• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.671-680
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to suggest the direction of the funeral culture industry suitable for the age of longevity and well-aging through a study on changes in the perception of funeral culture among the elderly. The survey of this paper was conducted by Gallup Korea, and the survey method was a 1:1 individual interview using a structured questionnaire. The survey was conducted from October 1 to October 25, 2021, targeting 127 elderly people over the age of 65 living in Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do. The number of valid subjects was 110, and the sampling method used was allocation by sex/age/income level/religion. As a result of the study, as for the change in the perception of funeral culture among the elderly, women preferred cremation to men (p=0.034). It was investigated that the level of income (p=0.004) and religious status (p=0.020) had an effect on funerals while alive. According to the presence or absence of thoughts about death, there was a significant difference in the membership of the mutual aid product (p=0.008) and the intention to return to a religious organization (p=0.004) when a memorial service was held. The results of this study are expected to be usefully utilized in presenting the direction and policy of the funeral culture industry suitable for the age of well-aging in the future.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.29.1-29.12
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• 2022

Several studies have shown associations between irinotecan toxicity and UGT1A genetic variations in colorectal and lung cancer, but only limited data are available for gastric cancer patients. We evaluated the frequencies of UGT1A polymorphisms and their relationship with clinicopathologic parameters in 382 Korean gastric cancer patients. Polymorphisms of UGT1A1*6, UGT1A1*27, UGT1A1*28, UGT1A1*60, UGT1A7*2, UGT1A7*3, and UGT1A9*22 were genotyped by direct sequencing. In 98 patients treated with irinotecan-containing regimens, toxicity and response were compared according to the genotype. The UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A9*22 genotypes showed a higher prevalence in Korean gastric cancer patients, while the prevalence of the UG1A1*28 polymorphism was lower than in normal Koreans, as has been found in other studies of Asian populations. The incidence of severe diarrhea after irinotecan-containing treatment was more common in patients with the UGT1A1*6, UGT1A7*3 and UGT1A9*22 polymorphisms than in controls. The presence of the UGT1A1*6 allele also showed a significant association with grade III-IV neutropenia. Upon haplotype and diplotype analyses, almost every patient bearing the UGT1A1*6 or UGT1A7*3 variant also had the UGT1A9*22 polymorphism, and all severe manifestations of UGT1A polymorphism-associated toxicity were related to the UGT1A9*22 polymorphism. By genotyping UGT1A9*22 polymorphisms, we could identify high-risk gastric cancer patients receiving irinotecan-containing chemotherapy, who would experience severe toxicity. When treating high-risk patients with the UGT1A9*22 polymorphism, clinicians should closely monitor them for signs of toxicity such as severe diarrhea or neutropenia.

• The Journal of KAIRB
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.21-32
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• 2023

Purspose: The purpose of this study is to examine the meaning and definition of vulnerable subjects in clinical trials in light of domestic and international regulations and guidelines, to analyze the contents of standard operation procedures (SOPs) among advanced general hospitals in Korea that conduct clinical trials, and to examine deliberation procedures for operation plans. Methods: The study examined how vulnerable research subjects were defined and described in related regulations and the classification of vulnerable research subjects presented in the IRB/HRPP SOPs of 18 clinical trial institutions, including 11 AAHRPP-accreditated general hospitals in Korea, as well as the operation of the IRB deliberation. Results: Among all domestic and international regulations and guidelines, only the The Council for International Organization of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) guidelines explain why vulnerability is related to judgments on the severity of physical, psychological, and social harm, why individuals are vulnerable, and for what reasons. However, the classification of vulnerable subjects by institutions differed from the classification by the International Conference on Harmonization-Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP). A total of the 16 institutions classified children and minors as vulnerable research subjects. 14 institutions classified subjects who cannot consent freely were classified as vulnerable subjects. 15 institutions classified sujects who can be affected by the organizational hierarchy were classified as vulnerable subjects. Subjects in emergency situations were regarded as vulnerable research subjects in 8 of institutions, while people in wards, patients with incurable diseases, and the economically poor including the unemployed were categorized as vulnerable research subjects in 7, 4, and 4 of institutions, respectively. Additionally, some research subjects were not classified as vulnerable by ICH-GCP but were classified as vulnerable by domestic institutions 15 of the institutions classified pregnant women and fetuses as vulnerable, 11 classified the elderly as vulnerable, and 6 classified foreigners as vulnerable. Conclution: The regulations and institutional SOPs classify subjects differently, which may affect subject protection. There is a need to improve IRBs' classifications of vulnerable research subjects. It is also necessary to establish the standards according to the differences in deliberation processes. Further, it is recommended to maintain a consistent review of validity, assessment of risk/benefit, and a review using checklists and spokeperson. The review of IRB is to be carried out in a manner that respects human dignity by taking into account the physical, psychological, and social conditions of the subjects.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.203-211
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• 2022

