• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.590-593
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• 2011

Purpose: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the third most frequently reported nosocomial infection. Of these SSIs, mostly were confined to the incision associated with underlying disease as diabetes, cigarette smoking, systemic steroid use, obesity, operating room environment, suture and surgical technique. This study has been planned to reduce the SSIs by using Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ (Ethicon, USA) which contains triclosan, a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, into the infected wound to evaluate whether or not Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ (Ethicon, USA) is effective to nosocomial bacteria using a zone of inhibition assay. Methods: We did a comparison of Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ suture (with triclosan) size 2-0, 5-0 with $Vicryl^{(R)}$ suture (without triclosan) size 4-0 each as treatment and control group, applied in Mueller-Hinton agar infected by following mircroorganisms: Methicillin-sensitive $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$ (MSSA), Methicillin-resistant $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$ (MRSA), Acinetobacter baumanii, $Escherichia$ $coli$, Enterobacter faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans. Cultures were made of the selected mircroorganisms, seeding the study strain in agar plates for 24 and 48-hour period in an oven at $37^{\circ}C$ followed by zone of inhibition assay. Results: Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ group has demonstrated to create a zone of inhibition against MRSA, MSSA and $A.$ $baumanii$, but no effect on $E.$ $faecalis$, $P.$ $aeruginosa$, $C.$ $albicans$. Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ suture size 2-0 also had antibactericidal effect while Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ suture size 5-0 did not. $Vicryl^{(R)}$ group had no zones of inhibition showing colonization at all mircroorganisms. Conclusion: Our results seem to warrant the use of Vicryl $plus^{(R)}$ as absorbable buried suture when concerning SSIs as a prophylaxis against surgical nosocomial infection.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.13-24
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• 1981

This study was conducted with 478 farm households located in Pyongtaek Gun of Gyonggi Do, Chongju City and Chongwon Gun of Chung Buk Do, and Hongchon Gun of Gangwon Do for the period of 10, September through 20, October 1980. It dealt with general features of the farmhouseholds, their practices of handling and using pescides, and relationship between safe use of pesticides and poisoning experiences. The results of the study are summarized as follows: 1. Of the total, 63.2% purchased pesticides mainly through the Agricultural Coops, and 95.4% transported them home separately from other goods. 2 Pesticides were sold contained mainly in glass bottles and paper bags. 3. Mixing of the respodents (87.5%) stored pesticides in sheds, warehouses and boxes. 4. Mixing containers and measuring tools were not used by the majority of the group studied. This indicates that there exist serious problems of safety and accuracy with regard to use of pesticides. 5. As to pesticide protective devices, gloves, respirators, goggles and boots were not used in general. Even in case of using them, their quality was not satisfactory. 6. Among the interviewees, 4.2% did not read pesticide label, 33.9% did not wash immediately when pesticide was spilled on the skin, 48.4% did not care the wind direction during pesticide application, and 17.0% did not wash hands when smoking a cigarette while pesticide is being handled. 7. Of the total, 40.4% were found to harvest vegetables within 10 days from the date of pesticide application, which indicates their unawareness of possible hazards by pesticide residues. 8. Empty pesticide containers or bags were not properly disposed of by majority of the respondents. Furthermore, impacts on the environment by the misuse or abuse of pesticides were not understood by 67.6% 9. Of the interviewees, 48.7% were found to have not received instructions on safe use of pesticides. 10. The rate of pesticidal poisoning experience was about 28.0% if minor symptoms excluded, and it rose to about 44.0% if included. Meanwhile, the rate of pesticidal poisoning tends to increase with the size of farm. 11. The study failed to show a statistically significant relationship between the rate of pesticidal poisoning and use of mixing container and/or measuring tools. However, use of gloves showed a statistical significance on the rate of pesticidal poisoning. 12. Among the poisoned cases, 19.0% were cared for in either hospitals or clinics.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.51-72
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• 2002

