• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.33-43
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• 2020

Objective: This study used a mixed methods analytical approach to analyze the level of depression in and quality of life of patients who had been exposure to Agent Orange. Methods: Data on the general characteristics, depression level, and the quality of life of 29 patients who were hospitalized because of exposure to Agent Orange were collected. Focus group interviews were conducted with 17 of these 29 patients. Regarding mixed methods, the sequential integrated design model proposed by Teddlie and Tashakkori (2003) was employed. The analytical methods were as follows: (1) general characteristics were examined using frequencies and proportional distributions; (2) depression scores and quality of life scores were assessed using descriptive statistical analysis; and (3) content analysis was used to examine the focus group interview data. Results: The average K-GDS depression score was 19.24 points, and the average WHOQOL-BREF quality of life score was 57.66 points. The focus group interview data yielded 3 topics were named "deployment route", "the manner of exposure to Agent Orange", and "life after Agent Orange exposure". Conclusion: There is an urgent need to increase public awareness, develop a public policy response, and conduct additional research on ground occupational therapy programs that include physical therapy.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2011

The knowledge on the etiology of breast cancer has advanced substantially in recent years, and several etiological factors are now firmly established. However, very few new discoveries have been made in relation to occupational risk factors. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has evaluated over 900 different exposures or agents to-date to determine whether they are carcinogenic to humans. These evaluations are published as a series of Monographs (www.iarc.fr). For breast cancer the following substances have been classified as "carcinogenic to humans" (Group 1): alcoholic beverages, exposure to diethylstilbestrol, estrogen-progestogen contraceptives, estrogen-progestogen hormone replacement therapy and exposure to X-radiation and gamma-radiation (in special populations such as atomic bomb survivors, medical patients, and in-utero exposure). Ethylene oxide is also classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, although the evidence for carcinogenicity in epidemiologic studies, and specifically for the human breast, is limited. The classification "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A) includes estrogen hormone replacement therapy, tobacco smoking, and shift work involving circadian disruption, including work as a flight attendant. If the association between shift work and breast cancer, the most common female cancer, is confirmed, shift work could become the leading cause of occupational cancer in women.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.59-64
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• 2011

We investigated the radiation exposure caused by DIPS, which is used to identify accurate repositioning and tumor location in pediatric cancer patients proton therapy. To compare and analyze DIPS condition, 50 pediatric cancer patients who underwent proton therapy were selected in Ilsan K cancer-specialized hospital from March 2007 to October 2009. For DIP exposure, 0.09~1.57 mGy is measured in AP and lateral directions and 23.55 mGy is measured in CSI patients. In whole brain patient, the amount of a day DIP exposure dose was 1.13 mGy. During treatment period, who exposed the biggest DIP dose are whole brain patients, 632.71 mGy is exposed. It is 1.13% of prescribed dose, represented dose is adequate because it is not exceeded 2% of recommended dose. Even though the exposed dose is not exceeded more than 2% of prescribed in DIP exposure, we should recognize the radiation damage and genetic influences to pediatric cancer patients, who is much sensitive to radiation and has longer mean residual life time. Therefore, DIPS guideline for pediatric cancer patients should be indicated to minimize the radiation exposure.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.77-83
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study was to do numerical analysis of the wavelength dependence in low level laser therapy (LLLT) using a finite element method (FEM). Methods: Numerical analysis of heat transfer based on a Pennes' bioheat equation was performed to assess the wavelength dependence of effects of LLLT in a single layer and in multilayered tissue that consists of skin, fat and muscle. The three different wavelengths selected, 660 nm, 830 nm and 980 nm, were ones that are frequently used in clinic settings for the therapy of musculoskeletal disorders. Laser parameters were set to the power density of 35.7 W/$cm^2$, a spot diameter of 0.06 cm, and a laser exposure time of 50 seconds for all wavelengths. Results: Temperature changes in tissue based on a heat transfer equation using a finite element method were simulated and were dominantly dependent upon the absorption coefficient of each tissue layer. In the analysis of a single tissue layer, heat generation by fixed laser exposure at each wavelength had a similar pattern for increasing temperature in both skin and fat (980 nm > 660 nm > 830 nm), but in the muscle layer 660nm generated the most heat (660 nm ${\gg}$ 980 nm > 830 nm). The heat generation in multilayered tissue versus penetration depth was shown that the temperature of 660 nm wavelength was higher than those of 830 nm and 980 nm Conclusion: Numerical analysis of heat transfer versus penetration depth using a finite element method showed that the greatest amount of heat generation is seen in multilayered tissue at = 660 nm. Numerical analysis of heat transfer may help lend insight into thermal events occurring inside tissue layers during low level laser therapy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.776-782
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• 2015

