• Title/Summary/Keyword: Korean medical practices

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One-stop Evaluation Protocol of Ischemic Heart Disease: Myocardial Fusion PET Study (허혈성 심장 질환의 One-stop Evaluation Protocol: Myocardial Fusion PET Study)

  • Kim, Kyong-Mok;Lee, Byung-Wook;Lee, Dong-Wook;Kim, Jeong-Su;Jang, Yeong-Do;Bang, Chan-Seok;Baek, Jong-Hun;Lee, In-Su
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.14 no.2
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    • pp.33-37
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    • 2010
  • Purpose: In the early stage of using PET/CT, it was used to damper revision but recently shows that CT with MDCT is commonly used and works well for an anatomical diagnosis. This hospital makes the accuracy and convenience more higher in the diagnosis and evaluate of coronary heart disease through concurrently running myocardial perfusion SPECT examination, myocardial PET examination with FDG, and CT coronary artery CT angiography(coronary CTA) used PET/CT with 64-slice. This report shows protocol and image based on results from about 400 coronary heart disease examinations since having 64 channels PET/CT in July 2007. Materials and Methods: An Equipment for this examination is 64-slice CT and Discovery VCT (DVCT) that is consisted of PET with BGO ($Bi_4Ge_3O_{12}$) scintillation crystal by GE health care. First myocardial perfusion SPECT with pharmacologic stress test to reduce waiting time of a patient and get a quick diagnosis and evaluation, and right after it, myocardial FDG PET examination and coronary CTA run without a break. One-stop evaluation protocol of ischemic heart disease is as follows. 1)Myocardial perfusion SPECT with pharmacologic stress: A patient is injected with $^{99m}Tc$-MIBI 10 mCi and does not have any fatty food for myocardial PET examination and drink natural water with ursodeoxcholic acid 100 mg and we get SPECT image in an hour. 2)Myocardial FDG PET: To reduce blood fatty content and to increase uptake of FDG, we used creative oral glucose load using insulin and Acipimox to according to blood acid content. A patient is injected with $^{18}F$-FDG 5 mCi for reduction of his radiation exposure and we get a gated image an hour later and get delay image when we need. 3) Coronary CTA: The most important point is to control heart rate and to get cooperation of patient's breath. In order to reduce a heart rate of him or her below 65 beats, let him or her take beta blocker 50 mg ~ 200 mg after a consultation with a doctor about it and have breath-practices then have the examination. Right before the examination, we spray isosorbide dinitrate 3 to 5 times to lower tension of bessel wall and to extension a blood wall of a patient. It makes to get better the shape of an anatomy. At filming, a patient is injected CT contrast with high pressure and have enough practices before the examination in order to have no problem. For reduction of his radiation exposure, we have to do ECG-triggered X-ray tube modulation exposure. Results: We evaluate coronary artery stenosis through coronary CTA and study correlation (culprit vessel check) of a decline between stenosis and perfusion from the myocardial perfusion SPECT with pharmacologic stress, coronary CTA, and can check viability of infarction or hibernating myocardium by FDG PET. Conclusion: The examination makes us to set up a direction of remedy (drug treatment, PCI, CABG) because we can estimate of effect from remedy, lesion site and severity. In addition, we have an advantage that it takes just 3 hours and one-stop in that all of process of examinations run in succession and at the same time. Therefore it shows that the method is useful in one stop evaluation of ischemic heart disease.

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Ambient air pollution and allergic diseases in children

  • Kim, Byoung-Ju;Hong, Soo-Jong
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.55 no.6
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    • pp.185-192
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    • 2012
  • The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased worldwide, a phenomenon that can be largely attributed to environmental effects. Among environmental factors, air pollution due to traffic is thought to be a major threat to childhood health. Residing near busy roadways is associated with increased asthma hospitalization, decreased lung function, and increased prevalence and severity of wheezing and allergic rhinitis. Recently, prospective cohort studies using more accurate measurements of individual exposure to air pollution have been conducted and have provided definitive evidence of the impact of air pollution on allergic diseases. Particulate matter and ground-level ozone are the most frequent air pollutants that cause harmful effects, and the mechanisms underlying these effects may be related to oxidative stress. The reactive oxidative species produced in response to air pollutants can overwhelm the redox system and damage the cell wall, lipids, proteins, and DNA, leading to airway inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Pollutants may also cause harmful effects via epigenetic mechanisms, which control the expression of genes without changing the DNA sequence itself. These mechanisms are likely to be a target for the prevention of allergies. Further studies are necessary to identify children at risk and understand how these mechanisms regulate gene-environment interactions. This review provides an update of the current understanding on the impact of air pollution on allergic diseases in children and facilitates the integration of issues regarding air pollution and allergies into pediatric practices, with the goal of improving pediatric health.

