• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1367-1373
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• 2020

Objective: To assess diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) parameters of the hepatic parenchyma for the differentiation of biliary atresia (BA) from Alagille syndrome (ALGS). Materials and Methods: This study included 32 infants with BA and 12 infants with ALGS groups who had undergone DTI. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) of the liver were calculated twice by two separate readers and hepatic tissue was biopsied. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the mean values of the two groups. The optimum cut-off values for DTI differentiation of BA and ALGS were calculated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The mean hepatic MD of BA (1.56 ± 0.20 and 1.63 ± 0.2 × 10^-3 mm²/s) was significantly lower than that of ALGS (1.84 ± 0.04 and 1.79 ± 0.03 × 10^-3 mm²/s) for both readers (r = 0.8, p = 0.001). Hepatic MD values of 1.77 and 1.79 × 10^-3 mm²/s as a threshold for differentiating BA from ALGS showed accuracies of 82 and 79% and area under the curves (AUCs) of 0.90 and 0.91 for both readers, respectively. The mean hepatic FA of BA (0.34 ± 0.04 and 0.36 ± 0.04) was significantly higher (p = 0.01, 0.02) than that of ALGS (0.30 ± 0.06 and 0.31 ± 0.05) for both readers (r = 0.80, p = 0.001). FA values of 0.30 and 0.28 as a threshold for differentiating BA from ALGS showed accuracies of 75% and 82% and AUCs of 0.69 and 0.68 for both readers, respectively. Conclusion: Hepatic DTI parameters are promising quantitative imaging parameters for the detection of hepatic parenchymal changes in BA and ALGS and may be an additional noninvasive imaging tool for the differentiation of BA from ALGS.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.125-137
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• 2024

Background: The Korea Risk Information Surveillance System (K-RISS) was developed to enable the early detection of food and drug safety-related issues. Its goal is to deliver real-time risk indicators generated from ongoing food and drug risk monitoring. However, the existing K-RISS system suffers under several limitations. Objectives: This study aims to augment K-RISS with more detailed indicators and establish a severity standard that takes into account structural changes in the daily time series of K-RISS values. Methods: First, a Delphi survey was conducted to derive the required weights. Second, a control chart, commonly used in statistical process controls, was utilized to detect outliers and establish caution, attention, and serious levels for K-RISS values. Furthermore, Bai and Perron's method was employed to determine structural changes in K-RISS time series. Results: The study incorporated 'closeness to life' and 'sustainability' indicators into K-RISS. It obtained the necessary weights through a survey of experts for integrating variables, combining indicators by data source, and aggregating sub K-RISS values. We defined caution, attention, and serious levels for both average and maximum values of daily K-RISS. Furthermore, when structural changes were detected, leading to significant variations in daily K-RISS values according to different periods, the study systematically verified these changes and derived respective severity levels for each period. Conclusions: This study enhances the existing K-RISS system and introduces more advanced indicators. K-RISS is now more comprehensively equipped to serve as a risk warning index. The study has paved the way for an objective determination of whether the food safety risk index surpasses predefined thresholds through the application of severity levels.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 2024

Background: Particulate matter (PM) has been extensively observed due to its negative association with human health. Previous research revealed the possible negative effect of air pollutant exposure on oral health. However, the predictive model between air pollutant exposure and the prevalence of periodontitis has not been observed yet. Therefore, this study aims to propose a predictive model for the number of patients with periodontitis exposed to PM and atmospheric factors in South Korea using deep learning. Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort study utilizing secondary data from the Korean Statistical Information Service and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment database for air pollution and the number of patients with periodontitis, respectively. Data from 2015 to 2022 were collected and consolidated every month, organized by region. Following data matching and management, the deep neural networks (DNN) model was applied, and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) value was calculated to ensure the accuracy of the model. Results: As we evaluated the DNN model with MAPE, the multivariate model of air pollution including exposure to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and other atmospheric factors predict approximately 85% of the number of patients with periodontitis. The MAPE value ranged from 12.85 to 17.10 (mean±standard deviation=14.12±1.30), indicating a commendable level of accuracy. Conclusion: In this study, the predictive model for the number of patients with periodontitis is developed based on air pollution, including exposure to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and other atmospheric factors. Additionally, various relevant factors are incorporated into the developed predictive model to elucidate specific causal relationships. It is anticipated that future research will lead to the development of a more accurate model for predicting the number of patients with periodontitis.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.62-69
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• 2024