It is believed that surgery on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients is dangerous and should be avoided due to the possibility of postoperative infection of the patients or HIV occupational transmission to the medical staff. We discuss here the preparations and measures needed to conduct surgery safely on HIV-positive patients, based on our experience. We performed sex reassignment surgery on two HIV-positive patients from January 2013 to January 2015. Both of them were receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy and were asymptomatic, with a normal CD4 count ($>500cells/{\mu}L$). The HIV-RNA was undetectable within the bloodstream. All the staff wore protective clothing, glasses, and three pairs of protective gloves in the operating room because of the possibility of transmission. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered to the patients, and antiviral therapy was performed during their perioperative course. Neither of the patients had postoperative complications, and none of the medical staff experienced accidental exposure. Both patients had satisfactory surgery outcomes without complications. HIV-positive patients can undergo surgery safely without increased risk of postoperative complications or HIV transmission to the staff through the proper use of antibiotics, active antiretroviral therapy, and supplemental protective measures with post-exposure prophylaxis for the staff in case of HIV exposure.

• IEIE Transactions on Smart Processing and Computing
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.107-116
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• 2016

Premature babies of less than 37 weeks gestation might require oxygen therapy as an integral part of treatment and respiratory support. Because of their under-developed lungs, these so-called "preemies" might contract respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). To treat RDS, neonatal oxygen therapy is administered, where controlled oxygen gas is measured as a fraction of inspired oxygen ($FiO_2$). However, exposure to high oxygen content during long treatment could cause oxygen intoxication, which might cause permanent blindness due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), whereas insufficient oxygen exposure could cause severe hypoxia. A doctor would use oxygen saturation ($SpO_2$) data and prescribe a dose of $FiO_2$ to maintain $SpO_2$ within a suitable range. One objective is to maintain $SpO_2$ within the acceptable range using $FiO_2$ that is as low as possible. Adjustment of $FiO_2$ would normally be done by nurses every 15 to 30 minutes, which might not be safe in many situations. An error in $FiO_2$ adjustment during a manual procedure could be as large as +/- 2.5%. This paper presents a system that can determine an $FiO_2$ value suitable to the current $SpO_2$ and that automatically adjusts $FiO_2$ with an error clearance of +/- 0.25%.

• CELLMED
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.73.1-73.4
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• 2024

Objective: Case study on improving body homeostasis by ortho-cellular nutrition therapy. Methods: A 48-year-old Korean man underwent OCNT due to symptoms of insomnia and decreased physical function due to extreme chronic stress. Results: After exposure to OCNT, fatigue, sleep quality, and brain fog symptoms improved, and overall physical performance improved, including liver function recovery. Conclusion: For people who suffer from symptoms of decreased physical function in various aspects due to extreme stress, applying OCNT can help alleviate symptoms.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2011

