• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.8 no.6
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• pp.317-326
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• 2022

In this study, three health teachers assigned to J-do were analyzed through the FGI research method to find out the difficulties, resolution process, and implications of new health teachers in adapting to teaching during COVID-19. As a result of the study, first, there were difficulties in relationships with parents, especially in the course of numerous calls and daily school status reports in the course of handling infectious diseases. After getting used to the COVID-19 work to some extent, beginning health teachers were burdened with having to think about health room work alone, difficulties in health classes for various students, and the burden of showing expertise as the only medical personnel in emergency situations. Second, new health teachers continued to share and communicate related information through online health teacher groups and YouTube to solve the difficulties of teaching. Third, this teaching adaptation process suggests that specific training to provide practical help to new health teachers is needed at the education office level, and it is necessary to support infrastructure such as class contents related to health classes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7045-7056
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• 2013

Since the first report of RNA interference (RNAi) less than a decade ago, this type of molecular intervention has been introduced to repress gene expression in vitro and also for in vivo studies in mammals. Understanding the mechanisms of action of synthetic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) underlies use as therapeutic agents in the areas of cancer and viral infection. Recent studies have also promoted different theories about cell-specific targeting of siRNAs. Design and delivery strategies for successful treatment of human diseases are becomingmore established and relationships between miRNA and RNAi pathways have been revealed as virus-host cell interactions. Although both are well conserved in plants, invertebrates and mammals, there is also variabilityand a more complete understanding of differences will be needed for optimal application. RNA interference (RNAi) is rapid, cheap and selective in complex biological systems and has created new insight sin fields of cancer research, genetic disorders, virology and drug design. Our knowledge about the role of miRNAs and siRNAs pathways in virus-host cell interactions in virus infected cells is incomplete. There are different viral diseases but few antiviral drugs are available. For example, acyclovir for herpes viruses, alpha-interferon for hepatitis C and B viruses and anti-retroviral for HIV are accessible. Also cancer is obviously an important target for siRNA-based therapies, but the main problem in cancer therapy is targeting metastatic cells which spread from the original tumor. There are also other possible reservations and problems that might delay or even hinder siRNA-based therapies for the treatment of certain conditions; however, this remains the most promising approach for a wide range of diseases. Clearly, more studies must be done to allow efficient delivery and better understanding of unwanted side effects of siRNA-based therapies. In this review miRNA and RNAi biology, experimental design, anti-viral and anti-cancer effects are discussed.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.807-812
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• 2020

In order to prevent the national wide spread of the COVID-19 virus, the government enforces to use an electronic access registration system for public facilities to effectively track and manage the spread. Initially, there was a lot of hassle to write a directory, but recently a system for creating an electronic access list using QR codes, what is called KI-Pass, is mainly used. However, the procedure for generating a QR code is somewhat cumbersome. In this paper, we propose a new electronic access registration system that does not require QR code. This system effectively controls the suspicious visitor by using a mask wearing discriminator which has been implemented using deep learning technology, and a non-contact thermometer package. In addition, by linking the beacon, a short-range wireless communication technology, and the visitor's smartphone application, basic information of the facility visitor is automatically registered to KDCA through the server. On the other hand, the user access information registered in the server is encrypted and stored, and is automatically destroyed after up to 4 weeks. This system is expected to be very effective in preventing the spread of other new infectious diseases as well as responding to the coronavirus which is recording a high spread worldwide.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.65-73
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• 2021

This study aimed to provide the basic data for the development of a simulation training program for new infectious diseases by analyzing the knowledge and educational needs of 119 paramedics regarding COVID-19 infection control. Data was obtained through a structured questionnaire survey of 186 paramedics from November 15th to 30th 2020. The study showed that 98 of the 119 paramedic subjects (52.7%) had not been educated regarding COVID-19. The knowledge level was 18.21±1.98 out of 25 points, with environmental control securing the lowest correct answers. The highest need for education was in the areas of prevention of transmission and spread, and employee safety control. The total average for educational needs was 3.81±.28 (4 point scale) with the highest educational need in the area of prevention of the spread and dispersion of the disease and employee safety management. There was a statistically significant difference in the knowledge of the general characteristics according to gender (t=-1.999, p=.047) and the educational demand was related to career (t=-1.999, p=.047) and, education levels (t=2.336, p=.021). Accordingly, it is necessary to plan a new infectious disease simulation education program that addresses the low-scoring areas and items with high educational needs which include the propagation path and spread prevention, environmental management, and employee safety management as per the findings of this study.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.120-130
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• 2009

