Objectives: To assess whether the use of free meal services is associated with diet quality among older adults living alone in Incheon, Korea, by comparing the Nutrition Quotient for the Elderly (NQ-E), index of nutritional quality (INQ), and mean adequacy ratio (MAR). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March 5 to April 24, 2025 using one-to-one interviews and partially self-administered questionnaires. After excluding cases with missing responses or energy intake of < 500 kcal/day, 119 participants were analyzed (56 men and 63 women). A single 24-hour recall was used to calculate INQ and MAR. NQ-E was evaluated using total and subdomain scores. Group comparisons and sex-stratified multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Diet-quality indicators were higher among service users than among non-users. INQ for thiamin and riboflavin was significantly higher in men than in women. Meanwhile, INQ for zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, and folate was higher in women than in men. In both sexes, MAR was higher among users than among non-users (men: 0.8 ± 0.2 vs. 0.6 ± 0.2; women: 0.7 ± 0.2 vs. 0.5 ± 0.2; P < 0.001 for all). Differences in NQ-E total scores were small. Among women, the practice subdomain score was higher in users than in non-users (66.0 ± 16.4 vs. 55.2 ± 15.5; P = 0.016), and the proportion in upper grades was greater (P = 0.030). Regression analysis showed that service use was negatively associated with NQ-E in men (P = 0.007) and positively associated with MAR in women (P = 0.010). Conclusion Use of free meal services was associated with improved diet quality, as reflected by MAR and INQ for specific nutrients, and with higher NQ-E practice scores observed in women than in men. Policies should prioritize food-insecure groups and support sustained participation.

On May 1, 2024, the Republic of Korea lifted the infectious disease crisis alert for mpox, almost two years after the first case was reported. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has led the response, which included diagnosis, epidemiological investigations, treatment, and vaccination. This article particularly reviews the vaccination strategy implemented and proposes suggestions for enhancing future response efforts. Initially, the KDCA recommended pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk groups, later expanding to include broader demographics as domestic cases rose. By April 2024, a total of 6,863 individuals had received their first vaccine dose, with 3,875 completing the second dose of third-generation vaccines. Strategies to improve future responses include addressing stigma, securing nationally representative safety data, and conducting vaccine cost-benefit analyses.These measures will help ensure a robust and effective response to future outbreaks.

Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) is used in forensic medicine worldwide due to its ability to non-invasively visualize injuries, hemorrhage, and estimate volume. In the autopsy of infants, assessing nutritional conditions such as weight is crucial for identifying neglect. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of retrospectively estimating the weight of Korean infants using PMCT-based volume and multiplication factors, even when the body has been cremated. A total of 44 cases of infant death (under 12 months) were analyzed. PMCT images were obtained before autopsy. Autopsy records and documentation provided by the police at the time of autopsy were reviewed to determine the weight (g) of the infant. PMCT-based infant volumes (mL) were estimated using a three-dimensional semi-automatic segmentation method. Multiplication factors (g/mL) were calculated by dividing the weight recorded at autopsy by the PMCT-based volume, yielding a mean of 1.047 g/mL, ranging from 1.014 g/mL to 1.085 g/mL. The mean absolute error compared to weights recorded at autopsy was 95 g. Significant discrepancies were observed between weights recorded at the scene or medical center and those measured at autopsy. This study demonstrates that PMCT-based weight estimation for Korean infants is a reliable method and has the potential for retrospectively validating incorrect weight measurements and addressing inconsistencies in recorded weight data.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of end-of-life care competencies, death anxiety, and social support on stress among nurses at a superior general hospital. Methods: The participants were 198 nurses who had experience providing end-of-life care at a superior general hospital in city B. Data were collected between March 15, 2024, and April 14, 2024. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 27 program for frequency, average, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Factors influencing end-of-life care stress were death anxiety (β=.38, p<.001), age (21~25 years, β=-.23, p=.036), and religion (β=.23, p=.017), with an explanatory power of 20.1% (F=9.26, p<.001). Social support did not significantly affects end-of-life stress. Conclusion Death anxiety, age, and religion significantly affected nurses’ stress experiences during end-of-life care. The findings suggest that tailored education, emotional support, and organizational strategies addressing nurses' age and experience and balancing personal beliefs with professional duties are essential for reducing end-of-life stress. These results can inform strategies for improving the quality of end-of-life care and enhance nurses' well-being.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of end-of-life care competencies, death anxiety, and social support on stress among nurses at a superior general hospital. Methods: The participants were 198 nurses who had experience providing end-of-life care at a superior general hospital in city B. Data were collected between March 15, 2024, and April 14, 2024. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 27 program for frequency, average, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Factors influencing end-of-life care stress were death anxiety (β=.38, p<.001), age (21~25 years, β=-.23, p=.036), and religion (β=.23, p=.017), with an explanatory power of 20.1% (F=9.26, p<.001). Social support did not significantly affects end-of-life stress. Conclusion Death anxiety, age, and religion significantly affected nurses’ stress experiences during end-of-life care. The findings suggest that tailored education, emotional support, and organizational strategies addressing nurses' age and experience and balancing personal beliefs with professional duties are essential for reducing end-of-life stress. These results can inform strategies for improving the quality of end-of-life care and enhance nurses' well-being.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of end-of-life care competencies, death anxiety, and social support on stress among nurses at a superior general hospital. Methods: The participants were 198 nurses who had experience providing end-of-life care at a superior general hospital in city B. Data were collected between March 15, 2024, and April 14, 2024. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 27 program for frequency, average, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Factors influencing end-of-life care stress were death anxiety (β=.38, p<.001), age (21~25 years, β=-.23, p=.036), and religion (β=.23, p=.017), with an explanatory power of 20.1% (F=9.26, p<.001). Social support did not significantly affects end-of-life stress. Conclusion Death anxiety, age, and religion significantly affected nurses’ stress experiences during end-of-life care. The findings suggest that tailored education, emotional support, and organizational strategies addressing nurses' age and experience and balancing personal beliefs with professional duties are essential for reducing end-of-life stress. These results can inform strategies for improving the quality of end-of-life care and enhance nurses' well-being.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of end-of-life care competencies, death anxiety, and social support on stress among nurses at a superior general hospital. Methods: The participants were 198 nurses who had experience providing end-of-life care at a superior general hospital in city B. Data were collected between March 15, 2024, and April 14, 2024. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 27 program for frequency, average, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Factors influencing end-of-life care stress were death anxiety (β=.38, p<.001), age (21~25 years, β=-.23, p=.036), and religion (β=.23, p=.017), with an explanatory power of 20.1% (F=9.26, p<.001). Social support did not significantly affects end-of-life stress. Conclusion Death anxiety, age, and religion significantly affected nurses’ stress experiences during end-of-life care. The findings suggest that tailored education, emotional support, and organizational strategies addressing nurses' age and experience and balancing personal beliefs with professional duties are essential for reducing end-of-life stress. These results can inform strategies for improving the quality of end-of-life care and enhance nurses' well-being.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of end-of-life care competencies, death anxiety, and social support on stress among nurses at a superior general hospital. Methods: The participants were 198 nurses who had experience providing end-of-life care at a superior general hospital in city B. Data were collected between March 15, 2024, and April 14, 2024. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 27 program for frequency, average, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. Results: Factors influencing end-of-life care stress were death anxiety (β=.38, p<.001), age (21~25 years, β=-.23, p=.036), and religion (β=.23, p=.017), with an explanatory power of 20.1% (F=9.26, p<.001). Social support did not significantly affects end-of-life stress. Conclusion Death anxiety, age, and religion significantly affected nurses’ stress experiences during end-of-life care. The findings suggest that tailored education, emotional support, and organizational strategies addressing nurses' age and experience and balancing personal beliefs with professional duties are essential for reducing end-of-life stress. These results can inform strategies for improving the quality of end-of-life care and enhance nurses' well-being.

Background and Objectives: Sternberg’s canal is known to result from incomplete fusion of bony compartments constituting the sphenoid bone during the developmental process. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical implications of Sternberg’s canal. Methods: A retrospective review of patients over the age of 18 years who had undergone endoscopic sinus surgery from 2014 to 2019 at a single institution was performed. Patients (n=98) were categorized into those with sphenoid fungal ball (SFB) (n=39), those with primary chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) (n=39), and controls (n=20) and were evaluated radiologically. A small pit in the lateral wall, located medial to the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve (V2), in front of the opticocarotid recess was regarded as Sternberg’s canal. Children under the age of 12 years (n=39) without any sinus disease were also evaluated to determine the prevalence of Sternberg’s canal in the pediatric population. Results: Patients with SFB showed the highest prevalence of Sternberg’s canal (56.4%), followed by those with CRS (20.5%) and controls (10.0%) (p<0.001). Logistic regression revealed that Sternberg’s canal was associated with osteitis of the sphenoid wall, and not with age, sex, or sphenoid sinus pathology. Children under the age of 12 years showed a significantly higher prevalence of the defect than adult controls (46.2%, p<0.001). Conclusion Sternberg’s canal was frequently identified in children under the age of 12 years. Sphenoid sinus pathology was often accompanied by osteitis. However, the presence of the canal alone did not predict skull base involvement in patients with SFB. A comprehensive evaluation should hence be performed if skull base involvement is suspected in such patients. Additionally, other clinical implications of Sternberg’s canal should be further evaluated.