Birth Patterns and Delayed Breastfeeding Initiation in Indonesia

  • Tama, Tika Dwi;Astutik, Erni;Katmawanti, Septa;Reuwpassa, Jauhari Oka
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.53 no.6
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    • pp.465-475
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    • 2020
  • Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the association between birth patterns (defined in terms of birth order and interval) with delayed breastfeeding initiation in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using data from the Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey 2017. The weighted number of respondents was 5693 women aged 15-49 years whose youngest living child was less than 2 years old. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to evaluate associations between birth patterns and delayed breastfeeding initiation after adjusting for other covariates. Results: This study found that 40.2% of newborns in Indonesia did not receive timely breastfeeding initiation. Birth patterns were significantly associated with delayed breastfeeding initiation. Firstborn children had 77% higher odds of experiencing delayed breastfeeding initiation (adjusted odds ratio, 1.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 3.04; p<0.05) than children with a birth order of 4 or higher and a birth interval ≤ 2 years after adjusting for other variables. Conclusions: Firstborn children had higher odds of experiencing delayed breastfeeding initiation. Steps to provide a robust support system for mothers, especially first-time mothers, such as sufficient access to breastfeeding information, support from family and healthcare providers, and national policy enforcement, will be effective strategies to ensure better practices regarding breastfeeding initiation.

Necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns: update in pathophysiology and newly emerging therapeutic strategies

  • Choi, Young Youn
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.57 no.12
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    • pp.505-513
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    • 2014
  • While the survival of extremely premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome has increased due to advanced respiratory care in recent years, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. NEC is more prevalent in lower gestational age and lower birth weight groups. It is characterized by various degrees of mucosal or transmural necrosis of the intestine. Its exact pathogenesis remains unclear, but prematurity, enteral feeding, bacterial products, and intestinal ischemia have all been shown to cause activation of the inflammatory cascade, which is known as the final common pathway of intestinal injury. Awareness of the risk factors for NEC; practices to reduce the risk, including early trophic feeding with breast milk and following the established feeding guidelines; and administration of probiotics have been shown to reduce the incidence of NEC. Despite advancements in the knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of NEC, there is currently no universal prevention measure for this serious and often fatal disease. Therefore, new potential techniques to detect early biomarkers or factors specific to intestinal inflammation, as well as further strategies to prevent the activation of the inflammatory cascade, which is important for disease progression, should be investigated.

Health Effects of Small Volatile Compounds from East Asian Medicinal Mushrooms

  • Pennerman, Kayla K.;Yin, Guohua;Bennett, Joan Wennstrom
    • Mycobiology
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    • v.43 no.1
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    • pp.9-13
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    • 2015
  • Medicinal fungi, taken whole or as various forms of extracts, have been used to alleviate, cure or prevent human ailments since pre-historic times. In particular, Asian cultures have incorporated a variety of mushrooms into their medical practices. Chemically pure, bioactive metabolites from fungi have been a mainstay of modern pharmacological research and in addition to antibiotics, include anticancer agents, immunosuppressants, enzyme inhibitors, antagonist and agonists of hormones, and a variety of psychotropic substances. However, to date not many studies have focused on the possible health benefits of odorant volatile organic compounds (i.e., gas phase compounds). An analysis of these compounds for their health related effects will expand the range of compounds available for the treatment of chronic and acute diseases. This review highlights phenolic acids and monoterpenes from Asian medicinal mushrooms (AMMs), which not only produce pleasant odors but also have antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Odorant bioactive volatile phase compounds from medicinal mushrooms remain an essentially untapped source for future medicines, and AMMs remain a promising resource for future pharmacological research.

Monitoring of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Nasal Swabs Obtained from Dental Clinic Healthcare Providers and Medical Environment Nurses

  • Han, Seung-Ho;Song, In-Sook;Kim, Jong-Koan;Park, Jum-Gi;Park, Jang-Hwan;Lee, Myeong-Jae;Kim, Shin-Moo;Kim, Kang-Ju
    • International Journal of Oral Biology
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    • v.35 no.1
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    • pp.7-12
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    • 2010
  • The aims of this study were to investigate the nosocomial infection route of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and explore preventative methods for this pathogen that involve blocking its dispersion. We cultured MRSA from nasal cavity swabs collected between June and July 2008 that we obtained from eight dental healthcare providers, 32 nurses and the sputum specimens of two patients from our hospital. In addition, we used VITEK 2 equipment to measure drug sensitivity, and we further performed biochemical testing and pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to isolate MRSA colonies. The incidence of these bacteria on the nasal swabs was 25.0% from dental clinic healthcare providers, 13.6% from the internal medicine ward nurses and 30.0% from intensive care unit nurses. Moreover, MRSA was detectable in sputum specimens of ward patients. The antimicrobial agents resistance and partial PFGE types of MRSA showed a similar pattern. We suggest from these analyses that nasal cavity infection by MRSA could occur by cross contamination between healthcare providers and patients which underscores the importance of stringent MRSA management practices.