The objective of this study was to analyze and to improve therapeutic drug monitoring(TDM) service of vancomycin in a local hospital. Patients with TDM service between September 2005 and December 2008 were included and the data were collected for vancomycin use and components of TDM. During that period, 421 cases of TDM service of vancomycin in 236 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The first dosages of vancomycin were appropriate in 135(57.2%) patients and administration of vancomycin was discontinued in 126(53.4%) patients due to therapeutic failure or adverse drug reaction. MRSA was identified in 191(80.9%) patients and 135(70.7%) samples for the identification were sputum. According to the TDM reports, 232(55.1%) serum samples were obtained at the steady-state conditions and 55.5% of the samples that were drawn before the steady-state was due to the physician's inappropriate knowledge about the steady-state. Based on the time of vancomycin administration, 35.8% of the samples were not obtained at the recommended sampling time. For the patients in general wards, the most common reason for the incorrect samples was routine serum sampling by the laboratory medicine phlebotomists between 6 and 8 a.m. except sunday. In contrast, samples drawn by nurses or physicians at inappropriate time were the most common reason for the incorrect samples with patients in the intensive care units. Physicians accepted 68.5% of the recommendations for vancomycin dosage and administration. In conclusion, TDM service of vancomycin needs to be improved in inappropriate sampling time and vancomycin dosage. For solving these problems, current team made of TDM pharmacists and physicians of laboratory medicine can be expanded to include a physician of infectious diseases, nurses and laboratory medicine phlebotomists as new members. Through the TDM service of vancomycin by the new team, we can settle the problems and make the guideline for the scientific controversies associated with therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.391-396
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• 2018

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by E. granulosus is a serious helminthic zoonosis in humans, livestock and wildlife. Xinjiang is one of high endemic province for CE in China. A total of 55 sheep and cattle livers containing echinococcal cysts were collected from slaughterhouses in Changji and Yining City, northern region of Xinjiang. PCR was employed for cloning 2 gene fragments, 12S rRNA and CO1 for analysis of phylogenetic diversity of E. granulosus. The results showed that all the samples collected were identified as G1 genotype of E. granulosus. Interestingly, YL5 and CJ75 strains were the older branches compared to those strains from France, Argentina, Australia. CO1 gene fragment showed 20 new genotype haploids and 5 new genotype haplogroups (H1-H5) by the analysis of Network 5.0 software, and the YLY17 strain was identified as the most ancestral haplotype. The major haplotypes, such as CJ75 and YL5 strains, showed identical to the isolates from Middle East. The international and domestic trade of livestock might contribute to the dispersal of different haplotypes for E. granulosus evolution.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.244-254
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• 2021

The management of emerging infectious diseases cannot help but completely depend on non-pharmaceutical interventions in the early stages of the outbreak. Consequently, South Korea has developed and implemented the 3T (test-trace-treat) models, non-pharmaceutical infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The IPC measures have gained global attention, rendering them to be essential in the development of a shareable, reusable, and applicable protocol for future pandemics. This study was conducted to identify the requirements necessary for standardizing the IPC measures. Three new work items of the 18 3T models were proposed to ISO/TC 304 (International Organization for Standardization/Technical Committee 304; healthcare organization management). Requirements for each IPC measure, identified by participating members (P-members) countries during the ISO ballots, were analyzed in this study. The three new work items were approved by the P-members countries after a 3-month ballot. There was a consensus that the three IPC measure models should be International Standards (IS). Other comments include (1) the models should include not only COVID-19 but also any respiratory pandemic; and (2) keep donning of level D protection at screening sites as an optional protocol, in consideration for the lack of personal protective equipment. Standardization is a systematic process of developing internationally agreed-upon wisdom and knowledge that consider and respect the diversity and universality of each country. It is expected that such standardized applicable IPC measure models contribute to global efforts to rapidly respond to a public health emergency of international concern during its early stages.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.225-235
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• 2021

