• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.1
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• pp.30-36
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• 2011

Background: Pneumonia is commonly seen in outpatient clinics. it is widely known as the most common cause of death from infectious disease. Pneumonia has been diagnosed by its typical symptoms, chest X-ray and blood tests. However, both chest X-rays and blood tests have limitations in diagnosis. Thus primary care clinicians usually have been constrained due to a lack of adequate diagnostic tools. Vibration response imaging (VRI) is a newly emerging diagnostic modality, and its procedure is non-invasive, radiation-free, and easy to handle. This study was designed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of the VRI test among pneumonia patients and to consider its correlation with other conventional tests such as Chest X-ray, laboratory tests and clinical symptoms. Methods: VRI was performed in 46 patients diagnosed with pneumonia in Konkuk University Medical Center. VRI was assessed in a private and quiet room twice: before and after the treatment. Sensors for VRI were placed on a patient's back at regular intervals; they detected pulmonary vibration energy produced when respiration occurred and presented as specific images. Any modifications either in chest X-ray, C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC) or body temperature were compared with changes in VRI image during a given time course. Results: VRI, chest X-ray and CRP scores were significantly improved after treatment. Correlation between VRI and other tests was not clearly indicated among all patients. But relatively severe pneumonia patients showed correlations between VRI and chest X-ray, as well as between VRI and CRP. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that VRI can be safely applied to patients with pneumonia.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.14 no.1_2
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• pp.146-153
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• 1992

In the outpatient clinic, we have many patients who suffer from temporomandibular joint disorders. These vary from MPD syndrome to osteoarthrosis, and many cases have tender spots or areas on the temporomandibular joint region and/or masticatory muscles. Further, they frequently have masticatory muscle pain when opening the jaw. This paper presents the results of our research on the differential diagnosis for tendernesses and pain on opening the jaw in the temporomandibular joint region and the masticatory muscles by joint cavity pumping with local anesthestic. The areas of tenderness and jae-opening paw in 65 patient suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder were examined and recorded before and after anesthetizing the upper joint cavity with 2% lidocaine. Maximum interincisal distance was similarly recorded. The results were as follows : In the area surrounding the upper joint cavity including the lateral pterygoid muscle, the tenderness and jaw-opening pain vanished almost entirely after anesthesia. This was considered a direct infiltrative effect of the local anesthesia. After the anesthesia, 86% of the tendernesses on the sternocleidomastoid muscles, and 66% of those on the posterior belly of the diagstric muscles vanished, while the disappearance rates on the masseter, temporal, and medial pterygoid muscles were 50~60%. Apart from the temporomandibular region, pain on opening the jaw was found on the masseter, temporal, posterior belly of the digastric muscles, and medial pterygoid muscles before anesthesia. The disappearance rates after anesthesia were 90~100% except for the pain of the posterior belly of the digastric muscles, for which the rate was 66%. These results suggest that more than 88% of the tendernesses on the sternocleidomastoid muscle, more than 60% of the tendernesses and jaw-opening pains on the digastric muscle, and more than half of the tendernesses and almost all of the jaw-opening pains in the jaw-closing muscles are referred pains from the temporomandibular joint. The tendernesses that had no change after anesthesia were considered to be derived from spasms of the muscles proper. Generally, maximum interincisal distance increased after anesthesia. The average distance was 34mm before anesthesia, but increased to 41mm after anesthesia. In a few cases, however little or no change was found in those distances. In these cases, pathological changes were found in the joint cavities arthrographically or arthroscopically.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.4
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• pp.358-367
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• 2017

Background: Bacterial pneumonia occurring after respiratory viral infection is common. However, the predominant bacterial species causing pneumonia secondary to respiratory viral infections other than influenza remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to know whether the pathogens causing post-viral bacterial pneumonia vary according to the type of respiratory virus. Methods: Study subjects were 5,298 patients, who underwent multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction for simultaneous detection of respiratory viruses, among who visited the emergency department or outpatient clinic with respiratory symptoms at Ulsan University Hospital between April 2013 and March 2016. The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 251 clinically significant bacteria were identified in 233 patients with post-viral bacterial pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most frequent bacterium in patients aged <16 years, regardless of the preceding virus type (p=0.630). In patients aged ${\geq}16years$, the isolated bacteria varied according to the preceding virus type. The major results were as follows (p<0.001): pneumonia in patients with influenza virus (type A/B), rhinovirus, and human metapneumovirus infections was caused by similar bacteria, and the findings indicated that Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia was very common in these patients. In contrast, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus infections were associated with pneumonia caused by gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: The pathogens causing post-viral bacterial pneumonia vary according to the type of preceding respiratory virus. This information could help in selecting empirical antibiotics in patients with post-viral pneumonia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.4
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• pp.377-384
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• 2017