This study is to examine the causes of research misconduct such as plagiarism, forgery, redundant publication, unfair author expression, and incapacitation of the research ethics system of university researchers and to suggest improvement plan. It basically relied on literature research. In order to supplement the deficiencies in literature research, I sought advice from an expert professor who had experience working in a research-related field in university or who is currently in a position related to research ethics through the delphi-method. As a result of the study, from the perspective of individual researchers, the complacent attitude, dishonesty, and greed for research funds were identified as the main reasons. In terms of organization, it was analyzed for reasons such as lack of detail and application of regulations, lack of verification system, and performance-oriented research environment. In order to overcome research misconduct caused by the researcher's personal reasons, regularization, increase in the number of research ethics education, and strengthening personal penalties were suggested. As a way to overcome irregularities arising from institutional reasons, the reinforcement of the verification system, the reinforcement of the whistle-blower's personal protection system, the omission of promotion, and the quality and quantitative balance of research evaluation was suggested.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.13-31
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• 2022

Purpose: This study conducted a job analysis of visiting nurses in the process of change. Methods: Participants were the visiting nurses working for the Seoul Metropolitan city. On the basis of the Public Health Intervention Wheel model, two times of the focus group interview (FGI) with seven visiting nurses and one time of the Developing a Curriculum (DACUM) with 34 visiting nurses were performed. A questionnaire survey of 380 visiting nurses was conducted to examine the frequency, importance and difficulty levels of the tasks created by using the FGI and DACUM. Results: Visiting nurses' job was derived as the theme of present versus transitional roles. The present role was categorized as 'providing individual- and group-focused services' and 'conducting organization management', while the transitional role was categorized as 'providing district-focused services' and 'responding to new health issues'. The job generated 13 duties, 28 tasks, and 73task elements. The tasks showed the levels of frequency (3.65 scores), importance (4.27 scores), and difficulty (3.81 scores). All the tasks were determined as important, exceeding the average 4.00 scores. The group- and district-focused services of the tasks were recognized as more difficult but less frequent tasks. Conclusion: The visiting nurses exert both present and transitional roles. The transitional roles identified in the present study should be recognized as an extended role of visiting nurses in accordance with the current changing healthcare needs in South Korea. Finally, the educational curriculum for visiting nurses that reflects the transitional roles from the present study is needed.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.44.1-44.13
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• 2022

Brugada syndrome (BS) is an autosomal dominant inheritance cardiac arrhythmia disorder associated with sudden death in young adults. Thailand has the highest prevalence of BS worldwide, and over 60% of patients with BS still have unclear disease etiology. Here, we performed a new viral metagenome analysis pipeline called VIRIN and validated it with whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of HeLa cell lines and hepatocellular carcinoma. Then the VIRIN pipeline was applied to identify viral integration positions from unmapped WGS data of Thai males, including 100 BS patients (case) and 100 controls. Even though the sample preparation had no viral enrichment step, we can identify several virus genes from our analysis pipeline. The predominance of human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) viruses was found in both cases and controls by blastn and blastx analysis. This study is the first report on the full-length HERV-K assembled genomes in the Thai population. Furthermore, the HERV-K integration breakpoint positions were validated and compared between the case and control datasets. Interestingly, Brugada cases contained HERV-K integration breakpoints at promoters five times more often than controls. Overall, the highlight of this study is the BS-specific HERV-K breakpoint positions that were found at the gene coding region "NBPF11" (n = 9), "NBPF12" (n = 8) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) "PCAT14" (n = 4) region. The genes and the lncRNA have been reported to be associated with congenital heart and arterial diseases. These findings provide another aspect of the BS etiology associated with viral genome integrations within the human genome.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.133-144
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• 2023