This research was conducted to understand and analyze the health-related behaviors of middle school students and get fundamental research data essential to provide efficient student guidance and public health service at school. The interview using Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System(YRBSS). Translation and modification for Korean students of the YRBS. The Korean version of YRBS(Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System) that translation and modification for Korean students of the YRBS developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)was used to assessment to health-related behaviors of youth. The interviewees were 1040 enrolled students at middle school in Daegu metropolitan city. YRBSS monitors six categories of priority health behaviors among youth and young adults behaviors that contribute to unintentional and intentional injuries; tobacco use; alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors that contribute to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases(STDs)(including human immunodeficiency virus infection); unhealthy dietary behaviors; and physical activity. The result shows that over 30% of students rarely or never used safety belt and almost students were rarely or never wore a bicycle helmet. During the 12 months preceding the survey, 21.9% female students had felt so sad or hopeless almost every day for $\geq$ 2weeks in a row that they stopped doing some usually activities 20.5% of male middle school students have ever tried cigarette smoking. 26.2% of male students and 27.2% do female students had had over one drinks of alcohol during their lifetime(lifetime alcohol use). 47% of male students had had over one drinks of alcohol on $\geq$ 1 of the 30 days preceding the survey(current alcohol use). Over one half of female student were thought they were overweight. These results suggest that some risk behaviors be very prevalent in a korean middle school students and priority health-risk behaviors, which contribute to the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among youth and adult, often are establish during middle school age, extend into adulthood, are interrelated. Among both children and adults, the leading causes of death are closely linked to these behaviors. Among adults, chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes are the national leading killers. Practicing healthy behaviors, such as eating low-fat, high-fruit-and-vegetable diets, getting regular physical activity, and refraining from tobacco use, would prevent many premature deaths. Because health-related behaviors are usually established in childhood, positive choices need to be promoted before damaging behaviors are initiated or become ingrained.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.4-10
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• 2019

The term new tobacco products (NTPs) refers to the new alternatives to conventional cigarettes. There are several kinds of NTPs in South Korea. The present study discusses the most widely used NTPs namely electronic cigarette (ECs) and heated tobacco products (HTPs). The aims of this study are to evaluate the risk related to the use of ECs and HTPs, introduce policy examples across different countries of management of this issue, and finally, present some policy implications of the problem and our response strategies. Since the advent of ECs, there has been a lot of debate about its risk. Some studies have reported that ECs are less harmful than conventional cigarettes and that they are effective in aiding smoking cessation. Nevertheless, the efficacy of ECs in smoking cessation and its potential health risks are still unclear. However, the obvious fact is that it is not harmless. Regulations on ECs differ from country to country. In many countries, they are strictly regulated as tobacco or toxic substances; however, in the United Kingdom, the use of ECs are included as part of their smoking cessation policy, and in Japan, they are treated as a form of medication. On the other hand, HTPs are the most recently introduced NTPs and they have attained sensational popularity because of the wrongly held belief that they are less harmful to health. So, what about our policy response to these two tobacco products? The research on ECs requires more systematic statistical monitoring, such as monitoring the ratio of dual-users. Further, the new EC smokers should be identified taking into account that the arguments for the use of ECs often emphasize smoking cessation or less risks to health, the government should further strengthen its policy to prevent those claims. The HTPs market experienced a very sharp growth and continues to grow because the government policy is too passive. Taking this as a lesson, it is necessary to approach NTPs, such as HTPs, proactively and increase their contribution to the National Health Promotion Fund by imposing greater taxes on them. Finally, considering the likelihood of NTPs being promoted as a less harmful tobacco product, it is essential to strictly regulate tobacco companies' publicity from the very beginning to ensure that potential consumer s are not mislead.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.357-364
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• 2011