Purpose: To assess current practice in the treatment of osteoporosis in patients who underwent treatment for hip fracture in South Korea. Materials and Methods: A survey of 97 members of the Korean Hip Society, orthopedic hip surgeons who administer treatment for hip fractures in South Korea, was conducted. The survey was conducted for assessment of demographic data and perceptions regarding the management of osteoporosis in patients who have undergone treatment for hip fracture. Analysis of the data was performed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: The majority of participants were between the age of 41 and 50 years, and 74% were practicing in tertiary hospitals. Testing for serum vitamin D levels (82%) was the most commonly performed laboratory test. Calcium and vitamin D were prescribed for more than 80% of patients by 47% and 52% of participants, respectively. Denosumab was the most commonly used first-line treatment option for osteoporosis in hip fracture patients. Bisphosphonate was most often perceived as the cause of atypical femoral fractures, and the most appropriate time for reoperation was postoperative 12 months. Teriparatide was most preferred after cessation of bisphosphonate and only prescribing calcium and vitamin D was most common in high-risk patients for prevention of atypical femoral fracture. Conclusion: The results of this study that surveyed orthopedic hip surgeons showed that most participants followed the current strategy for management of osteoporosis. Because the end result of osteoporosis is a bone fracture, active involvement of orthopedic surgeons is important in treating this condition.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.201-211
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of trunk stabilization exercises using a Reformer on trunk control, balance ability, and gait function in chronic stroke patients. Methods: The participants were 24 chronic stroke patients, randomly divided into two groups: trunk stabilization exercise using the Reformer group (TS-R, n = 12) and general trunk stabilization exercise group (GT-E, n = 12). Assessment methods included the Trunk Impairment Scale for trunk control, the AMTI force platform for static balance, the Timed Up and Go test for dynamic balance, and the Dynamic Gait Index for gait function. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention. The intervention for the TS-R group consisted of bridging exercises using a Reformer, while the GT-E group performed bridging exercises on a mat. All interventions were performed for 17 minutes per session, five times a week, for a total of 20 sessions over four weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA to analyze the interaction between groups and time. Results: The results of the repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant interaction between the groups and time. The TS-R group showed statistically significant differences in all variables before and after the intervention. In contrast, the GT-E group did not show statistically significant differences in any variables before and after the intervention. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that trunk stabilization exercises using a reformer are effective in improving trunk control, balance ability, and gait function in chronic stroke patients.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.117-125
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• 2022

Background and Purpose: Medication adherence is essential for effective medical treatment. However, it is challenging for cognitively impaired patients. We investigated whether an automated telephone reminder service improves medication adherence and reduces the decline of cognitive function in isolated patients with cognitive impairment. Methods: This was a single-center, randomized clinical trial. We enrolled mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients who lived alone or with a cognitively impaired spouse. We provided an automated telephone reminder service for taking medication to the intervention group for 6 months. The control group was provided with general guidelines for taking the medication every month. The participants underwent neuropsychological assessment at the beginning and end of the study. Statistical significance was tested using nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests. Results: Thirty participants were allocated randomly to groups, and data for 29 participants were analyzed. The mean age was 79.6 (standard deviation, 6.0) years and 79.3% of the participants were female. There was no significant difference in medication adherence between the 2 groups. However, a subgroup analysis among participants with more than 70% response rates showed better medication adherence compared to the control group (intervention: 94.6%; control: 90.2%, p=0.0478). There was no significant difference in the change in cognitive function between the 2 groups. Conclusions: If a patient's compliance is good, telephone reminders might be effective in improving medication adherence. It is necessary to develop reminder tools that can improve compliance for cognitively impaired patients.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.62-73
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• 2022