Objective: Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKN)2A/B homozygous deletion is a key molecular marker of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant astrocytomas in the 2021 World Health Organization. We aimed to investigate whether qualitative and quantitative MRI parameters can predict CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion status in IDH-mutant astrocytomas. Materials and Methods: Preoperative MRI data of 88 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 42.0 ± 11.9 years; 40 females and 48 males) with IDH-mutant astrocytomas (76 without and 12 with CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion) from two institutions were included. A qualitative imaging assessment was performed. Mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), 5th percentile of ADC, mean normalized cerebral blood volume (nCBV), and 95th percentile of nCBV were assessed via automatic tumor segmentation. Logistic regression was performed to determine the factors associated with CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion in all 88 patients and a subgroup of 47 patients with histological grades 3 and 4. The discrimination performance of the logistic regression models was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results: In multivariable analysis of all patients, infiltrative pattern (odds ratio [OR] = 4.25, p = 0.034), maximal diameter (OR = 1.07, p = 0.013), and 95th percentile of nCBV (OR = 1.34, p = 0.049) were independent predictors of CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion. The AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the corresponding model were 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72-0.91), 90.4%, 83.3%, and 75.0%, respectively. On multivariable analysis of the subgroup with histological grades 3 and 4, infiltrative pattern (OR = 10.39, p = 0.012) and 95th percentile of nCBV (OR = 1.24, p = 0.047) were independent predictors of CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion, with an AUC accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the corresponding model of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.60-0.88), 87.8%, 80.0%, and 58.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The presence of an infiltrative pattern, larger maximal diameter, and higher 95th percentile of the nCBV may be useful MRI biomarkers for CDKN2A/B homozygous deletion in IDH-mutant astrocytomas.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.18-25
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• 2024

Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to create an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) guide for high-risk maintenance tasks, specifically one designed for maintenance work (MW) in the electronics industry. Methods: The methodology involved a literature review, field investigations, and discussions. An initial draft of the OSH guide was created and then refined through consultations with experts possessing extensive experience in MW for electronic processes. Results: Specific MW tasks within electronics processing facilities identified as high-risk by the research were selected. A comprehensive OSH guide for these tasks was developed consisting of approximately 11 to 12 components and encompassing about 20-25 pages. Implementing safety and health measures before, during, and after MW is crucial for the protection of maintenance personnel. The guide is enriched with real-case scenarios of industrial accidents and occupational diseases to enhance maintenance workers' comprehension of the OSH principles. For a clearer understanding of and adherence to the safety protocols, the guide incorporates visual aids, including cartoons and photographs. Conclusions: This OSH guide is designed to ensure the protection of workers involved in maintenance activities in the electronics industry. It aligns with global standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and Semiconductor Equipment and Material International (SEMI) to ensure a high level of safety and compliance.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was to identify the role of general hospice palliative nurse through job analysis (duties, task, and task elements). Methods: The sample consisted of 136 nurses or professors who were performing duties related to hospice care areas in Korea. A survey method was used, and the questionnaire included frequencies, criticality, and difficulties of task elements in job description by the DACUM method. Descriptive statistics were performed by using SPSS WIN 17.0. Results: The job description of general hospice palliative nurse was identified 8 duties, 36 tasks, and 137 task elements. As for the 8 duties, the average scores of frequency, criticality, and difficulty were 2.94, 3.66, and 2.80, respectively. The role of ‘pain assessment’ was the most important task element among frequency and criticality. The lowest score at the frequency and criticality were ‘manage public finance’ and ‘collect datum through diagnostic test & lab', respectively. Furthermore, the role of 'identify spiritual needs of patients and family' was the most difficult task, whereas the role of 'manage documents and information' was the least. Conclusion: In this study, we could recognize the reality of general hospice palliative nurse's performances. For general hospice palliative nurse, therefore, concrete practice guide lines of psychosocial and spiritual care, communication skills, and bereavement care with qualifying system are critically needed.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.7
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• pp.671-689
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• 2008

The economic recession of North Korea has been prolonged, the need for humanitarian assistance for the women and children of DPRK has been raised. In March 2006, South Korean government signed MOU with World Health Organization (WHO) to financially support "Improving Women's and Children's Health in DPRK (IWCH)" project. The assistance projects through UNICEF and the non-government organizations of South Korea were also followed. IWCH project consists of three parts; nutrition, disease management, children and maternity care. The first term (2006-2007) of the project leading by WHO was finished, and the second term (2008-2010) is just begun. The projects driven by NGOs have relatively been delayed due to difficulties in negotiating on project contents and places with North Korea. Recently, however, re-modeling processes of an obstetric/gynecology hospital and a children hospital in Nampo were started. Up to recently, South Korean government has played only a limited role in the humanitarian assistance for North Korea. IWCH project is, however, a full-scale initiative driven by government based on a systematic review of need and priorities. A significant amount of budget and relatively long term (five year) project compare to the previous short term and small size programs were expected to make more meaningful achievement. Despite these positive aspects, the project remains a list of unsolved problems a lack of mutual trust, a different decision making process between South and North Korea, a lack of conflict management process, and unpredictability and complexity of international politics. In spite of such kind of political uncertainty, the health care sector will be a leading area in the process of improving relationship between South and North Korea, particularly, humanitarian assistance for women and children will play a crucial role in the process. The successful implementation of IWCH project, therefore, will contribute to provide the reference model in developing the mutually constructive relationship between South and North