• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.45-54
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• 2022

Purpose: The study aims to identify the theme list and priority criteria of patient safety theme reports in South Korea. Methods: The survey was conducted twice, and the importance of each criterion and theme was measured on a nine-point scale using the Delphi technique by a panel of 19 patient safety experts. The criteria included severity, universality, preventability, and organizational-social impact. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, median, and interval quartile range were used to analyze the data. Results: The parameters were assigned a weighted average of 35% for severity, 20% for universality, 30% for preventability, and 15% for organizational-social impact, respectively. The final top three rankings were surgery safety, blood transfusion safety, and medication safety. In addition to expert opinion, for the theme that is selected based on the priority ranking, one to five sub-topics can be derived from the theme based on the priority ranking, societal demands, or the yearly priority list of patient safety incidents. Conclusion: It is recommended that the official patient safety center distribute the report in the form of a summary that can be utilized nationwide at medical institutions, government institutions, and other places. Updates, as well as accumulated theme reports, will serve as the baseline data for the proposal of the system and for the policy designed to implement and improve institutions' safety practices as a standard of domestic patient safety practice guidelines.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.157-168
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• 1995

This study was carried out, through analyzing the annual reports(year of 1973-1993) on health status of Su Dong-Myun, and specific survey data of 332 households(Su Dong-Myun 209, Byul Nae-Myun 123), located in Nam Yang Ju-Si, Kyung Gi-Do, from July 20 to July 31, 1995, to find out more effective means for primary medical care in a rural area. The results were as fellows : 1. Number of population in Su Dong-Myun was 5,419 in 1973, 4,591(the lowest) in 1987 and 5,707 in 1995. In the composition rate of population, "0-14" of age group showed markedly decreasing tendency from 43.1% in 1975, to 19.1% in 1995, however "65 and over" markedly in creasing tendency form 5.3% in 1975 to 9.8% in 1995. 2. Annual utilization rate per 1,000 inhabitants in Su Dong-Myun showed markedly increasing tendency from 1973 to 1977 such as 343 in 1973, 540 in 1975, 900 in 1977. However, since 1979, the rate showed rapidly decreasing tendency, such as 846 in 1979, 519 in 1985, 190 in 1991 and 1993. 3. The morbid household rate per year was 53.6% of respondents and the rate per 15 days was 48.2%. In disease classification rate of morbid household per year, Arthralgia & Neuralgia was the highest rate(33.9%) and gastro-intestinal disorder(19.3%), Cough(11,9%), Hypertension(7.8%), Accident(3.2%) in next order. 4. In the utilizing facilities for Primary Medical Care, Medical facilities was showed the highest rate(58.1% of respondents) and Pharmacy and Drug Shp(33.1%), Tradition Method(4.0%) in next order. In the Medical facilities, General private clinic was showed the highest rate(34.3%) and specific private Clinic(22.3%), Hospital(19.0%), Health (Sub)center(16.3%), Nurse practitioner (3.3%), Oriental hospital and clinic(2.7%) in next order. 5. Experience rate, utilizing health subcenter was 51.8% of the respondents, and it was 55.0% in Su Dong-Myun and 46.3% in Byul Nae-Myun. In utilization times of health subcenter, times-rate showed next orders such as 1-2 times/6months(31.6%), 1-2 times/year (22.1%), 1-2 times/months(19.2%), 1-2 times/3months(15.6%). 6. In objectives, visiting Health Subcenter, Medical Care was the highest rate(59.8% of the respondents) and health control(23.3%) was in next order. In Medical Care, Primary Care by general physician was higher rate(51.1%) almost all. In the Health control, Immunization too was high rate(18.0%) in health control activities. 7. The reasons rate, utilizing health subcenter showed next order, such as distance to Medical facilities(33.0% of the respondents), Medical Cost(28.1%), Simple process of consultation (10.8%), Effectiveness of cure(7.6%), Function of primary medical care(7.0%) and Attitude of physician(6.5%). 8. In the affecting factors to utilization of primary medical facilities, medical needs was showed the highest rate(29.5% of the respondents) and medical cost(15.4%), distance to medical facilities(14.2%), traffic vehicle(14.2%) and farm work(6.9%) in next order. 9. In the priority between 'daily farm work,' and 'primary medical care', only 46.4% of respondents answered that primary health care is more important than the daily farm work The 22.6% of respondents answered 'daily farm work', and the 12.3% answered 'the equal of the both'. 10. In the criterion of medical facilities choice, medical knowledge and technical quality was showed the highest rate(56.3%), distance or time to medical facilities(10.9%), sincerity and kindness of physician(9.4%), medical cost(8.7%) and traffic vehicle(6.5%) in next order 11. In the advise for improvement of health subcenter function, the 36.1% of respondents answered that 'enforcement of medical personnel and equipment' was required, and then 'improved medical technology'(25.5%), 'good attitude of physician'(14.9%), 'improved medical system'(13.3%), 'enforced drug'(6.7%) in next order. 12. The study on affecting factors to utilization of primary medical facilities was very difficult subject to systematize the analyzed results, due to a prejudice of protocol planner, surveyer and respondent, and variety and overlapping of subject matter.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.270-277
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• 2007