Background: Proper education regarding inhaler usage and optimal management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is essential for effectively treating patients with COPD. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of a comprehensive education program including inhaler training and COPD management. Methods: We enlisted 127 patients with COPD on an outpatient basis at 43 private clinics in Korea. The patients were educated on inhaler usage and disease management for three visits across 2 weeks. Physicians and patients were administered a COPD assessment test (CAT) and questionnaires about the correct usage of inhalers and management of COPD before commencement of this program and after their third visit. Results: The outcomes of 127 COPD patients were analyzed. CAT scores ($19.6{\pm}12.5$ vs. $15.1{\pm}12.3$) improved significantly after this program (p<0.05). Patients with improved CAT scores of 4 points or more had a better understanding of COPD management and the correct technique for using inhalers than those who did not have improved CAT scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: A comprehensive education program including inhaler training and COPD management at a primary care setting improved CAT scores and led to patients' better understanding of COPD management.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.35-66
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• 2011

This study analyzed efficiency by utilizing DEA analytical technique centering on materials for 2009 of 20 major university hospitals in capital area. Input variables were utilized professor & full-time doctor, resident, nurse & number of bed hospitals. Output variables were analyzed by dividing number of annual outpatients & number of annual inpatients, and annually total outpatient profit & inpatient profit into a model of the standard for number of patients and the standard for medical profit. DEA analysis was elicited efficiency score by applying CCR, BCC, BFG, scale profit, and SE model. Through t-test after eliciting efficiency score, the implications were suggested by comparing efficiency between DMU in Seoul and DMU in capital area, by comparing between high-class general hospitals and general hospitals, and by comparing between high-class general hospitals in Seoul and 5 big hospitals. As a result of analysis, the major university hospitals in capital area showed high efficiency as a whole close to "1," but indicated low efficiency relatively in CCR field. Thus, the expansion in scale within capital area was indicated to reach the limit. Second, in a model of analyzing the standard for number of patients, the medical institutions, which are being operated efficiently, were indicated to be 10 DMUs. In the standard for medical profit, 12 DMUs were analyzed to be operated efficiently. Third, the efficiency in general hospital was higher than high-class general hospital. Thus, the efficiency of operation was indicated to be more important than scale. Also, large high-class hospitals(big 5) where are located in downtown Seoul showed the higher efficiency than other general high-class general hospitals, but were indicating very low efficiency in some DMUs. Fourth, as a result of generalizing and evaluating the number of patients and the medical profit, the efficient DMU was indicated to be more when analyzing on the basis of medical profit than the standard for number of patients. Thus, major university hospitals in capital area were indicated to make more effort for section in medical profit. Based on the analytical results of efficiency, a strategy for reinforcing efficiency in inefficient DMU was indicated to be needed a strategy of creating customers for promoting number of patients and a strategy for making operation efficient for increasing profitability.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.59 no.6
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• pp.270-277
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• 2015

There is a lack of evidence on the impact of pharmacist interventions in diabetes care in South Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pharmacist counseling on clinical and humanistic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. An uncontrolled before-and-after study was conducted at the outpatient diabetes clinic in a teaching hospital in Gyeongnam, South Korea between January 2 and November 30, 2014. A total of 37 patients were enrolled. During the study periods, the participants and pharmacists met every 2 weeks via follow-up telephone calls in addition to face-to-face meetings upon returning for care visit. At each meeting, a structured patient counseling was performed and the average duration of each meeting was 15~30 minutes. The participants were requested to record daily self-care activities. At the end of this study, patients' satisfaction on pharmacist care was evaluated using the questionnaire developed by us. Compared to baseline, significant reductions (mean${\pm}$standard deviation, p<0.05) in HbA1c were observed at each follow-up period: $-0.32{\pm}0.72%$ from baseline to 3 months; $-0.52{\pm}0.76%$ from baseline to 6 months; $-0.72{\pm}0.76%$ from baseline to 9 months. Over the same follow-up period, the proportions of patients achieving target HbA1c (defined as HbA1c<6.5%) were 3.1%, 10.3%, and 20%, respectively. The proportions of patients who never missed a dose during the same follow-up period were 43.8%, 31.0%, and 20.0%, respectively. The results from the patient satisfaction survey indicated that pharmacist counseling improved patients' knowledge about diabetes and possible drug interactions. Especially, the information on a healthy diet and lifestyle was the most satisfying. To conclude, follow-up telephone calls combined with face-to-face meetings improved clinical and humanistic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.40
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• pp.16.1-16.5
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• 2018

