1Department of Parasitology and Institute of Medical Education, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
*Corresponding author: Sun Huh,
Department of Parasitology and Institute of Medical Education, Hallym University
College of Medicine, 1 Hallymdaehak-gil, Chuncheon 24252, Korea, Tel:
82-33-248-2652, Fax: 82-33-256-3426, E-mail:
shuh@hallym.ac.kr
• Received: November 15, 2023 • Accepted: December 21, 2023
This is an Open-Access article distributed under the terms of the
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Marking the End of the Fourth Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The year 2023 marks the fourth year of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought about
multifaceted changes in health, healthcare systems, social structures, the economy,
culture, and housing worldwide. In Korea, quarantine measures have been lifted,
except in certain group living facilities such as hospitals and some nursing homes,
signaling a shift toward pre-pandemic routines. Nevertheless, the pandemic's
impact on daily life persists. Online meetings have become the norm, and it is now
commonplace to conduct lectures and workshops virtually. This practice is also
prevalent among several editorial committees of academic journals. In summary, these
changes have been implemented across various sectors of our society.
In 2023, as COVID-19 cases decreased, there was a notable increase in other
infectious diseases. Specifically, influenza cases surged to 3.5 times the number
reported in 2022, with 61.3 cases per 1,000 population in the 49th week of 2023
compared to 17.3 per 1,000 population in the same week of 2022 [1]. Additionally, instances of mycoplasma
pneumonia more than tripled in 2022 [2]. An
imported infectious disease, mpox, was detected in the country but remained
contained, primarily affecting specific groups within the homosexual community
[3]. In the realm of veterinary health,
Korea saw the introduction of an infection caused by the lumpy skin disease virus in
cows, which is transmitted by vectors [4].
Although the specific vectors present in the field have not been reported,
laboratory studies have shown that Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, ixodid
ticks (Amblyomma hebraeum, Rhipicephalus
appendiculatus, and Rhipicephalus
[Boophilus] decoloratus), biting flies
(Stomoxys calcitrans), and horseflies
(Haematopota spp.) can potentially act as vectors [5]. Consequently, it is presumed that the
domestic introduction of the virus occurred through these infected vectors, as the
mode of transmission is not airborne. This raises the concern that various
mosquitoes, ticks, and flies native to Africa and the Middle East could potentially
introduce not only cattle diseases but also human infections caused by vector-borne
viruses, bacteria, and parasites into Korea. Given the changing climate and
Korea's shift towards a more subtropical environment, it is crucial for
government surveillance and clinical practice to intensify monitoring of these
vector-borne imported diseases. Without vigilant oversight, there is a risk that
these diseases could become endemic as the vectors establish themselves
domestically.
This issue of Ewha Medical Journal features a collection of
insightful articles that explore significant advancements in the fields of
colorectal surgery and pediatric endocrinology.
Advancements in Colorectal Surgery and Colorectal Cancers
Clinical guidelines for enhanced recovery following colorectal surgery have been
introduced. A review published in this issue compares elements from two sets of
guidelines: those of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society and the
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery [6]. Key elements of the ERAS guidelines include preoperative
optimization, anemia management, antimicrobial prophylaxis, prevention of
intraoperative hypothermia, and thromboprophylaxis. In contrast, the guidelines from
the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery highlight preadmission orders and
discharge criteria. This comparison acquaints readers with the current guidelines
for improved postoperative recovery.
In the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, markers of the inflammatory response have
become increasingly recognized as important prognostic tools. Elevated preoperative
levels of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, and C-reactive
protein–albumin ratio have been identified as predictors of poor outcomes.
Understanding these inflammatory markers is crucial for improving the management of
colorectal cancer [7].
Five therapeutic approaches for colorectal cancer have been introduced. These include
preoperative chemoradiotherapy for advanced local rectal cancer, transanal local
excision for early-stage rectal cancer, cytoreductive surgery coupled with
hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal cancer with peritoneal
metastases, and an examination of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment
modalities. These insights are invaluable for colorectal surgeons, patients, and
their families.
Methods to prevent anastomotic leakages, a common complication of colorectal surgery,
have been elucidated. These methods encompass intraoperative reinforcing sutures,
the application of fluorescence angiography, transanal drainage, and the use of
diverting stomas. The selection of these techniques should be tailored to each
patient, taking into account specific risk factors and the clinical context [8].
Innovations in Pediatric Endocrinology
Four themes in pediatric endocrinology are discussed. The first theme is endocrine
hypertension in children related to adrenal gland disorders. These disorders are
categorized into three types: mineralocorticoid-related hypertension, which includes
conditions such as primary aldosteronism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and
apparent mineralocorticoid excess; glucocorticoid-related hypertension, exemplified
by Cushing syndrome; and catecholamine-related hypertension, which encompasses
pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Although these disorders are rare, they are
significant causes of endocrine hypertension in children and require prompt
investigation for swift diagnosis and appropriate treatment [9].
The second theme reviewed contemporary advancements in managing childhood
Graves' disease, with a focus on emerging targeted therapies. Treatment
options such as antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine ablation, and thymectomy were
compared, alongside ongoing research into the long-term outcomes of these approaches
in pediatric patients. Considering the autoimmune nature of Graves' disease,
which involves B and T lymphocytes and the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor,
research is being conducted on therapies targeting these pathways. Adequately sized
randomized controlled trials are crucial to establish the efficacy of these novel
treatments [10]. The third theme addressed
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a prevalent genetic cause of obesity. This syndrome
occurs in approximately 1 out of every 10,000 to 30,000 births, making immediate
diagnosis essential. Beyond obesity, the syndrome is associated with developmental
delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues. The management of obesity in
PWS is particularly challenging, which highlights the importance of early diagnosis
for effective intervention [11].
PWS is caused by one of three genetic mechanisms: 65%−70% of cases are due to
a paternal deletion of the 15q11.2−13 region of chromosome 15, 20%−30%
result from maternal uniparental disomy, and 2%−5% are caused by imprinting
defects or rearrangements. At the heart of PWS is the SNORD116 gene
located in the paternal chromosome 15 region; a deficiency in this gene leads to
hypothalamic imbalances that manifest in typical PWS symptoms, such as abnormal
eating and sleep patterns [12].
I trust that the recent advancements in colorectal surgery and pediatric
endocrinology, as described above, will prove valuable to surgeons, pediatricians,
and practicing physicians.
Appreciation to Authors and Reviewers
In my first year volunteering as the editor of the Ewha Medical
Journal, I endeavored to publish a substantial number of manuscripts
from various Korean medical societies. I am deeply grateful to the authors for their
willingness to share their exceptional knowledge and expertise in their respective
fields, as well as to the reviewers who generously dedicated their time to the
journal. Looking ahead, I aim to attract and publish articles on more current and
relevant topics that resonate with both the Korean and international medical
communities.
Acknowledgements
Not applicable.
Conflict of Interest
Sun Huh has been an editor-in-chief of the Ewha Medical Journal
since September 2023. However, he was not involved in the review process. No
other potential conflict of interest relevant to this editorial was
reported.
Author Contribution
The article is prepared by a single author.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
Not applicable.
References
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[Internet]; Cheongju (KR): Korea Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention
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2. Korea Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention Agency. Press release: in the past four weeks, the number of patients infected
with Mycoplasma pneumoniae has doubled (Friday, Nov 17) [Internet]; Cheongju (KR): Korea Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention
Agency; c2023 [cited 2023 Dec 16]. Available from: https://www.kdca.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a20501010000&bid=0015&act=view&list_no=723863
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