A Study on the New Scheme for South Korea's Artwork Authenticity With a Review of the Overseas Art Distribution Dispute Setting System (해외 미술품 유통분쟁 해결제도를 통해 살펴본 국내 미술품 진본성 확보방안)

  • Rim, Sung Ryun;Byun, Seung Hyuk
    • Journal of Arbitration Studies
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    • v.30 no.1
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    • pp.199-215
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    • 2020
  • Compared to Korea's recently expanding art distribution market, the difficulty of securing the authenticity of art is hindering the healthy development and growth of the market. In this regard, the current situation of the emotional system in the UK and France's art distribution process are examined as excellent cases in foreign countries. In the UK, there is a full autonomous appraisal system by art experts without state intervention. In France, the judiciary and the administration of art have an appraisal system for art works, so the appraisal work has reliability and objectivity. Through the above system, this study suggests measures to strengthen transparency in art trade and to break unfair practices in order to secure the authenticity of the domestic art distribution market. In addition, this study proposes the establishment of a professional appraisal system and the improvement of administrative law regulations to explore the possibility of ensuring fairness through mediation through the example of an international arbitration body.

The Efficacy and Safety of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: An Update

  • Choi, Jaehoon;Minn, Kyung Won;Chang, Hak
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.39 no.6
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    • pp.585-592
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    • 2012
  • During the past decade, many studies using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been conducted in various medical fields, from cardiovascular research to applications for corneal diseases. Nonetheless, there are several limitations of practical applications of PRP and ASCs. Most reports of PRP are anecdotal and few include controls to determine the specific role of PRP. There is little consensus regarding PRP production and characterization. Some have reported the development of an antibody to bovine thrombin, which was the initiator of platelet activation. In the case of ASCs, good manufacturing practices are needed for the production of clinical-grade human stem cells, and in vitro expansion of ASCs requires approval of the Korea Food and Drug Administration, such that considerable expense and time are required. Additionally, some have reported that ASCs could have a potential risk of transformation to malignant cells. Therefore, the authors tried to investigate the latest research on the efficacy and safety of PRP and ASCs and report on the current state and regulation of these stem cell-based therapies.

Effects of Ethical Management on Job Satisfaction and Turnover in the South Korean Service Industry

  • Kim, Jong-Jin;Eom, Tae-Kyung;Kim, Sun-Woong;Youn, Myoung-Kil
    • The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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    • v.6 no.1
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    • pp.17-26
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    • 2015
  • Purpose - Ethical management connects corporate management outcomes and emphasizes organizational cooperation. It also links human resource management, auditing, and financial management to increase employee job satisfaction. A survey of American enterprises showed that employees with high ethical consciousness had greater job satisfaction and lower turnover. Research design, data, and methodology - Hypotheses and models based on previous studies were used to investigate the effects of ethical management on employee job satisfaction and turnover intentions. To examine hypotheses empirically, a questionnaire survey based on previous studies was administered to service business workers in Seoul. Results - The study investigated the effects of ethical management practices in relation to factors such as top management's willingness to put them into practice, their appropriateness and implementation within operations, and their influence on job satisfaction, and also examined the effects of job satisfaction on turnover intentions. Conclusions - Ethical management greatly influences job satisfaction and turnover intentions, providing organizational members with alternatives regarding ethical considerations, and to place a strong emphasis on management willingness and enterprise regulations and policies.

The Let's Eat Healthy and Move at School program for adolescents in South Korea: Program design, implementation, and evaluation plan using intervention mapping

  • Park, Jiyoung;Hoor, Gill A. Ten;Baek, Seolhyang;Chung, Sochung;Kim, Yang-Hyun;Hwang, Gahui
    • Child Health Nursing Research
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    • v.27 no.3
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    • pp.225-242
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    • 2021
  • Purpose: This study aimed to systematically develop an obesity prevention program for adolescents to promote healthy eating and physical activity in schools. Methods: The development of the Let's Eat Healthy and Move at School program for adolescents followed the six steps of intervention mapping (IM). IM is a widely used protocol for developing systematic and effective interventions based on theories and evidence. Results: To better understand the problem and identify the needs of adolescents, interviews were conducted with teachers, school nurses, and students (step 1). In step 2, the desired behaviors and their determinants were established and combined into a matrix comprising 16 change objectives. In step 3, theoretical methods such as persuasive communication and consciousness-raising were chosen. The program was segmented into three educational activity sessions in step 4. In step 5, an implementation manual was developed for program instructors to ensure effective and accurate implementation. Finally, practices for evaluating the program's effectiveness and procedures were designed in step 6. Conclusion: The Let's Eat Healthy and Move at School program will provide adolescents with guidelines to promote healthy living and prevent obesity in everyday life using strategies for sustainable adolescent obesity prevention and management.