Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

This study aimed to evaluate the differences in the baseline characteristics and patterns of antibiotic usage among hospitals based on their participation in the Korea National Antimicrobial Use Analysis System (KONAS). We obtained claims data from the National Health Insurance for inpatients admitted to all secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals between January 2020 and December 2021 in Korea. 15.9% (58/395) of hospitals were KONAS participants, among which the proportion of hospitals with > 900 beds (31.0% vs.2.6%, P < 0.001) and tertiary care (50.0% vs. 5.2%, P < 0.001) was higher than that among non-participants. The consumption of antibiotics targeting antimicrobial-resistant gram positive bacteria (33.7 vs. 27.1 days of therapy [DOT]/1,000 patient-days, P = 0.019) and antibiotics predominantly used for resistant gram-negative bacteria (4.8 vs. 3.7 DOT/1,000 patient-days, P = 0.034) was higher in KONAS-participating versus -non-participating hospitals. The current KONAS data do not fully represent all secondary- and tertiary-care hospitals in Korea; thus, the KONAS results should be interpreted with caution.

Background: This study aimed to develop an instrument for assessing physical functioning among adults aged 50 years or older living in the community. Methods: Based on a review of various national health surveys and cohort studies, a 144-item bank was constructed for assessing physical functioning. Focus group interviews were conducted among adults aged 50 years or older to investigate their level of understanding of 60 selected items, followed by a pretest of the items on a nationally representative sample (n=508). The final 25-item questionnaire was tested on an independent sample (n=259) for validity and reliability based on classical test and item response theories. Predictive validity at the 6-month follow-up was tested in a separate sample (n=263). Results: The newly developed Life Functioning (LF) scale assessed the dimensions of functional limitations, disabilities, and social activities. The scale satisfied a one-dimensionality assumption with good item fit and demonstrated criterion validity, construct validity, high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.93), and test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient=0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.89). The LF scale comprised 25 items with a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicated higher levels of functioning. The LF score was significantly associated with the Physical Functioning score at 6 months. Conclusion The LF scale was developed to assess the physical functioning of people in their late midlife or older. Future studies should test the instrument on a national sample and evaluate its application in diverse population subgroups.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Background: This study aimed to develop an instrument for assessing physical functioning among adults aged 50 years or older living in the community. Methods: Based on a review of various national health surveys and cohort studies, a 144-item bank was constructed for assessing physical functioning. Focus group interviews were conducted among adults aged 50 years or older to investigate their level of understanding of 60 selected items, followed by a pretest of the items on a nationally representative sample (n=508). The final 25-item questionnaire was tested on an independent sample (n=259) for validity and reliability based on classical test and item response theories. Predictive validity at the 6-month follow-up was tested in a separate sample (n=263). Results: The newly developed Life Functioning (LF) scale assessed the dimensions of functional limitations, disabilities, and social activities. The scale satisfied a one-dimensionality assumption with good item fit and demonstrated criterion validity, construct validity, high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.93), and test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient=0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.89). The LF scale comprised 25 items with a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicated higher levels of functioning. The LF score was significantly associated with the Physical Functioning score at 6 months. Conclusion The LF scale was developed to assess the physical functioning of people in their late midlife or older. Future studies should test the instrument on a national sample and evaluate its application in diverse population subgroups.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

Background: This study aimed to develop an instrument for assessing physical functioning among adults aged 50 years or older living in the community. Methods: Based on a review of various national health surveys and cohort studies, a 144-item bank was constructed for assessing physical functioning. Focus group interviews were conducted among adults aged 50 years or older to investigate their level of understanding of 60 selected items, followed by a pretest of the items on a nationally representative sample (n=508). The final 25-item questionnaire was tested on an independent sample (n=259) for validity and reliability based on classical test and item response theories. Predictive validity at the 6-month follow-up was tested in a separate sample (n=263). Results: The newly developed Life Functioning (LF) scale assessed the dimensions of functional limitations, disabilities, and social activities. The scale satisfied a one-dimensionality assumption with good item fit and demonstrated criterion validity, construct validity, high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.93), and test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient=0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.89). The LF scale comprised 25 items with a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicated higher levels of functioning. The LF score was significantly associated with the Physical Functioning score at 6 months. Conclusion The LF scale was developed to assess the physical functioning of people in their late midlife or older. Future studies should test the instrument on a national sample and evaluate its application in diverse population subgroups.

Objectives: Both shift work and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are common and can disrupt sleep and mood. However, the effects of shift work on RLS remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the prevalence, severity, and related sleep and mood symptoms of RLS in shift workers (SWs) compared to non-shift workers (Non-SWs). Methods: This study recruited 4,562 SWs (age 36.98±9.84, 2,150 males and 2,422 females) and 2,093 NSWs (age 37.79±9.73, 999 males and 1,094 females). All participants completed online self-report questionnaires regarding RLS, sleep, and depression. The presence of RLS was screened using a single standard question for rapid screening of RLS. The severity of RLS was assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Rating Scale (iRLS). Additionally, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and short-term Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were used to assess daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Results: Of participants, 1,255 (27.45%) of SWs and 548 (26.18%) of Non-SWs were screened as having RLS, with no significant differences in the prevalence of RLS between the groups. However, among those with RLS, SWs with RLS showed higher iRLS scores compared to Non-SWs with RLS after controlling for age and sex (SWs: 9.55±7.26, NSWs: 6.75±6.05, F=64.15, p<0.01). In addition, SWs with RLS exhibited higher ISI scores (F=46.09, p<0.01), higher ESS scores (F=4.80, p=0.03), and higher CES-D scores (F=33.50, p<0.01) than Non-SWs with RLS. Conclusion Although there was no significant difference in RLS prevalence between SWs and Non-SWs, SWs with RLS exhibited more severe RLS symptoms and RLS-related symptoms, such as insomnia, sleepiness, and depression, compared to NSWs with RLS. The current study suggests that shift work may exacerbate RLS severity and RLS-related sleep and mood symptoms, although it may not be associated with the onset of RLS.

A 4-month-old intact male Sapsaree dog was referred due to a history of postprandial regurgitation following consumption of solid food. Thoracic radiography revealed focal leftward displacement of the thoracic trachea at T1 to T4 vertebrae levels. Barium contrast radiography revealed focal dilation of the cranial thoracic esophagus at the heart base level. Persistent right aortic arch (PRAA) with an aberrant left subclavian artery branching from the patent ductus arteriosus was diagnosed by computed tomography angiography (CTA). Although barium contrast radiography can presumptive diagnose PRAA, CTA should be considered for identifying additional vascular anomalies, specific types, and surgical planning.