Skin is a physical barrier against diverse injury and damages. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes detrimental skin injuries such as inflammation and cell death. The value of natural pigments could be applied to many usages including cosmetics. This study was conducted to examine the protective effect of natural pigments extracted from mulberry, balsam pear, purple-colored sweet potato, pehmannia root, gardenia fruit, and black rice against UV-induced cell death in HaCaT cells, human keratinocyte cell lines. In the present study, the exposure of 50 mJ/$cm^2$ UV-B for 24 hr induced cell death in HaCaT cells, which was prevented by the pretreatment of extracts of mulberry, balsam pear, purple-colored sweet potato, rehmannia root, gardenia fruit, and black rice. In addition, the exposure of 50 mJ/$cm^2$ UV-B for 24 hr also increased lipid peroxide (LPO) formation, compared to control in HaCaT cells, which was prevented by the pretreatment of extracts of mulberry, balsam pear, purple-colored sweet potato, rehmannia root, gardenia fruit, and black rice. In conclusion, the extracts of mulberry, balsam pear, purple-colored sweet potato, rehmannia root, gardenia fruit, and black rice prevented the UV-B-induced cell apoptosis via the inhibition of oxidative stress in HaCaT cells.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.279-288
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• 2020

Objectives: Many fields have changed since covid-19, psychotherapy being no exception. With the pandemic associated increase in untact treatment, interest in virtual reality exposure therapy has also increased. The aim of study was to analyze recent literature using virtual reality therapy for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Methods: We searched five databases from dates between October 1 to November 1, 2020. We selected articles related to the treatment of anxiety disorders using virtual reality therapy and analyzed the trend of that, not thesis but domestic articles. Results: There were 6 RCT studies and 3 were case reports where, based on the DSM-4, the participants presented with anxiety disorders including 2 with presentation anxiety, 1 heterosexual anxiety, 1 test anxiety, 1 social anxiety, 1 dental anxiety, 2 Acrophobia, and 1 social phobia. Treatment sessions varied from 1 session to 18 sessions, but 5 studies conducted 4 sessions, and all studies attempted virtual reality exposure for 30-minute time periods. 8 studies used HMD as the VR device and 1 study did not report a device. Conclusions: Anxiety disorders treated using virtual reality included speech anxiety and acrophobia. Median treatment session number was 4 and sessions were less than 30 minutes. The most common VR device used was an HMD. VR psychotherapy showed limitations relating to patient experience including cyber sickness and a lack of immersion. In addition, most of the studies were conducted with patients who visited hospitals utilizing Western medical practices. Currently, virtual reality therapy (VRT) intervention in oriental medicine is lacking. The lack of research in this area suggests analyzing data from VR psychotherapy in oriental medicine could provide novel and useful information.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.34-41
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• 2020

Purpose: This study evaluated aggressive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) by understanding various exposure routes of acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, the risk factors causing acute cardiovascular, and neurological toxicity caused by poisoning. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted based on the medical records of 417 acute CO poisoning patients who visited the emergency care unit from March 2017 to August 2019. The exposure routes, HBOT performance, age, sex, medical history (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, heart failure), intentionality, loss of consciousness (LOC), intake with alcohol or sedatives, and initial test results (carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), troponin-I, electrocardiography, echocardiography, brain MRI) were examined. Comparative analysis of the clinical information was conducted between the groups that showed acute cardiovascular toxicity and neurological toxicity, and groups that did not. Results: Among 417 patients diagnosed with acute CO poisoning, 201 cases (48.2%) were intentional, and charcoal briquette was the most common route (169 patients (40.5%)). Two hundred sixteen cases (51.8%) were accidental, and fire was the most common route (135 patients (32.4%)). The exposure route was more diverse with accidental poisoning. Three hundred ninety-nine patients were studied for acute cardiovascular toxicity, and 62 patients (15.5%) were confirmed to be positive. The result was statistically significant in intentionality, LOC, combined sedatives, initial COHb, HTN, and IHD. One hundred two patients were studied for acute neurological toxicity, which was observed in 26 patients (25.5%). The result was statistically significant in age and LOC. Conclusion: Active HBOT should be performed to minimize damage to the major organs by identifying the various exposure routes of CO poisoning, risk factors for acute cardiovascular toxicity (intentionality, LOC, combined sedatives, initial COHb, HTN, IHD), and the risk factors for acute neurological toxicity (age, LOC).