Purpose: Since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread around the world, non-face-to-face services have emerged as the new normal. The functioning of children with developmental disabilities and cerebral palsy improves when parents, therapists, and institutions cooperate. We aimed to investigate the difficult environment of pediatric physical therapy caused by COVID-19, and grasp parents' perceptions of home exercise programs. We intend to design home exercise programs for pediatric treatment in the future and create a non-face-to-face pediatric rehabilitation service system based on our findings. Methods: The first survey was conducted on 30 parents who had children with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. It was produced after consultation with relevant experts and discussion with the research team, based on a survey conducted in a previous study. The second survey was produced by revising and supplementing the opinions of parents who completed the first survey and consulting experts. Thereafter, an online survey was conducted on 118 parents who had children with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. Results: 61.01 % of the parents reported that they were anxious or afraid for their children to be treated for infectious diseases. 83.90 % of the parents reported that the role of parents had increased. 50.00 % of the parents complained of a lack of skill. 85.59 % of the parents reported that they needed a home exercise program provided by the organization. As a non-face-to-face exercise management method, 35.59 % of the parents wanted a real-time video recording electronically mailed to them, and 34.75 % wanted real-time education using video conferencing programs such as zoom. Conclusion: The threat of COVID-19 has further emphasized the importance of social cooperation and management, leading organizations to enter a new era of non-face-to-face rehabilitation services. It is necessary to collect and systematize related studies to reflect more diverse opinions and improve the perceptions of therapists and parents.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.730-739
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• 2022

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes severe infections and poses a global healthcare challenge. The utilization of novel molecules which confer synergistical effects to existing MRSA-directed antibiotics is one of the well-accepted strategies in lieu of de novo development of new antibiotics. Thymol is a key component of the essential oil of plants in the Thymus and Origanum genera. Despite the absence of antimicrobial potency, thymol is known to inhibit MRSA biofilm formation. However, the anti-MRSA activity of thymol analogs is not well characterized. Here, we assessed the antimicrobial activity of several thymol derivatives and found that 4-chloro-2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol (chlorothymol) has antimicrobial activity against MRSA and in addition it also prevents biofilm formation. Chlorothymol inhibited staphyloxanthin production, slowed MRSA motility, and altered bacterial cell density and size. This compound also showed a synergistic antimicrobial activity with oxacillin against highly resistant S. aureus clinical isolates and biofilms associated with these isolates. Our results demonstrate that chlorinated thymol derivatives should be considered as a new lead compound in anti-MRSA therapeutics.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.7-21
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• 2022

Purpose: As the pandemic period continues, various attempts are being made to new medical spaces in the medical society. Many hospitals, including existing general hospitals, have been effected by infected patients and are showing limitations in patient care capacity. Mobile-hospitals may be the starting point for the development of new environment in the medical society and healthcare facilities which are not replacing the role of existing hospitals. Mobile-hospitals can possibly respond to situations that require medical services and provide emergency care for various demands in connection with existing healthcare facilities. Methods: Through a total of five investigations/analysis, medical functions that can be inserted into mobile-hospitals based on modular architecture are set. The first is the analysis of domestic legal guidelines, the second is the analysis of previous studies, the analysis of emergency medical facilities and other medical spaces of hospitals to be compared, the fourth is the analysis of medical spaces of actual mobile hospital projects. Results: Through five analyses, medical functions applicable to the modular building platform were finally established. Mobile hospitals can be used not only in disaster sites such as infectious diseases, but also in medical underprivileged areas or general hospitals. Therefore, it is necessary to establish medical functions that meet the specificity of mobile hospitals along with the functions of existing fixed medical facilities. Furthermore, various studies such as use in international aid, use in normal times, and connection with other platform-based medical facilities are considered necessary. Implications: Through 5 strategies of analysis, 41 medical functions which can be applied to UNIT are decided and these functions will be placed where medical services will be required.