• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.699-703
• /
• 2015

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most widespread zoonotic helminthiases, which can last an asymptomatic infection for several years. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate serum antibody prevalence of CE among asymptomatic people in Uzbekistan using ELISA. A total of 2,547 serum samples were collected, 66 from confirmed CE patients and 2,481 of patients with other diseases than CE at a hospital in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The serum samples were screened for CE specific IgG antibodies by ELISA using cystic fluid antigen obtained from sheep. The serum antibody positive rate was 89.4% (59/66) in CE and 3.6% (89/2,481) in other disease patients. The present ELISA recognized 89.4% sensitivity and 96.4% specificity. The ELISA absorbance of positive samples was distributed 0.271-0.971 for CE and 0.273-0.887 for other disease patients. The other disease patients with high absorbance over 0.3 were 50 (2.0%) who were presumed to be active CE patients. The patients in their 40s showed the highest positive rate of 5.2% (P=0.181), and women were 4.4% while men were 3.1% positive (P=0.136). The data confirmed that there are many asymptomatic patients of CE in Tashkent. It is indicated that CE is an endemic disease of public health importance in Uzbekistan.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.423-432
• /
• 2014

Purpose: This study was done to evaluate effectiveness of deep breathing exercise as a postoperative intervention to prevent pulmonary complications. Methods: A search of databases from 1990 to 2012 was done including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and eight Korean databases. Ten studies met eligibility criteria. Researchers trained in systematic review, independently assessed the methodological quality of selected studies using the Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Data were analyzed using RevMan 5.2 program. Results: Among ten RCTs in four studies, deep breathing exercise was compared with an instrument using interventions such as incentive spirometry, in the other four studies deep breathing exercise was compared with non-intervention, and in last two studies bundles of interventions including coughing and early ambulation were assessed. A significant difference was found between deep breathing exercise group and non-intervention group. The odds ratio (OR) of occurrence of pulmonary complications for deep breathing exercise versus non-intervention was 0.30. However, there was no significant difference between deep breathing exercise group and incentive spirometry group (OR=1.22). Conclusion: Deep breathing exercise is vital to improving cost-effectiveness and efficiency of patient care in preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. For evidence-based nursing, standardized guidelines for deep breathing in postoperative care should be further studied.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.1-17
• /
• 1999

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) known as 20th century's pest is spreading rapidly internationally, and the number of patients are increasing. Since the prevention vaccine has not been developed yet, the only available effective method for preventing AIDS is the health education. Most of the AIDS-infected persons are males, and especially over twenties of age. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the knowledge and attitudes on AIDS of male workers. The purpose of this study is to examine the knowledge, attitudes and education-needs of male workers on AIDS. The data were collected by a questionnaire survey of 977 workers who work in Seoul and Kyungki areas from September 1 thru October 4, 1997. The results were as follows: 1. We examined the level of knowledge on AIDS transmission, symptoms, diagnoses, and prevention methods. Even though respondents had a moderate level of AIDS-related knowledge, still sizable numbers believed that AIDS could be transmitted through casual contact. White-collar workers, higher education groups, higher income groups or those with age thirties showed respectively higher level of knowledge than the other comparison groups. 2. 85％ of the respondents recognized AIDS as a serious problem. Statistical analysis revealed that white-collar workers, higher education groups or those with age twenties had more positive attitudes towards a AIDS patient than their counterparts. 3. Over 80％ of the respondents replied that AIDS education in schools, work places, social agencies or by mass-media was necessary. 62.8％ of the respondents mentioned that government should play the major role in developing AIDS education program. 4. The prediction model of AIDS-education needs was examined with using the multiple logistic regression method. The education level and AIDS-related knowledge were turned to be statistically significant factors influencing positively the perceived needs of AIDS education.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.107-113
• /
• 2018

