National trends in hypertension stratified by central adiposity using waist-to-height ratio in South Korea, 2005 to 2022.

Despite the growing prevalence of hypertension due to lifestyle changes and aging populations, with central obesity as a critical risk factor, there is limited research examining the association between central adiposity and hypertension trends. To address this gap, this study analyzed trends in hypertension prevalence among Korean adults categorized by healthy and increased central adiposity based on waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and investigated the associated risk factors. We utilized data from 98,396 adults aged 30 years and older from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2022 in South Korea.

Country-level prevalence of and factors associated with smoking cessation among adolescents across 91 countries.

Background: There is a paucity of research on patterns of attempts at smoking cessation, success, and influencing factors in adolescents. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of ex-smokers and current smokers with cessation attempts in adolescents worldwide and to identify the factors that affect cessation attempts along with outcomes.

Methods: This study utilized the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2010-2021) to investigate tobacco use among adolescents aged 13-15 years.

Correlation of Income Instability With 12 Non-Communicable Disease Risks in Korea: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: Due to the lack of comprehensive longitudinal studies examining the impact of long-term volatility on health issues, existing research primarily focused on income levels rather than fluctuation. Thus, we aimed to investigate the relationship between income instability and a range of physical health conditions using an extensive longitudinal dataset.

Methods: This study utilized data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) Ansan-Anseong cohort (2001-2022), which includes valuable confounding factors such as demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and clinical factors.

Global cancer mortality among children, adolescents, and young adults from 77 countries, 1990-2021: a global time-series analysis and modelling study.

Background: The patterns of cancer burden in children, adolescents and young adults are distinct from those in the general adult population, underscoring the importance of developing targeted research and interventions. Thus, we analyzed global, regional, and national cancer mortality trends via the World Health Organization (WHO) Mortality Database among children aged 0-14 years and adolescents and young adults aged 15-34 across 77 WHO Member States.

Methods: Age-standardized country-specific cancer mortality rates (deaths per 100,000) and years of life lost between 1990 and 2021 were estimated via a locally weighted scatterplot smooth curve.

Communicating the risk of dementia: a scoping review.

Background: Dementia is a syndrome characterised by progressive cognitive and functional decline arising from a neurodegenerative disease. Genetic testing, imaging and fluid biomarkers mean that levels of risk of dementia diagnosis are becoming frequent and complex. How risk is communicated in this context is an increasingly important topic.

Delays in the Stroke Care Pathway in a Low-Income Setting: An Audit Study from Mozambique.

The burden of stroke is on the rise in low-income countries (LICs). Organized stroke care (OSC) is crucial for improving outcomes in LICs and is the very first step to reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment. We aim to evaluate delay times (DT) in accessing OSC at the national reference hospital of Mozambique, a LIC from southern Africa.

Global burden of brain and central nervous system cancer in 185 countries, and projections up to 2050: a population-based systematic analysis of GLOBOCAN 2022.

Background: Brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancers are associated with high mortality and morbidity. Here, we aimed to systematically evaluate and compare brain and CNS cancer between pediatric and adult populations.

Methods: This study utilized the GLOBOCAN 2022 database to analyze incidence and mortality estimates for brain and CNS cancers across 185 countries and territories in 2022.

Hyper-IgE syndrome: A rare case report.

Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) is a rare and sporadic primary immunodeficiency usually characterized by atopic dermatitis, recurrent skin staphylococcal infections, recurrent pulmonary infections, and elevated IgE levels. Due to the rarity of the syndrome and its nonspecific and wide presentation, the diagnosis is difficult and arises with other diagnoses including other types of primitive chronic granulomatous disease or acquired immunodeficiency, severe atopic dermatitis, or cystic fibrosis or chronic respiratory infection as tuberculosis. To date, there is no gold standard management and treatments aim to relieve symptoms and avoid complications.

Biostimulants in Aesthetic Medicine: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Satisfaction.

Biostimulants, including calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and polycaprolactone (PCL), have become popular in aesthetic medicine as they lead to long-term tissue rejuvenation. However, their efficacy (e.g.

Family history of non-communicable diseases and the risk of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome.

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM)-related diseases are known to be influenced by family history; however, few studies have analyzed associations between them. Thus, this study aims to analyze associations between family history of non-communicable diseases with CKM-related diseases and CKM stages. This study utilized data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to calculate the weighted prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of CKM syndrome and CKM-related diseases based on family history of non-communicable diseases including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.

Trends in Diet Quality by the Diagnosis of Chronic Diseases in Korea, 2013-2021: A Nationwide Representative Study.

Background: In the context of increased health risks for individuals with underlying conditions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this study investigated whether dietary improvements differ based on the diagnosis of chronic diseases.

Methods: This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2021, including 45,391 individuals aged 19 years and older. Diet quality was assessed by the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI) scores.

Meigs syndrome in low-resource setting: a pediatric case report.

Meigs syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the presence of a benign fibroma of the ovary, ascites, and pleural effusion. It is very uncommon and the diagnosis is made with difficulty based on symptoms that usually mimic disseminated malignancy or tuberculosis. Although it is a benign and treatable condition, extreme presentations of late-stage diseases occur with high mortality and morbidity rates.