Background: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an oral potentially malignant disorder, characterized by multifocal expression, progressive clinical evolution, and a high rate of malignant transformation. Evidence-based information regarding optimal PVL management is lacking, due to the paucity of data. The present report describes a case of PVL associated with HPV-16 infection and epithelial dysplasia treated by diode laser surgery, and the outcome of disease clinical remission over a 2-year follow-up period. Case report: A 61-year-old Caucasian male with oral verrucous hyperkeratosis presented for diagnosis. The lesions were localized on the maxillary gingiva and palatal alveolar ridge. Multiple biopsy specimens have been taken by mapping the keratotic lesion area. Microscopic examination was compatible with a diagnosis of PVL with focal mild dysplasia, localized in the right maxillary gingiva. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done for human papillomavirus (HPV) detection which revealed presence of HPV DNA, and the genotype revealed HPV 16 in the sample. The PVL in the right gingival area was treated on an outpatient basis by excision with a diode laser. This approach resulted in good clinical response and decreased morbidity over a 2-year follow-up period. Conclusions: This case illustrates the benefit of a conservative approach by diode laser treatment than wide surgical excision for management of the PVL lesions associated with mild dysplasia and HPV-16 infection.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.794-805
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• 2017

Purpose: Interface pressure is a factor that contributes to the occurrence of pressure injuries. This study aimed to investigate interface pressure at common sites of pressure injury (occipital, gluteal and peritrochanteric areas), to explore the relationships among risk factors, skin condition and interface pressure, and to identify risk factors influencing interface pressure. Methods: A total of 100 patients admitted to the intensive care unit were enrolled at a tertiary teaching hospital in Korea. Interface pressure was recorded by a scanning aid device (PalmQ). Patient data regarding age, pulmonary disease, Braden Scale score, body mass index, serum albumin, hemoglobin, mean blood pressure, body temperature, and oxygen saturation were included as risk factors. Data collected from July to September 2016 were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Results: The mean interface pressure of the occipital, gluteal, and right and left peritrochanteric areas were 37.96 (${\pm}14.90$), 41.15 (${\pm}16.04$), 53.44(${\pm}24.67$), and 54.33 (${\pm}22.80$) mmHg, respectively. Predictive factors for pressure injuries in the occipital area were age ${\geq}70$ years (OR 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19~9.98), serum albumin deficit (OR 2.88, 95% CI: 1.00~8.26) and body temperature ${\geq}36.5^{\circ}C$ (OR 3.12, 95% CI: 1.17~8.17); age ${\geq}70$ years (OR 2.81, 95% CI: 1.10~7.15) in the right peritrochanteric area; and body temperature ${\geq}36.5^{\circ}C$ (OR 2.86, 95% CI: 1.17~6.98) in the left peritrochanteric area. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that old age, hypoalbuminemia, and high body temperature may be contributory factors to increasing interface pressure; therefore, careful assessment and nursing care of these patients are needed to prevent pressure injury. Further studies are needed to establish cutoff values of interface pressure for patients with pressure ulcers.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.346-353
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• 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of dental anomalies in outpatient clinics. Methods: The subjects of this study were 3,133 patients who visited the clinic between January 2009 and June 2011. The dental records and panoramic films of the patients and detection of supernumerary, missing, and impacted teeth, transposition, and peg lateralis were reviewed. The results were analyzed according to gender and types and locations of dental anomalies. Results: Among the patients, 362 had dental anomalies, with a prevalence rate of 11.55%. Congenital missing teeth (5.71%) ranked first in the categories, and impacted teeth (3.09%) ranked second. The percentage of patients having supernumerary teeth, peg lateralis, and dislocated teeth were 1.79%, 1.66%, and 0.45%, respectively. Conclusions: Congenital missing teeth and impacted teeth are, respectively, the first and second most common dental anomalies in Korean dental patients.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.17 no.12
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• pp.345-352
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• 2019

This study aims to analyze the factors affecting the length of stay in elderly pediatric inpatients in traffic accidents. We used Korean National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury data on the discharged from 2012 to 2016. Statistically significant factors affecting the length of stay are admission route, Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI), injury parts, operation, results, hospital area, and beds for hospitals. The length of stay was shorter in the case of the admission route of the outpatient department than the emergency room, the results were not improved or death rather than improved, and the bed size was 500-999 beds or over 1000 beds rather than 100-299 beds. However, the length of stay was longer in the case of CCI score was 1-2 or over 3 rather than 0, injury parts were other parts rather than head/neck, when the operation was yes, and when the hospital area was a province, metropolitan rather than Seoul. This study intends to understand the medical characteristics of inpatient to prevent pedestrian traffic accidents in accordance with the population aging. Based on this finding, we wish to be used as the basic data for the establishment of policies to effectively manage traffic safety and medical resources in consideration of the characteristics of the elderly people.