Objective: To analyze the microbiological and clinical characteristics of vulvovaginitis in girls, distinguishing between the premenarcheal and postmenarcheal groups in a tertiary center in South Korea. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 195 patients under 20 years of age diagnosed with vulvovaginitis at a tertiary hospital between 2014 and 2023. The patients were categorized into premenarcheal (n=95) and postmenarcheal (n=100) groups. Data on initial symptoms, microbial cultures, and treatment methods were analyzed. Results: The most common initial symptom was vaginal discharge, reported in 63.1% of cases. Culture results showed a 51.3% positivity rate for any microorganism, with a prevalence of gram-negative rods (32.8%) and gram-positive cocci (14.4%). The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli (17.9%), Candida albicans (7.7%), and Enterococcus faecalis (6.7%). Gram-negative rods were more common in the premenarcheal group (37.1% vs. 25.0%; p=0.01). No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of gram-positive cocci and Candida species between the two groups (16.8% vs. 12.0%, p=0.22; 6.3% vs. 13.0%, p=0.09; respectively). The susceptibilities of grampositive microorganisms to penicillin, oxacillin, clindamycin, vancomycin, and tetracycline were 58.8%, 58.3%, 94.7%, 100.0%, and 73.7%, respectively. The susceptibilities of gram-negative microorganisms to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and nitrofurantoin were 89.3%, 85.3%, 76.0%, and 100.0%, respectively. Conclusion This study identified differences in the microbial profiles associated with vulvovaginitis between premenarcheal and postmenarcheal girls. Age-specific and history-based clinical approaches tailored to menarcheal status are warranted to improve the management and outcomes of pediatric and adolescent vulvovaginitis.

Fine particulate matter (FPM) is a major component of air pollution and has emerged as a significant global health concern owing to its adverse health effects. Previous studies have investigated the correlation between bone health and FPM through cohort or review studies. However, the effects of FPM exposure on bone health are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FPM on bone health and elucidate these effects in vitro and in vivo using mice. Micro-CT analysis in vivo revealed FPM exposure decreased bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume/total volume ratio, and trabecular number in the femurs of mice, while increasing trabecular separation. Histological analysis showed that the FPM-treated group had a reduced trabecular area and an increased number of osteoclasts in the bone tissue. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that low concentrations of FPM significantly enhanced osteoclast differentiation. These findings further support the notion that short-term FPM exposure negatively impacts bone health, providing a foundation for further research on this topic.

Purpose: This study evaluated the postoperative quality of life (QoL) after various types of gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted in Korea using the Korean Quality of Life in Stomach Cancer Patients Study (KOQUSS)-40, a new QoL assessment tool focusing on postgastrectomy syndrome. Overall, 496 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled, and QoL was assessed at 5 time points: preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: Distal gastrectomy (DG) and pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) showed significantly better outcomes than total gastrectomy (TG) and proximal gastrectomy (PG) with regard to total score, indigestion, and dysphagia. DG, PPG, and TG also showed significantly better outcomes than PG in terms of dumping syndrome and worry about cancer. Postoperative QoL did not differ significantly according to anastomosis type in DG, except for Billroth I anastomosis, which achieved better bowel habit change scores than the others. No domains differed significantly when comparing double tract reconstruction and esophagogastrostomy after PG. The total QoL score correlated significantly with postoperative body weight loss (more than 10%) and extent of resection (P<0.05 for both).Reflux as assessed by KOQUSS-40 did not correlate significantly with reflux observed on gastroscopy 1 year postoperatively (P=0.064). Conclusions Our prospective observation using KOQUSS-40 revealed that DG and PPG lead to better QoL than TG and PG. Further study is needed to compare postoperative QoL according to anastomosis type in DG and PG.

Purpose: Since 1995, the Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) has been periodically conducting nationwide surveys on patients with surgically treated gastric cancer. This study details the results of the survey conducted in 2023. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted from March to December 2024 using a standardized case report form. Data were collected on 86 items, including patient demographics, tumor characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgical outcomes. The results of the 2023 survey were compared with those of previous surveys. Results: Data from 12,751 cases were collected from 66 institutions. The mean patient age was 64.6 years, and the proportion of patients aged ≥71 years increased from 9.1% in 1995 to 31.7% in 2023. The proportion of upper-third tumors slightly decreased to 16.8% compared to 20.9% in 2019. Early gastric cancer accounted for 63.1% of cases in 2023.Regarding operative procedures, a totally laparoscopic approach was most frequently applied (63.2%) in 2023, while robotic gastrectomy steadily increased to 9.5% from 2.1% in 2014.The most common anastomotic method was the Billroth II procedure (48.8%) after distal gastrectomy and double-tract reconstruction (51.9%) after proximal gastrectomy in 2023.However, the proportion of esophago-gastrostomy with anti-reflux procedures increased to 30.9%. The rates of post-operative mortality and overall complications were 1.0% and 15.3%, respectively. Conclusions The results of the 2023 nationwide survey demonstrate the current status of gastric cancer treatment in Korea. This information will provide a basis for future gastric cancer research.