Selenium is an antioxidant trace element linked to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Although diet is a major source, relatively little else is known about independent determinants of selenium levels in free-living humans. In this study, we aimed to investigate the independent demographic. lifestyle, and dietary determinants of selenium levels in 1,997 men and 1,905 women in two large prospective U.S. cohorts. Toenail selenium levels were quantified using neutron activation analysis. Diet, geographic residence, demographic, and environmental factors were assessed by validated self-administered questionnaires. Multivariate generalized linear models were conducted to assess the independent relations of these factors with toenail selenium levels, correcting for measurement error in the diet. In multi variable-adjusted analyses, independent predictors of higher selenium were male gender (6.3% higher levels); living in West and Northern-Midwest U.S. regions (8.9% and 7.4% higher than Southern-Midwest regions, respectively); consumption of beef and bread products (between 0.7 - 2.5% higher per daily serving); and selenium supplement use (6.9% higher than non-users); whereas cigarette smoking (5-10% lower than never smokers), older age (0.6% lower per 5 years), and consumption of eggs, white rice, dairy products, coffee, and alcohol (between 0.1 to 2.0% lower per daily serving) were associated with lower selenium. Multiple dietary and non-dietary factors independently predicted selenium levels, suggesting that both consumption and non-dietary processes (e.g.. related to oxidant status) may affect levels. Significant geographic variation in selenium levels exists in the US.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.256-264
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• 2003

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to find out tobacco control education taught graduate, baccalaureate and associate degree-nursing programs in Korea. Method: A valid and reliable questionnaire previously used to assess tobacco use in medical and nursing schools in the United States was translated and revalidated. Surveys were sent out to all the graduate, baccalaureate and associate nursing programs in Korea. All 6-tobacco curricula content areas recommended by the United States National Cancer Institute and the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research was included. Result: Majority of BSN (93.2%-75%) and AD (92.3%-64.1%) programs were teaching health hazards, cancer risk, health effects of tobacco, effects of ETS, contents of cigarette, withdrawal symptoms and high risk groups of smoking as a part of required courses. However, 87.5% (14/16) of graduate, 50.0% (22/44) in baccalaureate, 53.8% (21/39) in associate degree programs were not teaching about the 5 A's. Of those who reported teaching smoking cessation strategies, they were covered most frequently in Community Nursing (50%), Adult Health Nursing (43.8%) on the graduate level, and in Community Nursing (65.9%-BSN, 76.9%-AD) and Adult Health (54.5%-BSN, 74.4%-AD) on the undergraduate level. 31.1% (5/16) in Graduate, 18.2%(8/44) in BSN, 10.3% (4/39) in Associate Degree programs reported that there are no smoking students in their schools and rest of the schools reported either do not know or they have 1 to more than 21% of students smoking. Conclusion: The study results identifies the quantity and level of tobacco control content in three different nursing programs and will help in developing curricular guidelines in the future. Further survey needs to be done on nursing students' knowledge, attitude and belief on smoking and smoking cessation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2020

For the past three decades, more than a thousand of genetic studies have been performed to find out the genetic variants responsible for the risk of asthma. Until now, all of the discovered single nucleotide polymorphisms have explained genetic effects less than initially expected. Thus, clarification of environmental factors has been brought up to overcome the 'missing' heritability. The most exciting solution is epigenesis because it intervenes at the junction between the genome and the environment. Epigenesis is an alteration of genetic expression without changes of DNA sequence caused by environmental factors such as nutrients, allergens, cigarette smoke, air pollutants, use of drugs and infectious agents during pre- and post-natal periods and even in adulthood. Three major forms of epigenesis are composed of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and specific microRNA. Recently, several studies have been published on epigenesis in asthma and allergy as a powerful tool for research of genetic heritability in asthma albeit epigenetic changes are at the starting point to obtain the data on specific phenotypes of asthma. In this presentation, we mainly review the potential role of DNA CpG methylation in the risk of asthma and its sub-phenotypes including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory exacerbated respiratory diseases.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.344-349
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• 2016

