Journal of Korean medical science
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At the November 2024 regular meeting of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), predatory journals emerged as a major agenda item. Earlier, in August 2024, the Asia Pacific Association of Medical Journal Editors (APAME) held in Sydney also issued a statement addressing predatory journals. The issue of predatory journals is becoming increasingly serious. In line with the ICMJE's declaration, this review discusses predatory journals in general, suggests how researchers, journal publishers, and editors should address them, and presents an outlook for the future.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2025
Effects of Genetic Risk and Lifestyle Habits on Gout: A Korean Cohort Study.
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by monosodium urate crystal deposits, and the prevalence of this condition has been increasing. This study aimed to determine the combined effects of genetic risk factors and lifestyle habits on gout, using data from a Korean cohort study. Identifying high-risk individuals in advance can help prevent gout and its associated disorders. ⋯ Genetic predisposition and unhealthy lifestyle habits significantly increase the risk of gout. Promoting healthy lifestyle habits is crucial to prevent the development of gout, particularly in individuals with high genetic susceptibility.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2025
Etiology and Clinical Prediction of Community-Acquired Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Children.
Community acquired lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a leading cause for hospitalization in children and important cause for antibiotic prescription. We aimed to describe the aetiology of LRTI in children and analyse factors associated with bacterial or viral infection. ⋯ In children with LRTI, various factors associated with viral or bacterial/M. pneumoniae infections were identified, which may serve as guidance for antibiotic prescription.
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J. Korean Med. Sci. · Jan 2025
Real-World Utilization Patterns of Oral Corticosteroids During Pregnancy: A Nationwide Population-Based Study in Korea.
Oral corticosteroids (OCS) are frequently used during pregnancy, but patterns of their usage and indications are understudied. We described OCS utilization among pregnant women in South Korea using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database, 2010-2021. Among 4,574,294 pregnancies, 6.2% (n = 283,001) were exposed to OCS, with the annual prevalence increasing from 4.98% in 2010 to 6.65% in 2021. ⋯ Respiratory and skin diseases were the most common indications, and prescriptions for pregnancy-associated conditions increased notably after 2017, coinciding with insurance coverage for infertility treatments. OCS prescriptions declined during the first trimester and increased near delivery, suggesting discontinuation upon pregnancy recognition. Our findings highlight the common and increasing use of OCS during pregnancy, mainly for acute conditions, underscoring the need for further research on their safety in pregnant populations.