An insufficient intake of magnesium may be associated with the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to determine the relationship between health related quality of life (QoL), anthropometric indices and nutritional status with dietary magnesium intake in COPD patients. Sixty-one COPD patients participated in this cross-sectional study. QoL and nutritional status were assessed. Furthermore, body composition, calf circumference, and muscle strength were measured; equations were used to calculate fat-free mass index, body mass index, and muscle mass value. Dietary magnesium intake was assessed by three 24-hours recalls and magnesium intake was categorized as ≤ 188.08 mg/day (A group) and > 188.08 mg/day (B group). The χ², independent-sample t-test and Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis. The p values less than 0.05 were considered significant. Of QoL assessments the total and impact mean scores of St. George's respiratory questionnaire in the B group were significantly lower than the means of the A group (p value = 0.007 and 0.005, respectively). The instrumental activity of daily living score was significantly improved in patients with higher consumption of dietary magnesium (p = 0.02). Participants had a significantly lower mean score of patient-generated subjective global assessment in the B group compared to the A group (p = 0.003). Higher intake of dietary magnesium can lead to improve QoL and nutrition status.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.263-279
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• 2024

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of nurse-led interventions on quality of life, medication adherence, anxiety, and depression in kidney transplant recipients. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Two researchers independently selected the final literature, and the quality assessment was performed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted using the statistical software RevMan 5.4 to estimate effect sizes. Results: Among the reviewed 2,264 papers, 8 final papers, including 6 from the literature search and 2 from manual searches, were included in the analysis. The total number of participants included in the analysis was 477. Nurse-led interventions were found to be effective in improving quality of life (d=1.05) and reducing anxiety (d=-0.98) and depression (d=-1.25). Due to the heterogeneity of the measurement tools, the effect size for medication adherence could not be calculated. Despite this, nurse-led interventions were shown to improve medication adherence. In the cases of anxiety and depression, longer intervention periods showed a more significant reduction trend. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that nurse-led interventions positively impact quality of life, medication adherence, anxiety, and depression in kidney transplant recipients. Therefore, it is important to recognize the crucial role of nurses and explore ways to provide continuous nursing interventions for kidney transplant recipients.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.179-188
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• 2024

Objectives: The safety of distributed masks has been widely investigated following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Although the unpleasant odor from masks is concerning, research on the toxicity of volatile organic compounds emitted from them is limited. Here, we aimed to quantify the VOCs emitted from masks and explore strategies for safe mask usage. Methods: The VOCs emitted from 15 masks in five categories were measured. Proton transfer reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometry (PTR-TOF-MS, IONICON, Austria), which can rapidly and sensitively detect complex mixtures, was conducted. The test chamber connected to the equipment was comprised of uninterrupted acrylic and glass. PTR-TOF-MS data were analyzed using Tofware (PTR-MS Viewer 3.3, IONICON, Austria). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS ver. 20 to determine the highest, lowest, and average concentrations of the VOCs (IBM SPSS Inc., USA). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare the VOCs emitted from different masks. Results: A total of 25 VOCs were detected among the 15 masks. The peak concentrations of formaldehyde, acrolein, isoprene, and benzene were higher than the exposure standards (Ceiling). The average concentrations of these compounds differed significantly among the mask samples (p < 0.05). The VOC concentration decreased gradually after approximately one hour. Conclusions: Higher concentrations of VOCs were emitted from healthy, printed, and surgical masks compared to industrial masks. Further research is required to determine the factors affecting VOCs, such as mask material, temperature, and humidity. For safety, masks must be ventilated for at least an hour before usage.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.10
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• pp.4141-4148
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• 2024

The study focused on syenogranite and its altered variety, and specifically monitored the activities of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K using NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectroscopy. Syenogranites in the study area in Egypt were investigated to determine their potential use in industries such as ornamental stones and ceramics. The main outcrops in the study area consist of metasediments, metavolcanics, metagabbro, syn-to late-orogenic granites, and post-orogenic granites (syenogranites). There are also numerous dikes and veins of various shapes and compositions that have intruded and penetrated all the older rocks in the area. The mean activity (± standard deviation, SD) of these radioelements in the granites is ²²⁶Ra (63 ± 71 Bq kg^-1), ²³²Th (76 ± 170 Bq kg^-1), and ⁴⁰K (1248 ± 532 Bq kg^-1) were found to be greater than the world average. The radiological hazards are mostly attributed to the γ-rays emitted by granitic rocks. The granites studied in this study deviate from international standards mainly due to the presence of minerals containing radioelements such as zircon, allanite, monazite, sphene titanite, apatite, thorite, samarskite, fergusonite, xenotime, columbite, apatite and fluorite. As a result, granitic rocks are unsuitable for home building.