Burden of Cardiovascular Outcomes After SARS-CoV-2 Infection in South Korea and Japan: A Binational Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: Despite the significant global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, limited studies have investigated the long-term cardiovascular sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly among Asian populations. This large-scale, population-based binational cohort study with long-term follow-up aimed to investigate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the risk of cardiovascular events.

Methods: We used binational, large-scale, and population-based cohorts, including a Korean nationwide cohort (K-CONV-N [Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency-COVID-19-National Health Insurance Service cohort]; discovery cohort; n=18 989 129) and a Japanese nationwide cohort (Japan Medical Data Center; validation cohort; n=12 218 680).

Global, Regional, and National Trends in Maternal Mortality Ratio Across 37 High Income Countries From 1990 to 2021, With Projections up to 2050: A Comprehensive Analysis From the WHO Mortality Database.

Background: Understanding the global trends and future projections of maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is crucial as it can provide insights into improving policies and healthcare systems aimed at enhancing the quality of obstetric care and reducing preventable deaths. Given recent reports of increasing MMR trends in some high-income countries (HICs), we aimed to analyze the global trends of MMR from 1990 to 2021 and project future trends until 2050 across 37 countries.

Methods: Age-standardized country-specific MMR for 37 countries from 1990 to 2021 were assessed through a locally weighted scatter plot smoother (LOESS) curve, with weighting based on individual country populations, utilizing the World Health Organization Mortality Database.

Global and Regional Burden of Vaccine-Associated Transverse Myelitis and Potentially Associated With Vaccines From 1967 to 2023: An Analysis of the International Pharmacovigilance Data.

Limited data on the potential safety risk of vaccine-associated transverse myelitis (TM) is available. Thus, we aimed to identify the global burden and clinical features of vaccine-associated TM to facilitate tailored monitoring of potential adverse vaccine reactions. This study used data from the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database, which contains over 35 million reports from over 140 countries.

Live zoster vaccination and cardiovascular outcomes: a nationwide, South Korean study.

Background And Aims: Despite the potential association between herpes zoster infection and cardiovascular events, limited studies have investigated the relationship between live zoster vaccination and cardiovascular outcomes. This large-scale, population-based cohort study with a long-term follow-up aimed to investigate the association between live zoster vaccination and the risk of various cardiovascular events.

Methods: Data on comprehensive information of individuals aged ≥50 years from South Korea (n = 2 207 784) were included from 1 January 2012, to 31 December 2021.

Association Between Unclean Cooking Fuel Use and Hearing Problems Among Adults Aged ≥ 65 Years, a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background And Aims: Literature suggests that outdoor air pollutant exposure is associated with hearing problems, but examination of this link has not extended to any potential association between hearing ability and the use of unclean cooking fuels. The current paper investigates whether such a link exists, utilizing a large sample of older adults from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where such fuels are commonly used.

Methods: Data from the Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed.

Global and regional estimates of vaccine-associated herpes zoster and their related vaccines from 1969 to 2023.

Vaccine-induced immunosuppression can reactivate the varicella-zoster virus, potentially leading to the development of herpes zoster. However, the literature on this topic is inconsistent, resulting in limited clarity. Therefore, we aimed to enhance our understanding of vaccine-associated herpes zoster and establish guidelines for future research, utilizing a global database to improve global public health.

Cryolipolysis and associated health outcomes, adverse events, and satisfaction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Cryolipolysis is a nonsurgical adiposity reduction treatment that is increasing in popularity globally. The aim of this paper was to carry out a systematic review with meta-analysis on cryolipolysis and associated health outcomes, adverse events (AE) and patient satisfaction.

Methods: Major databases were searched from inception until April 4, 2024.

Non-Linear Association Between Physical Activities and Type 2 Diabetes in 2.4 Million Korean Population, 2009-2022: A Nationwide Representative Study.

Background: Although excessive physical activity (PA) does not always confer additional health benefits, there is a paucity of studies that have quantitatively examined the dose-response 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.

Global Burden of Vaccine-Associated Cerebrovascular Venous Sinus Thrombosis, 1968-2024: A Critical Analysis From the WHO Global Pharmacovigilance Database.

Despite widespread coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine use, research on the association between vaccines and cerebrovascular venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in diverse populations is limited. This study aimed to address this gap. Data from the World Health Organization pharmacovigilance database (1968-2024; total reports = 8,909,484) were used.

Trends in adolescent violence victimization pre-, intra-, and post-COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea, 2012-2023: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

Background: Adolescent violence victimization is a major public health concern, but research has been limited by short durations and small samples, restricting long-term understanding. This study examined its trends and vulnerabilities in South Korea, focusing on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Data were collected from 740,687 nationally representative samples (7-12th grade adolescents) through the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey from 2012 to 2023.

Fruit and vegetable consumption and injurious falls among adults aged ≥ 50 years from low- and middle-income countries.

Objective: Inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption may increase risk for falls. However, to date, only one study has examined this association in a sample restricted to females, while the mediators of this association are largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and injurious falls, and to identify potential mediators in a sample including both males and females.

Nationwide Trends in Screen Time and Associated Risk Factors by Family Structures Among Adolescents, 2008-2022: Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Although understanding long-term trends in adolescent screen time and the influence of family structure is essential, there is a lack of research addressing these issues comprehensively.

Objective: This study aimed to conduct comprehensive investigations into adolescent screen time before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on family structures.

Methods: This study used nationwide, large-scale data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey from South Korea.