Journal of Korean medical science
-
J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2023
Impact of Nonpharmacological Interventions on Severe Acute Respiratory Infections in Children: From the National Surveillance Database.
Nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs) reduce the incidence of respiratory infections. After NPIs imposed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic ceased, respiratory infections gradually increased worldwide. However, few studies have been conducted on severe respiratory infections requiring hospitalization in pediatric patients. This study compares epidemiological changes in severe respiratory infections during pre-NPI, NPI, and post-NPI periods in order to evaluate the effect of that NPI on severe respiratory infections in children. ⋯ Strict NPIs including school and daycare center closures effectively reduced severe respiratory infections requiring hospitalization of children. However, childcare was severely compromised. To prepare for future respiratory infections, there is a need to develop a social consensus on NPIs that are appropriate for children.
-
J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2023
Reference Respiratory Muscle Strength Values and a Prediction Equation Using Physical Functions for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Korea.
In Korea, tests for evaluating respiratory muscle strength are based on other countries' clinical experience or standards, which can lead to subjective evaluations. When evaluating respiratory function based on the standards of other countries, several variables, such as the race and cultures of different countries, make it difficult to apply these standards. The purpose of this study was to propose objective respiratory muscle strength standards and predicted values for healthy Korean adults based on age, height, weight, and muscle strength, by measuring maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and peak cough flow (PCF). ⋯ Respiratory muscle strength index may differ by country. For more accurate diagnoses, standard values for each country are required. This study presents reference values for Korea, and a formula for estimation is proposed when no respiratory muscle strength measurement equipment is available.
-
J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2023
Analysis of Retracted Publications in Medical Literature Due to Ethical Violations.
Retraction is an essential procedure for correcting scientific literature and informing readers about articles containing significant errors or omissions. Ethical violations are one of the significant triggers of the retraction process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of retracted articles in the medical literature due to ethical violations. ⋯ Unethical behavior is one of the most significant obstacles to scientific advancement. Obtaining appropriate ethics committee approvals and informed consent forms is crucial in ensuring the ethical conduct of medical research. It is the responsibility of journal editors to ensure that raw data is controlled and peer review processes are conducted effectively. It is essential to educate young researchers on unethical practices and the negative outcomes that may result from them.
-
J. Korean Med. Sci. · Oct 2023
Preoperative Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, and Mortality After Major Cancer Surgery: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea.
Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used to evaluate nutritional status and obesity. We aimed to examine whether preoperative BMI or WC was associated with mortality after cancer surgery. ⋯ Preoperative BMI < 18.5 kg/m² and > 35 kg/m² is associated with an elevated risk of 90-day mortality after major cancer surgery. However, preoperative WC was not significantly associated with 90-day mortality after cancer surgery.