Background: The purpose of our study was to compare the dosimetric advantages of Flattening filter free (FFF) beams for trigeminal neuralgia patients using 4 mm conical collimators over previously treated patients with 6 MV SRS beam. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted for 5 TN patients who had been previously treated at our institution using frame-based, LINAC-based stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) on Novalis Tx using 6 MV SRS beam were replanned on 6X FFF beams on Edge Linear accelerator with same beam angles and dose constraints using 4 mm conical collimator. The total number of monitor units along with the beam on time was compared for both Edge and Novalis Tx by redelivering the plans in QA mode of LINAC to compare the delivery efficiency. Plan quality was evaluated by homogeneity index (HI) and Paddick gradient index (GI) for each plan. We also analyzed the doses to brainstem and organ at risks (OARs). Results and Discussion: A 28% beam-on time reduction was achieved using 6X FFF when compared with 6X SRS beam of Novalis Tx. A sharp dose fall off with gradient index value of $3.4{\pm}0.27$ for 4 mm Varian conical collimator while $4.17{\pm}0.20$ with BrainLab cone. Among the 5 patients treated with a 4 mm cone, average maximum brainstem dose was 10.24 Gy for Edge using 6X FFF and 14.28 Gy for Novalis Tx using 6X SRS beam. Conclusion: The use of FFF beams improves delivery efficiency and conical collimator reduces dose to OAR's for TN radiosurgery. Further investigation is warranted with larger sample patient data.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.278-285
• /
• 2000

Nausea, vomiting and retching are universal symptoms that affect individuals' state of health and self-care activities of individuals. Accurate measurements of individual symptoms are required to gather more definitive data, and enhance understanding, planning, and implementation of self-care actions. Recently the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching(INVR), a new format of the INV-2(the Rhodes Index of Nausea and Vomiting), was developed to measure the symptoms of nausea, vomiting and retching in an English speaking population. To determine the reliability and validity of the INVR, and the possibility of using the instrument in Korea, the Korean translation of the INVR and the INV-2 were administered to a convenient sample of 105 patients at two University Hospitals in Kwangju, Korea. The Cronbach's alpha to estimate the internal consistency of reliability for INVR was 0.844. Equivalent measures of reliability were conducted to determine the percentage of agreement and the Spearman rank correlation coefficients for responses on the two instruments. The percent agreement was 83% and the correlation coefficient was 0.906 over all. A significant differences between the INVR scores of the patients with and without nausea, vomiting, or retching were seen, which indicated a construct validity. The INVR was found to be more user friendly for the patient and the healthcare providers. As a result, it is suggested that the INVR can provide a scientific base for measuring the symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and retching for nurses to improve patients' care and quality of life.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.12
• /
• pp.4853-4858
• /
• 2015

Background: Colorectal cancer is the most common gastrointestinal cancer in Oman with an increasing incidence. We here report the presenting features, treatment outcomes and survival in a University hospital in Oman and compare our data with regional and international studies. Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients with colorectal cancer were reviewed retrospectively between June 2000 and December 2013 and were followed until June 2014. Results: A total of 162 patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The majority were males (58.6%), with a median age of 56 years. Rectum was involved in 29.6% of patients, followed by ascending and sigmoid colon. The majority of patients had stage III (42.6%) and stage IV (32.7%) disease at presentation. K-Ras status was checked for 79 patients, and 41 (51.9%) featured the wild type. Median relapse free survival was 22 months. Median overall survival for all patients was 43 months. Observed 5 year overall survival (OS) for stages I, II and III was 100%, 60% and 60% respectively. On Log rank univariate analysis, age, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, metformin use, stage, clinical nodal status for rectal cancer, pathological T and nodal status, site of metastasis, surgical intervention, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy regimen, no of cycles of chemotherapy, response, RFS, site of recurrence and administration of $2^{nd}$ line chemotherapy were significant factors affecting OS. On Cox regression multivariate analysis none of the factors independently affected the OS. Conclusions: The majority of patients present with advanced disease and at young age. The survival rates are comparable to the published regional and international literature.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.12
• /
• pp.5031-5036
• /
• 2015

Background: Adrenal tumors are relatively uncommon, and have different presentations, so we decided to evaluate the clinico-pathological characteristics of benign and malignant tumors in a ten-year period. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional-analytical study was conducted on adrenal resection samples taken during 2004-2014 in three hospitals in Yazd province. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 17. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used as appropriate Results: A total of 71 patients with adrenal tumors were analyzed, including 32 (45.1%) men and 39 (54.9%) women with an overall mean age $37.7{\pm}19.9$ (range: 6-75 years). Some 50.7% of lesions were benign and 49.3% were malignant. Neuroblastoma was the most malignant lesion (32.3%) followed by adrenocortical carcinoma (8.4%). Among the benign lesions pheochromocytoma was the most common (25.3%) followed by adrenocortical adenoma (12.6%). While 64% of tumors were functional 36% were non functional. Significant correlation was seen between the age of patient and type of tumor (P=0.001). In patients between 14-40 years old no malignant lesions was found, although under 14 years old all of the tumors were malignant. Malignant lesions mostly presented with abdominal pain, abdominal mass and anorexia (57.2%, 45.7% and 45.7%) respectively. Benign lesions mostly presented with paroxysmal hypertension, headache and abdominal pain (61.2%, 47.2% and 44.4%) respectively. Conclusions: Since the trend of adrenal tumors is on the rise based on this and other studies, suspected cases should undergo prompt hormonal and radiological assessment. Early diagnosis and treatment could prevent tumor progression and reduce mortality and morbidity rates.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.13
• /
• pp.5283-5286
• /
• 2014

