friends subscale group and time point on the CIPN20 sensory scale. The sensory scale score of CIPN20 was found to be lower in participants with high PSS from friends in comparison to those with low-to-moderate PSS at 1 month post-chemotherapy (p=0.010). Conclusion This is the first study to prospectively follow the long-term effect of pre-treatment PSS from friends on CIPN. Further studies based on larger samples are required to analyze the effects of PSS on the pathophysiology of CIPN.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the types of pain changes that affect older Koreans, as well as their effects on depressive symptom. Methods: We analyzed the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging data collected from 2010 to 2018. A data of total of 1,359 participants, aged 65 or older were used to estimate the change in pain. A latent growth model and growth mixture modeling were performed to estimate the overall change in pain and to categorize the types of pain changes. Results: The pain changes of older adults were classified into two categories: low-stable and high increasing. The depressive symptom showed a stronger relationship among the high-increasing type of pain than the low-stable type. The high-increasing type had a higher percentage of females, lower income, relatively low educational attainment, and a higher percentage of rural residents than the low-stable type. Conclusion The significance of this study is that it reiterated the importance of early pain diagnosis and intervention by identifying the types of pain changes in older adults and analyzing their effects on depressive symptoms. Therefore, it is especially important to pay attention to interventions that are designed to help vulnerable groups with a high risk of pain obtain effective pain management.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the relationship between digital health literacy, self-efficacy, and self-care behaviors, and to identify the effects of digital health literacy and self-efficacy on self-care behaviors among the community-dwelling elderly. Methods: This descriptive study used self-reported questionnaires and was conducted from January to April 2024. This study included 197 participants aged 65 or older, residing in nine cities and counties within Gyeongsangbuk-do. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 23.0, employing descriptive statistics, t-test, One-way ANOVA, Scheffé tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: The average scores were as follows: digital health literacy, 21.97±8.38 (out of 40 points); self-efficacy, 3.27±0.72 (out of 5 points); and self-care behaviors, 70.22±10.55 (out of 96 points). Self-efficacy (β=.32, p<.001) was identified as the primary factor influencing self-care behaviors. Additionally, job (β=-.20, p=.002) and gender (β=-.18, p=.007) were also significant factors. These factors explained 22.8% of the variance of self-care behaviors. Conclusion Based on the above study results, we found that to promote self-care behaviors of community-dwelling elderly people, developing and implementing training programs that enhance self- efficacy are imperative. Furthermore, efforts should be made to overcome regional disparities by developing and implementing various policies and programs at the government, local government, and community levels to enhance the digital health literacy of the elderly.

Purpose: The associated factors for hypertensive retinopathy (HTR) are rarely investigated. This study aimed to identify the associated factors for HTR using a systematic review. Methods: The review included cross-sectional, case-controlled, and cohort studies on HTR risk factors published in Korean and English with full texts available from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Korean databases. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Results: Eleven studies were finally selected, and three studies including patients with hypertension without diabetes mellitus, older age, male sex, alcohol consumption, the duration of hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, high creatinine levels, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular changes were identified as factors associated with HTR. Conversely, in the remaining eight studies, younger age, non-smoking status, and renal function indicators (albuminuria, high creatinine levels, chronic kidney disease, and uric acid) were identified as associated factors. Conclusions Regardless of the inclusion of patients with diabetes mellitus, impaired kidney functions were determined as significant factors associated with retinopathy in patients with HTR. However, considering a limited number of evidence and lack of evidence to confirm causality, we recommend further research on renal function and HTR.