1.Association of Everyday Discrimination With Drug Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the All of Us Research Program
Jiseung KANG ; Hyeon Jin KIM ; Arianna R. S. LARK ; Fayaz A. MIR ; Jaeyu PARK ; Yejun SON ; Guillaume FOND ; Laurent BOYER ; Masoud RAHMATI ; Lee SMITH ; Dong Keon YON ; Christa J. NEHS
Psychiatry Investigation 2026;23(1):118-129
Objective:
Recognizing discrimination as a significant public health risk during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which coincided with increased drug use and heightened awareness of structural disparities in the United States, we investigated its association with the odds of drug use in a large and diverse cohort from the All of Us Research Program.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, data from 68,976 participants completed the COVID-19 participant experiences (COPE) survey. We applied logistic regression models with propensity score-based overlap weighting to examine associations between everyday discrimination and drug use. Self-reported everyday discrimination score and drug use were the primary exposure and outcome measures, respectively.
Results:
Of the 67,662 COPE respondents (mean [standard deviation] age, 57.5 [15.9] years; female sex at birth, 43,658 [64.5%]), we identified 15,493 participants with no reported discrimination and 15,493 participants with reported discrimination, after overlap weighting. The odds of drug use in those who reported discrimination was 1.38 (95% confidence interval, 1.32–1.43), with a dose-dependent association based on discrimination score. Participants who experienced discrimination had significantly higher odds of using drugs and this association was particularly pronounced in those under 40 years of age, those assigned female sex at birth, current smokers, individuals undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and those experiencing unemployment or COVID-19/flu-like symptoms.
Conclusion
This relationship was observed across various types of drugs and different reasons for discrimination, and it was particularly pronounced in specific subgroups. These findings provide critical evidence for developing targeted preventive interventions; however, further longitudinal studies for causality are warranted.
2.The mutual interaction of TRPC5 channel with polycystin proteins
Misun KWAK ; Hana KANG ; Jinhyeong KIM ; Yejun HONG ; Byeongseok JEONG ; Jongyun MYEONG ; Insuk SO
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):93-108
PKD1 regulates a number of cellular processes through the formation of complexes with the PKD2 ion channel or transient receptor potential classical (TRPC) 4 in the endothelial cells. Although Ca 2+ modulation by polycystins has been reported between PKD1 and TRPC4 channel or TRPC1 and PKD2, the function with TRPC subfamily regulated by PKD2 has remained elusive. We confirmed TRPC4 or TRPC5 channel activation via PKD1 by modulating G-protein signaling without change in TRPC4/C5 translocation. The activation of TRPC4/C5 channels by intracellular 0.2 mM GTPγS was not significantly different regardless of the presence or absence of PKD1. Furthermore, the C-terminal fragment (CTF) of PKD1 did not affect TRPC4/C5 activity, likely due to the loss of the N-terminus that contains the G-protein coupled receptor proteolytic site (GPS). We also investigated whether TRPC1/C4/C5 can form a heterodimeric channel with PKD2, despite PKD2 being primarily retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Our findings show that PKD2 is targeted to the plasma membrane, particularly by TRPC5, but not by TRPC1. However, PKD2 did not coimmunoprecipitate with TRPC5 as well as with TRPC1. PKD2 decreased both basal and La 3+ -induced TRPC5 currents but increased M 3 R-mediated TRPC5 currents. Interestingly, PKD2 increased STAT3 phosphorylation with TRPC5 and decreased STAT1 phosphorylation with TRPC1. To be specific, PKD2 and TRPC1 compete to bind with TRPC5 to modulate intracellular Ca 2+ signaling and reach the plasma membrane. This interaction suggests a new therapeutic target in TRPC5 channels for improving vascular endothelial function in polycystic kidney disease.
3.Non-Linear Association Between Physical Activities and Type 2Diabetes in 2.4 Million Korean Population, 2009–2022: A Nationwide Representative Study
Wonwoo JANG ; Seokjun KIM ; Yejun SON ; Soeun KIM ; Hayeon LEE ; Jaeyu PARK ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Jiseung KANG ; Damiano PIZZOL ; Jiyoung HWANG ; Sang Youl RHEE ; Dong Keon YON
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(12):e42-
Background:
Although excessive physical activity (PA) does not always confer additional health benefits, there is a paucity of studies that have quantitatively examined the doseresponse relationship between PA and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between the type 2 diabetes prevalence and intensity, frequency, and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score of PA in a large population sample.
Methods:
We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional analysis examining sociodemographic variables, PA habits, and type 2 diabetes prevalence in 2,428,448 participants included in the Korea Community Health Survey. The non-linear association between MET score and odds ratios (ORs) for type 2 diabetes prevalence was plotted using a weighted generalized additive model. Categorical analysis was used to examine the joint association of moderate-intensity PA (MPA) and vigorous-intensity PA (VPA), and the influence of PA frequency.