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) which is the most serious threat to cultured shrimp around the world has given enormous economic damages to shrimp culture industry every year since it was found from the shrimp ponds in the west coast of the South Korea in 1993. WSSV has strong infectivity as well as virulence and it can be rapidly transmitted among shrimps in ponds by cannibalism of infected ones. Polyculture of shrimps with carnivorous fish has been applied in commercial shrimp farms to suppress or delay the viral outbreak because the fish may selectively eat the moribund shrimps infected by virus. To determine the selective predatory effect of a carnivorous fish, river puffer Takifugu obscurus on white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, polyculture trials in laboratory scale of WSSV-infected and non-infected shrimps with river puffer were conducted in concrete round tanks of $28.26\;m^2$ in surface area as followings: 1) juvenile shrimps (B. W. 0.62 g) with 5 months old puffer (B. W. 11.60 g) cultured for 8 days, and 2) sub-adult shrimps (B. W. 6.84 g) with 16 months old puffer (B. W. 85.82 g) cultured for 5 days in order to know the effects according to size difference of cultured animals. In polyculture of juvenile shrimp with 5 months old puffer, survival rates of infected and non-infected shrimps were 46.0% and 89.1% respectively and in that of sub-adult shrimp with 16 months old puffer those were4% and 48% respectively. The results showed that puffer tends to selectively prey on virus infected shrimps among infected and non-infected ones in a limited space with although there is difference in predatory rate with age and density of animals. Regardless of different densities and ages of animals as well as health condition of shrimps, however, there were low differences in daily biomass of shrimp consumed per kg body weight of puffer. This finding suggests that puffer preys on healthy shrimps when moribund shrimps were not sufficient. Therefore, farmers should consider the total biomass of puffer as well as density and stocking time when they stock puffer into shrimp ponds for polyculture.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.603-610
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• 2019

This pilot study investigated the effects of a portable computerized cognitive training system on the visual-perceptual function of stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment. Subjects were twelve stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment, who were assigned to an experimental group (n=6) or a control group (n=6). All subjects were trained in their respective groups for 30 min/day, five times a week, for four weeks. In each session, the experimental group received a portable computerized cognitive training program, and the control group received conventional cognitive training. The Motor-Free Visual Perception-3 (MVPT-3) was used to measure subjects' visual-perceptual ability. The MVPT-3 total scores for both groups significantly improved after the intervention (p<.05). The total score on the MVPT-3 and the score on the visual short-term memory subcategory of the MVPT-3 significantly improved for the experimental group compared to the control group (p<.05). These findings suggest that the portable computerized cognitive training system might be effective to improve the visual-perceptual function of stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.267-276
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• 2018