Background: Diabetes in older adults is becoming a significant public burden to South Korea. However, a comprehensive understanding of epidemiologic trends and the detailed clinical characteristics of older adults with diabetes is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated epidemiologic trends and the metabolic and lifestyle characteristics of diabetes in Korean older adults. Methods: We analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to assess diabetes prevalence according to diabetes duration and lifestyle behaviors. In addition, we drew upon the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance System to assess physical activity levels, antidiabetic medication use, polypharmacy, medication adherence, and major comorbidities. Results: The absolute number of newly diagnosed cases of diabetes among older adults doubled over the past decade. Management rates of metabolic indicators were higher in older adults with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. The proportion of older adults with diabetes meeting the minimum recommended physical activity increased over the years. Compared to 10 years before, the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor had increased, as had comorbidities such as dyslipidemia, dementia, cancer, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease. Initial medication adherence was significantly lower in those with end-stage kidney disease or dementia, insulin use, high-risk alcohol use, and living alone. Continuing insulin use 1 year after diagnosis of diabetes was significantly higher in those who initiated insulin therapy at diagnosis, had retinopathy, were on triple antidiabetic medications, and had a history of cancer. Conclusion Comprehensive management of metabolic indicators and physical activity is essential for older adults with diabetes. Improvements in prescribing guidelines, personalized management of age-related comorbidities, and individualized approaches that consider the heterogeneous nature of older adults with diabetes are desirable. Further research, such as high-quality cohort and intervention studies specific to older adults, is needed to establish evidence-based management for older adults with diabetes.

Background: Diabetes in older adults is becoming a significant public burden to South Korea. However, a comprehensive understanding of epidemiologic trends and the detailed clinical characteristics of older adults with diabetes is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated epidemiologic trends and the metabolic and lifestyle characteristics of diabetes in Korean older adults. Methods: We analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to assess diabetes prevalence according to diabetes duration and lifestyle behaviors. In addition, we drew upon the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance System to assess physical activity levels, antidiabetic medication use, polypharmacy, medication adherence, and major comorbidities. Results: The absolute number of newly diagnosed cases of diabetes among older adults doubled over the past decade. Management rates of metabolic indicators were higher in older adults with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. The proportion of older adults with diabetes meeting the minimum recommended physical activity increased over the years. Compared to 10 years before, the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor had increased, as had comorbidities such as dyslipidemia, dementia, cancer, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease. Initial medication adherence was significantly lower in those with end-stage kidney disease or dementia, insulin use, high-risk alcohol use, and living alone. Continuing insulin use 1 year after diagnosis of diabetes was significantly higher in those who initiated insulin therapy at diagnosis, had retinopathy, were on triple antidiabetic medications, and had a history of cancer. Conclusion Comprehensive management of metabolic indicators and physical activity is essential for older adults with diabetes. Improvements in prescribing guidelines, personalized management of age-related comorbidities, and individualized approaches that consider the heterogeneous nature of older adults with diabetes are desirable. Further research, such as high-quality cohort and intervention studies specific to older adults, is needed to establish evidence-based management for older adults with diabetes.

Background: Diabetes in older adults is becoming a significant public burden to South Korea. However, a comprehensive understanding of epidemiologic trends and the detailed clinical characteristics of older adults with diabetes is lacking. Therefore, we evaluated epidemiologic trends and the metabolic and lifestyle characteristics of diabetes in Korean older adults. Methods: We analyzed data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to assess diabetes prevalence according to diabetes duration and lifestyle behaviors. In addition, we drew upon the National Health Information Database of the National Health Insurance System to assess physical activity levels, antidiabetic medication use, polypharmacy, medication adherence, and major comorbidities. Results: The absolute number of newly diagnosed cases of diabetes among older adults doubled over the past decade. Management rates of metabolic indicators were higher in older adults with diabetes compared to those without diabetes. The proportion of older adults with diabetes meeting the minimum recommended physical activity increased over the years. Compared to 10 years before, the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor or sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor had increased, as had comorbidities such as dyslipidemia, dementia, cancer, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and chronic kidney disease. Initial medication adherence was significantly lower in those with end-stage kidney disease or dementia, insulin use, high-risk alcohol use, and living alone. Continuing insulin use 1 year after diagnosis of diabetes was significantly higher in those who initiated insulin therapy at diagnosis, had retinopathy, were on triple antidiabetic medications, and had a history of cancer. Conclusion Comprehensive management of metabolic indicators and physical activity is essential for older adults with diabetes. Improvements in prescribing guidelines, personalized management of age-related comorbidities, and individualized approaches that consider the heterogeneous nature of older adults with diabetes are desirable. Further research, such as high-quality cohort and intervention studies specific to older adults, is needed to establish evidence-based management for older adults with diabetes.