Results:
MET score and diabetes prevalence revealed a non-linear association with the nadir at 1,028 MET-min/week, beyond which ORs increased with additional PA. Joint analysis of MPA and VPA showed the lowest OR of 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.84) for those engaging in 300–600 MET-min/week of MPA and > 600 MET-min/week of VPA concurrently, corresponding with World Health Organization recommendations. Additionally, both “weekend warriors” and “regularly active” individuals showed lower ORs compared to the inactive, although no significant difference was noted between the active groups.
Conclusion
In a large South Korean sample, higher PA is not always associated with a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes, as the association follows a non-linear pattern; differences existed across sociodemographic variables. Considering the joint association, an adequate combination of MPA and VPA is recommended. The frequency of PA does not significantly influence the type 2 diabetes prevalence.
4.Non-Linear Association Between Physical Activities and Type 2Diabetes in 2.4 Million Korean Population, 2009–2022: A Nationwide Representative Study
Wonwoo JANG ; Seokjun KIM ; Yejun SON ; Soeun KIM ; Hayeon LEE ; Jaeyu PARK ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Jiseung KANG ; Damiano PIZZOL ; Jiyoung HWANG ; Sang Youl RHEE ; Dong Keon YON
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2025;40(12):e42-
Background:
Although excessive physical activity (PA) does not always confer additional health benefits, there is a paucity of studies that have quantitatively examined the doseresponse relationship between PA and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between the type 2 diabetes prevalence and intensity, frequency, and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) score of PA in a large population sample.
Methods:
We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional analysis examining sociodemographic variables, PA habits, and type 2 diabetes prevalence in 2,428,448 participants included in the Korea Community Health Survey. The non-linear association between MET score and odds ratios (ORs) for type 2 diabetes prevalence was plotted using a weighted generalized additive model. Categorical analysis was used to examine the joint association of moderate-intensity PA (MPA) and vigorous-intensity PA (VPA), and the influence of PA frequency.
Results:
MET score and diabetes prevalence revealed a non-linear association with the nadir at 1,028 MET-min/week, beyond which ORs increased with additional PA. Joint analysis of MPA and VPA showed the lowest OR of 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.84) for those engaging in 300–600 MET-min/week of MPA and > 600 MET-min/week of VPA concurrently, corresponding with World Health Organization recommendations. Additionally, both “weekend warriors” and “regularly active” individuals showed lower ORs compared to the inactive, although no significant difference was noted between the active groups.
Conclusion
In a large South Korean sample, higher PA is not always associated with a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes, as the association follows a non-linear pattern; differences existed across sociodemographic variables. Considering the joint association, an adequate combination of MPA and VPA is recommended. The frequency of PA does not significantly influence the type 2 diabetes prevalence.
5.The mutual interaction of TRPC5 channel with polycystin proteins
Misun KWAK ; Hana KANG ; Jinhyeong KIM ; Yejun HONG ; Byeongseok JEONG ; Jongyun MYEONG ; Insuk SO
The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology 2025;29(1):93-108
PKD1 regulates a number of cellular processes through the formation of complexes with the PKD2 ion channel or transient receptor potential classical (TRPC) 4 in the endothelial cells. Although Ca 2+ modulation by polycystins has been reported between PKD1 and TRPC4 channel or TRPC1 and PKD2, the function with TRPC subfamily regulated by PKD2 has remained elusive. We confirmed TRPC4 or TRPC5 channel activation via PKD1 by modulating G-protein signaling without change in TRPC4/C5 translocation. The activation of TRPC4/C5 channels by intracellular 0.2 mM GTPγS was not significantly different regardless of the presence or absence of PKD1. Furthermore, the C-terminal fragment (CTF) of PKD1 did not affect TRPC4/C5 activity, likely due to the loss of the N-terminus that contains the G-protein coupled receptor proteolytic site (GPS). We also investigated whether TRPC1/C4/C5 can form a heterodimeric channel with PKD2, despite PKD2 being primarily retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Our findings show that PKD2 is targeted to the plasma membrane, particularly by TRPC5, but not by TRPC1. However, PKD2 did not coimmunoprecipitate with TRPC5 as well as with TRPC1. PKD2 decreased both basal and La 3+ -induced TRPC5 currents but increased M 3 R-mediated TRPC5 currents. Interestingly, PKD2 increased STAT3 phosphorylation with TRPC5 and decreased STAT1 phosphorylation with TRPC1. To be specific, PKD2 and TRPC1 compete to bind with TRPC5 to modulate intracellular Ca 2+ signaling and reach the plasma membrane. This interaction suggests a new therapeutic target in TRPC5 channels for improving vascular endothelial function in polycystic kidney disease.