Objective : The beneficial effect of hypothermia after hemicraniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction has been controversial. We aim to investigate the safety and clinical efficacy of hypothermia after hemicraniectomy in malignant MCA infarction. Methods : From October 2012 to February 2016, 20 patients underwent hypothermia (Blanketrol III, Cincinnati Sub-Zero, Cincinnati, OH, USA) at $34^{\circ}C$ after hemicraniectomy in malignant MCA infarction (hypothermia group). The indication of hypothermia included acute cerebral infarction >2/3 of MCA territory and a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score <11 with a midline shift >10 mm or transtentorial herniation sign (a fixed and dilated pupil). We retrospectively collected 27 patients, as the control group, who had undergone hemicraniectomy alone and simultaneously met the inclusion criteria of hypothermia between January 2010 and September 2012, before hypothermia was implemented as a treatment strategy in Dong-A University Hospital. We compared the mortality rate between the two groups and investigated hypothermia-related complications, such as postoperative bleeding, pneumonia, sepsis and arrhythmia. Results : The age, preoperative infarct volume, GCS score, National institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and degree of midline shift were not significantly different between the two groups. Of the 20 patients in the hypothermia group, 11 patients were induced with hypothermia immediately after hemicraniectomy and hypothermia was initiated in 9 patients after the decision of hypothermia during postoperative care. The duration of hypothermia was $4{\pm}2days$ (range, 1 to 7 days). The side effects of hypothermia included two patients with arrhythmia, one with sepsis, one with pneumonia, and one with hypotension. Three cases of hypothermia were discontinued due to these side effects (one sepsis, one hypotension, and one bradycardia). The mortality rate of the hypothermia group was 15.0% and that of the control group was 40.7% (p=0.056). On the basis of the logistic regression analysis, hypothermia was considered to contribute to the decrease in mortality rate (odds ratio, 6.21; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 37.05; p=0.045). Conclusion : This study suggests that hypothermia after hemicraniectomy is a viable option when the progression of patients with malignant MCA infarction indicate poor prognosis.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.311-316
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• 2008

In this study, we have investigated the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the external and internal structure of human hair. For changes in morphological and chemical structure of UV-exposed hair, we utilized several microscopic techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), and etc. The SEM showed the scales of UV-exposed hair appeared to be rough and bulkier because of chemical oxidation during UV irradiation. Small bulgy area of UV_exposed hair surface was appeared as a result of the decomposition in cysteic acid. In the TEM picture the UV-exposed hair showed the cleaved aperture of hair and destruction of melanin granules. Three dimensional topographical images were obtained by using CLSM. In the optical single section, high fluorescent intensity appeared in virgin hair. In the case of UV-exposed hair, low fluorescence intensity appeared. This means the aromatic amino acids in virgin hair were more abundant than UV-exposed hair.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6039-6046
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• 2015

Aims: To investigate effect of metallic nanoparticles, silver (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as antitumor treatment in vitro against human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and their associated mechanisms. This could provide new class of engineered nanoparticles with desired physicochemical properties and may present newer approaches for therapeutic modalities to breast cancer in women. Materials and Methods: A human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was used as a model of cells. Metallic nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectra and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cytotoxic effects of metallic nanoparticles on MCF-7 cells were followed by colorimetric SRB cell viability assays, microscopy, and cellular uptake. Nature of cell death was further investigated by DNA analysis and flow cytometry. Results: Treatment of MCF-7 with different concentrations of 5-10nm diameter of AgNPs inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 value of $6.28{\mu}M$, whereas treatment of MCF-7 with different concentrations of 13-15nm diameter of AuNPs inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 value of $14.48{\mu}M$. Treatment of cells with a IC50 concentration of AgNPs generated progressive accumulation of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle and prevented entry into the M phase. The treatment of cells with IC50 concentrations of AuNPs similarly generated progressive accumulation of cells in sub-G1 and S phase, and inhibited the entrance of cells into the M phase of the cell cycle. DNA fragmentation, as demonstrated by electrophoresis, indicated induction of apoptosis. Conclusions: Our engineered silver nanoparticles effectively inhibit the proliferation of human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 in vitro at high concentration ($1000{\mu}M$) through apoptotic mechanisms, and may be a beneficial agent against human carcinoma but further detailed study is still needed.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.714-718
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• 2009

Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants and play many important roles in human health. Grape leaves have not yet been reported to contain the antioxidants. In this study, the physicochemical properties of powders from young grape leaves, obtained after hot-air or vacuum freeze drying, were analyzed. Weight loss rangedfrom 76-80%, but no difference was found between samples prepared by hot-air orvacuum freeze drying. The L-, a-, and b- values of grape powder all fell upon hot-air drying. Quercetin, resveratrol, catechin, and epicatechin were detected in all cultivars. The contents of the four polyphenols were generally higher in powders obtained by vacuum freeze dryingthan in those prepared by hot-air drying, indicating that vacuum freeze drying is better for optimal preservation of polyphenols. None of three polyphenols assayed was found in some cultivars or after certain drying treatments. Based on physiochemical properties, our findings suggest that powders obtained after vacuum freeze drying are optimal for industrial use.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.12-15
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• 2016

Purpose: Firefighters are vulnerable to burn injury during firefighting. In extensive fires, conducted heat and radiant heat can cause burn injury even though firefighters are not directly exposed to fire. There has been increasing interest in the health problems of firefighters considerably since Hongje-dong fire of 2001, which claimed the lives of six fireman. However, there have been no studies done on the characteristics of firefighter burn injuries in South Korea. Therefore, we investigated the characteristics of firefighter burn injuries in a burn center. Methods: A retrospective, single-center research was performed between Jan 2006 to Dec 2015. 24 firefighters came to the burn center. The electronic medical records of patients were reviewed. Results: Flame burns (87.5%) were the major cause of burn in firefighter. All the patients suffered second-degree or third-degree burns. Mean burn size was 6.1±6.7%. 22 of 24 patients were hospitalized and 2 of 22 hospitalized patients admitted to intensive care unit. Mean length of hospitalization was 29.1±23.7 days and mean length of intensive care unit hospitalization was 6.0±1.4 days. The face was the site most commonly burned, representing 25.8% of injuries. The hand/wrist, upper extremity, and neck were the next largest groups, with 19.4, 12.9, 11.3% of the injuries, respectively. Conclusion: Firefighter burn injuries occur to predictable anatomic sites with common injury patterns. The burn size was small but, admitted patients need about 30 days of hospitalization.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.222-228
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• 2008

Purpose: Various treatment techniques have been attempted for the radiotherapy of anal cancer because of acute side effects such as perineal skin reactions. This study was performed to investigate an optimal radiotherapy technique in anal cancer. Materials and Methods: The study subjects included 35 patients who underwent definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for anal cancer in Yonsei Cancer Center between 1990 and 2007. The patients' clinical data, including irradiation technique, were reviewed retrospectively. The primary lesion, regional lymph nodes, and both inguinal lymph nodes were irradiated by $41.4{\sim}45\;Gy$ with a conventional schedule, followed by a boost does to the primary lesion or metastatic lymph nodes. The radiotherapy technique was classified into four categories according to the irradiation field and number of portals. In turn, acute skin reactions associated with the treatment interruption period were investigated according to each of the four techniques. Results: 28 patients (80.0%) had grade 2 radiation dermatitis or greater, whereas 10 patients (28.6%) had grade 3 radiation dermatitis or greater during radiotherapy. Radiation dermatitis and the treatment interruption period were relatively lower in patients belonging to the posterior-right-left 3 x-ray field with inguinal electron boost and in patients belonging to electron thunderbird techniques. The interruption periods were $8.2{\pm}10.2$ and $5.7{\pm}7.7$ for the two technique groups, respectively. Twenty-seven patients (77.1%) went into complete remission at 1 month after radiotherapy and the overall 5 year survival rates were 67.7%. Conclusion: Field size and beam arrangement can affect patients' compliance in anal cancer radiotherapy, whereas a small x-ray field for the perineum seems to be helpful by decreasing severe radiation dermatitis.