Stage of cervical cancer may adversely affect the quality of life (QOL) among patients. The objective of this study was to predict the QOL among cervical cancer patients by the stage of their cancer. A cross-sectional study from September 2012 until January 2013 was conducted among cervical cancer patients who completed treatment. All patients completed a interviewer-guided questionnaire comprising four sections: (A) socio-demographic data, (B) medical history, (C) QOL measured by general health status questionnaire (QLQ-30) and (D) cervical cancer specific module CX-24 (EORTC) was used to measured patient's functional, symptom scale and their global health status. Results showed that global health status, emotional functioning and pain score were higher in stage III cervical cancer patients while role functioning was higher in stage I cervical cancer patients. Patients with stage IV cancer have a lower mean score in global health status (adjusted b-22.0, 95 CI% -35.6, -8.49) and emotional functioning (adjusted b -22.5, 95CI% -38.1, -6.69) while stage III had lower mean score in role functioning (adjusted b -14.3, 95CI% -25.4, -3.21) but higher mean score in pain (adjusted b 22.1, 95 CI% 8.56, 35.7). In conclusion, stage III and IV cervical cancers mainly affect the QOL of cervical cancer patients. Focus should be given to these subgroups to help in improving the QOL.

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.51-64
• /
• 2013

Purpose: This study was to analyze adherence to self-care behaviors and identify factors affecting the adherence behaviors among inpatients with heart failure. Methods: A total 94 hospitalized inpatients from three hospitals participated in a survey. Data were collected using structured self-reported questionnaire from November 28, 2011 to March 31, 2013 and analyzed using frequency, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The score of adherence to self-care behaviors among inpatients with heart failure was $26.02({\pm}8.84)$. Factors related to the adherence to self-care behaviors were living with spouse (t=-2.47, p=.019), functional state (t=2.18, p=.034), heart failure knowledge (r=-.49, p<.001), social support (r=-.35, p<.001), self-control (r=-.25, p=.016), and self-care confidence (r=-.24, p=.019). The factors affecting adherence to self-care behaviors were heart failure knowledge, self-care confidence, and social support. These factors explained 32% of the variance in adherence to self-care behaviors. Conclusion: The adherence to self-care behaviors with heart failure can be improved if heart failure knowledge, self-care confidence, and social support are improved. Therefore, developing a nursing intervention program for patient with heart failure that is considered these factors leads to improve quality of life and prevent readmission.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
• /
• v.13 no.2
• /
• pp.233-246
• /
• 2001

Spiritual health is an important indicator in the quality of life of patients with cancer. The purpose of this study was to validate a Spiritual Health Inventory (SHI) for patients with cancer developed by Highfield (1989). The SHI was translated into Korean, back-translated into English. The study sample was 96 patients with cancer. The data were collected from September, 1999 to February, 2000 for 6 months. Statistic analysis was done with the SPSS PC+ (Version 10.0) program: descriptive statistics, factor analysis, Pearson correlation coefficient, and one-way ANOVA. The results are as follows : 1. The reliability score was examined using Cronbach's ${\alpha}$ and found to be .79. 2. Construct validity was examined using factor analysis. Four factors were identified and named : (1) Peace of mind (19.1% of variance), (2) Hope (9.7%), (3) Self-esteem (6.4%), (4) Trust (6.0%). The total of 41.2 percent of the variance. 3. The Pearson correlation coefficient score of 4 factors was between r = .24~ .42. 4. SHI was identified as multidimension, that is (1) The relationship with GOD, as absolute being, (2) the relationship with others, (3) the relationship within oneself. 5. There were differences in response in items especially related to GOD. The following recommendations can be made on the above findings : 1. Replicate with a minimum sample of 150 and test for concurrent validity. 2. Since spirituality is a dynamic concept, longitudinal study is also necessary. 3. Concept analysis using a qualitative study based on religious preference is recommended. 4. The items such as 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 indicated conceptual ambiguity for Korean populations and further study is needed on item deletion or new items.