6.National Trends in Influenza Vaccination Rates in South Korea Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2011-2022.
Kyeongeun KIM ; Kyeongmin LEE ; Yejun SON ; Seoyoung PARK ; Raphael UDEH ; Jiseung KANG ; Hayeon LEE ; Soeun KIM ; Jaeyu PARK ; Hyeon Jin KIM ; Damiano PIZZOL ; Lee SMITH ; Jiyoung HWANG ; Dong Keon YON
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(9):1044-1057
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
7.Recent advancements of elbow hemiarthroplasty for distal humeral fractures
Jianyu ZHANG ; Chen CHEN ; Yejun ZHA ; Xieyuan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(13):892-896
Open reduction and internal fixation are the preferred methods for treating intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus. However, in cases of comminuted fractures, open reduction and internal fixation may result in loss of reduction. Although total elbow arthroplasty can be used as an alternative treatment option, total elbow arthroplasty has several limitations, including excessive bone removal, strict weight-bearing restrictions, polyethylene liner wear, and alterations in biomechanical properties. Elbow hemiarthroplasty is emerging as a novel surgical technique, only the distal end of the humerus is replaced while the proximal end of the ulna and radius is retained. Particularly for patients with high functional demands, elbow hemiarthroplasty may be a viable treatment option. This technique is particularly suitable for young patients with severely comminuted and non-reconstructive intra-articular fractures. Postoperative complications of elbow hemiarthroplasty include elbow stiffness, proximal wear of the ulna and radius, and prosthesis loosening, etc. In some cases, total elbow prosthesis revision is required. Existing research has initially confirmed that elbow hemiarthroplasty has certain advantages in terms of safety and elbow joint function recovery. Additionally, to better accommodate the anatomical characteristics of the Chinese population, customized 3D-printed prostheses based on the contralateral distal humerus and the ipsilateral proximal ulna and radius can be utilized. Further research and development of elbow hemiarthroplasty and novel technologies tailored to the Chinese population should be encouraged to enhance the precise treatment of complex elbow injuries in China.
8.Research on surgical treatment strategies for Mason type III radial head fracture complicated with adult Bado type II Monteggia fracture
Dawei ZHANG ; Honghao CHEN ; Kun WANG ; Jiangming QI ; Yugang PAN ; Shijun ZHENG ; Aiguo WANG ; Yejun ZHA ; Maoqi GONG ; Dongsheng LI
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(13):848-855
Objective:To explore the surgical treatment strategies for Mason type III radial head fractures complicated with adult Bado type II Monteggia fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 25 adult patients with Mason type III radial head fractures complicated with adult Bado type II Monteggia fractures, admitted to the Upper Extremity Orthopaedics Department of Zhengzhou Orthopaedic Hospital from June 2013 to June 2023. There were 15 males and 10 females, with an average age of 43.5±14.7 years (range: 20-67 years). Among them, 5 cases were complicated with humeroulnar joint dislocation. The patients were divided into two groups: 17 cases were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of radial head fractures combined with ORIF of proximal ulnar fractures (open reduction group), and 8 cases were treated with radial head replacement combined with ORIF of proximal ulnar fractures (radial head replacement group). At the last follow-up, elbow joint range of motion was recorded, and pain, elbow function, and subjective upper limb function were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale. The incidence of complications was also recorded.Results:All 25 patients were followed up for an average of 25.6±9.0 months (range: 12-45 months). At the last follow-up, the affected elbows in the open reduction group had a flexion of 124.47°±12.59° (range, 90°-140°), extension of 21.12°±10.07° (range, 10°-50°), pronation of 48.59°±11.62° (range, 20°-61°), and supination of 48.53°±8.43° (range, 30°-60°). In the radial head replacement group, the affected elbows showed flexion of 128.75°±13.17° (range, 100°-140°), extension of 14.00°±7.71° (range, 0°-25°), pronation of 61.25°±10.26° (range, 60°-80°), and supination of 71.88°±10.33° (range, 60°-80°). The MEPS score in the open reduction group was 82(75, 85) points (range, 55-90 points), the VAS pain score was 1(1, 2) points (range, 0-3 points), and the DASH score was 9(8, 14) points. In the radial head replacement group, the MEPS score was 90(85, 90) points (range, 85-90 points), the VAS pain score was 1(0, 1) points (range, 0-1 points), and the DASH score was 5(5, 6) points. Complications included 5 cases of heterotopic ossification, 1 case of incision infection, 1 case of nonunion, 1 case of ulnar nerve injury combined with traumatic arthritis, and 1 case of proximal radioulnar bone bridge formation.Conclusions:Both radial head replacement and open reduction internal fixation combined with proximal ulnar fracture fixation can effectively treat Mason type III radial head fractures complicated with adult Bado type II Monteggia fractures. There was no significant difference in postoperative flexion and extension, but the radial head replacement group demonstrated better forearm rotation and DASH scores postoperatively.