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the knowledge levels and attitudes of School of Health and Vocational School of Health students toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Methods: Three hundred thirty-three (333) students studying at the Mehmet Akif Ersoy University School of Health and the Golhisar Vocational School of Health in Burdur, Turkey, were included in the study. Research data were collected by using a survey method based on the expressed opinions of the participants. Results: Of the participants, 69.7% were female and 97% were single (unmarried). Of cigarette users and those with chronic illnesses, 46.8% and 47.8%, respectively, used CAM. Those using CAM were statistically more likely to be female (P < 0.021), to have higher grades (P < 0.007), to be single (P < 0.005), to be vocational school of health graduates (P < 0.008), and to have fathers at work (P < 0.021). While 9.6% of the students thought CAM to be nonsense, 10.8% thought that the methods of CAM should be tried before consulting a doctor. Conclusion: A majority of the students in the study population were found to use complementary and alternative medicine, but that they lacked information about its methods. As a way to address this, CAM should be included in the curriculum of schools that provide health education, and CAM training programs should be given to healthcare professionals to improve their knowledge of CAM. In Turkey, many more studies should be performed to determine nurses' and doctors' knowledge of and attitudes about CAM methods so that they can give correct guidance to society and take more active responsibility in improving patient safety.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.79-91
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• 2010

Objectives: This study was conducted to analyze health behavior and utilization of university health clinics by college and university students. Methods: There are 376 colleges and universities in Korea as of May 2007. Of them 243 (69.6%) run health clinics in their campuses. Twenty of them were selected and 1,754 students were surveyed by using self reporting questionnaires. The data collected were analyzed by SPSS ver. 12.0. Results: Out of 1,754 students 56.5% were in good health. Of the subjects 15.6% were cigarette smokers, 30% were non drinkers, 20.8% exercise regularly, 53.7% sleep for seven to eight hours a day, 48% had proper body weight (BMI) 20-25) and 20% had physical examination in the past two years. The scores of health practices were higher in male students than female students (P 0.05). Perception rates of university clinics were higher in female students than male students. (P 0.01). Many students have intention to use the clinics (P 0.01). On health promotion program 35.2% of the subjects used clinics for emergency service, 32.8% participated in drinking control program, 32.8% in smoking cessation program, 20.4% in immunization program and 19.2% in regular health screening program. Conclusions: Comprehensive data for health behavior and need of health promotion services by the students should be collected regularly in order to meet the needs of students and faculty members in higher education institutes. The university authorities should pay more attention on the activities of health clinics in order to promote health of the students.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.4813-4818
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• 2016

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of chewing gutka,areca nut, snuff and tobacco smoking among the young population in the Northern India Population between the age of 15 to 22 years. Methods: The study was approved by the ethical committee. A total of 10 school and colleges located in the rural and urban areas was selected. A total of 1500 young individuals aged between 15 to 22 years were selected. A self-administered questionnaire was designed comprised of 14 closed ended questions about Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards consumption of areca nut, gutka and tobacco smoking that were filled by the participants. Descriptive statistics were obtained and mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages were calculated. Data was analyzed by using SPSS. Result: A total of 1050 out of 1500 students responded to the questionnaire. A total of 227 subjects agreed that they are consuming the tobacco. Out of this, 196 (86.34%) were boys and 31 (13.65%) were girls who agreed in consumption of tobacco product. Out of 196, 150 boys (76.5%) practices the habit of smoking 1 -5 times a day and 46 (23.4% ) practice the habit of chewing areca nut and gutkha 1 - 5 times a day. Out of 31 girls, 25 girls (80.6%) practices the habit of smoking 1 -5 times a day and 6 (19.4%) practice the habit of chewing areca nut and gutkha 1 - 5 times a day. Out of 740 subjects, 530 were boys and 210 girls have full knowledge of deleterious long term effects of tobacco consumption. Conclusion:The present study concluded that young population of North India lack Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding consumption of areca nut, gutka and tobacco smoking. Here is an urgent need to take effective steps, especially on launching community awareness programs for the school children and public to educate them about the consequences of tobacco use, and on assessing their effectiveness in curbing the problem.