9.Diagnosis and treatment of elbow triad
Yejun ZHA ; Jianyu ZHANG ; Xieyuan JIANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(13):897-902
Elbow Triad refers to an elbow dislocation combined with fractures of the radial head and the coronoid process, representing a complex elbow injury. Management of the elbow triad is challenging and often yields poor outcomes, frequently leading to complications such as elbow instability, ulnar nerve injury, and elbow stiffness. The injury mechanism of the elbow triad typically involves a fall on an outstretched arm, subjecting the forearm to supination, axial loading, and valgus stress. This force sequence results in progressive disruption of the elbow's anatomical structures from lateral to medial. Diagnosis requires particular attention to imaging assessment, and special attention should be paid to differentiating coronoid process fractures from elbow dislocation. Currently, there is no independent classification system, and diagnosis often relies on the modified Mason classification for radial head fractures and the Regan-Morrey and O'Driscoll classifications for coronoid process fractures. Non-surgical indications must be strictly defined and include: congruent joint reduction, absence of bony block to motion, a small or non-displaced coronoid fracture fragment, and inherent elbow stability. For the majority of cases requiring surgical treatment, a lateral approach is recommended, with a combined over-the-top approach when necessary. During surgery, the coronoid process fracture, radial head fracture, and lateral soft tissues should be addressed sequentially, with restoration of stability being crucial. Postoperative care should include early functional exercises and pay attention to preventing complications such as elbow instability, traumatic elbow stiffness, and ulnar nerve injury.
10.Efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase in acute ischemic stroke across different time windows: a Meta-analysis
Yejun SHI ; Yulei JING ; Xin NIE ; Le YAO ; Mengjie FAN ; Chaosheng LI
Chinese Journal of Neuromedicine 2025;24(8):806-816
Objective:To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase (TNK) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) across different time windows.Methods:Randomized controlled trials investigating TNK in AIS were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang databases, with data collected up to May 2025. Experimental group received intravenous thrombolysis with 0.25 mg/kg TNK, either alone or in combination with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Control group received alteplase, placebo, standard medication (containing butylphthalide), MT, or above-mentioned drugs combined with MT. These patients were within 4.5 hours of onset (within-time window) or within 4.5-24 hours of onset (extended-time window). Efficacy indexes included functional outcome excellent rate (modified Rankin scale [mRS] score of 0-1 at 3 months after treatment), early neurological improvement rate (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score improvement≥4 or NIHSS score ranged 0-1 within 72 of treatment), and recanalization rate 24 h after treatment. Safety indexes comprised symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rate within 48 h of treatment, and mortality rate and rate of serious adverse events (SAEs) within 90 d of treatment. Quality of the trials was assessed according to Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions (version 5.1). Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata software, with pooling data as risk difference ( RD). Results:Sixteen articles (11 were within-time window ones, and 5 were extended-time window ones), involving 9,430 AIS patients, were included. Quality grade of these articles is B-level. (1) In articles of within-time window: the experimental group had a significantly higher functional outcome excellent rate compared with the control group ( RD=0.031, 95% CI: 0.009-0.052, P=0.005); no significant difference was observed in early neurological improvement rate ( RD=0.016, 95% CI: -0.012-0.043, P=0.260), recanalization rate ( RD=0.040, 95% CI: 0.000-0.081, P=0.053), sICH rate ( RD=0.005, 95% CI: -0.002-0.012, P=0.198), mortality rate ( RD=0.000, 95% CI: -0.012-0.013, P=0.950), or SAE rate ( RD=0.003, 95% CI: -0.028-0.033, P=0.870) between the two groups. (2) In articles of extended-time window: the experimental group exhibited significantly higher functional outcome excellent rate ( RD=0.064, 95% CI: 0.016-0.113, P=0.009), early neurological improvement rate ( RD=0.101, 95% CI: 0.023-0.180, P=0.012), and recanalization rate ( RD=0.131, 95% CI: 0.059-0.203, P<0.001) compared with the control group; no significant difference was found in sICH rate ( RD=0.014, 95% CI: -0.003-0.032, P=0.097), mortality rate ( RD=0.006, 95% CI: -0.030-0.041, P=0.752), or SAE rate ( RD=0.030, 95% CI: -0.037-0.097, P=0.385) between the two groups. Conclusion:Intravenous thrombolysis with TNK is safe and effective in AIS patients at both within-time window and extended-time window.

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