• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.330-339
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• 2012

Background : Hypertension is treated with both lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-7), published in 2003, provides a streamlined management approach to hypertension for the primary care physician. The JNC-7 is the gold standard also in Korea. According to the JNC-7, special therapeutic considerations are recommended for high-risk individuals with compelling indications. The presence of compelling indications in any given patient should be considered when selecting specific pharmacotherapy to treat hypertension. However, in patients with compelling indications, it is unknown that hepatotoxicity is caused by Calcium Channel Blocker (CCB), one of 1st anti-hypertensive drugs. Now, the CCB is the most used 1st anti-hypertensive drug in Korea Therefore, we evaluated the changes in blood liver function parameters (ALT, AST, Total bilirubin, serum albumin) for the study group. Methods : We randomly collected and retrospectively analyzed Electronic Medical Record data (n=28,788) of patients, and who took calcium channel blockers(non-dihydropyridines; diltiazem, verapamil, dihydropyridines; amlodipine, barnidipine, benidipine, clinidipine, efonidipine, felodipine, isradipine, lacidipine, lercanidipine, nicardipine, nifedipine, nimodipine), with having liver function tests (LFTs) from July 1st 2009 to June 30th 2010 at the Seoul National University Hospital in Korea. Control groups are two antihypertensive agents: RAS blockade (ARB; candesartan, irbesartan, losartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, valsartan, ACE-I; cilazapril, enalapril, fosinopril, imidapril, perindopril, ramipril) and, Diuretics (loop; furosemide, torsemide, thiazide; hydrochlorothiazide[HCTZ], indapamide). Patients not having LFT results at these three standard points of time(baseline, during, medication, and after finishing medication) were excluded. The collected data were analyzed by using the SPSS (Version12.0) and Microsoft Excel (Version2007). Results : 711 patients who were treated CCB (297), RAS blockade (232) or Diuretics (182) monotherapy were selected for the study. In selected patients, liver damage degree(changes of each LFTs value) was higher in diuretics group than other groups, followed by RAS blockade and CCB. In diuretics group's was loop-diuretics group was higher than thiazide-diuretics group. In CCB group, Nondihydropyridine-CCB's damage degree was higher than Dihydropyrine-CCB's that. Conclusions : Despite the limitations due to the retrospective study, among patients with abnormal LFTs, the use of CCBs led to a less liver damage than other 1st anti-hypertensive agents. It can be recommended CCBs as one of the initial treatments of hypertension in patients with liver disease.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.11 s.256
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• pp.746-760
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• 2005

Background: Following the implantation of heart valve prostheses, it is important to maintain therapeutic INR to reduce the risk of thromboembolism. The objectives of this study were to determine the causes of nontherapeutic INRs, and to identify the factors associated with nonadherences to warfarin therapy in Korean outpatients with prosthetic heart valves managed by a pharmacist-run anticoagulation service (ACS). Material and Method: A retrospective chart review was completed for all patients enrolled in the ACS at Seoul National University Hospital from March, 1997b to September, 2000. The data on 868 patients (5,304 visits) who were at least 6 months post-valve replacement were included. All possible causes of nontherapeutic INRs were documented for each patient visit. The association of covariates to noncompliance was investigated by univariate analysis. Result: The reasons for nontherapeutic INRs were identified as follows: inadequate dosage adjustment $(21\%)$, nonadherences to dosing regimen $(13\%)$, drug/herbal interactions $(12\%)$, changes in diet $(7\%)$, and indeterminate cause $(42\%)$. Younger age, shorter duration of ACS and longer duration of warfarin therapy were associated with nonadherence. Conclusion: In this study, nonadherence and interactions between diet and medications were found to be important factors influencing nontherapeutic INRs. Longer duration of enrollment in the ACS affected the adherence to warfarin therapy Positively whereas younger age and longer duration of warfarin therapy affected negatively.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.47-52
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• 2018

To investigate the effect of low magnetic field on dose distribution in SABR plans for liver cancer, we calculated and evaluated the dose distribution to each organ with and without magnetic fields. Ten patients received a 50 Gy dose in five fractions using the $ViewRay^{(R)}$ treatment planning system. For planning target volume (PTV), the results were analyzed in the point minimum ($D_{min}$), maximum ($D_{max}$), mean dose ($D_{mean}$) and volume receiving at least 90% ($V_{90%}$), 95% ($V_{95%}$), and 100% ($V_{100%}$) of the prescription dose, respectively. For organs at risk (OARs), the duodenum and stomach were analyzed with $D_{0.5cc}$ and $D_{2cc}$, and the remained liver except for PTV was analyzed with $D_{mean}$, $D_{max}$, and $D_{min}$. Both inner and outer shells were analyzed with the point $D_{min}$, $D_{max}$, and $D_{mean}$, respectively. For PTV, the maximum change in volume due to the presence or absence of the low magnetic field showed a percentage difference of up to $0.67{\pm}0.60%$. In OAR analysis, there is no significant difference for the magnetic field. In both shell structure analyses, although there are no major changes in dose distribution, the largest value of deviation for $D_{max}$ in the outer shell is $2.12{\pm}2.67Gy$. The effect of low magnetic field on dose distribution by a Co-60 beam was not significantly observed within the body, but the dose deposition was only appreciable outside the body.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.229-238
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• 2017

Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related with additional administration of sedative agent during intravenous conscious sedation (IVS) using midazolam (MDZ). The secondary purpose was to analyze the factors affecting patient satisfaction. Materials and Methods: Clinical data for 124 patients who had undergone surgical extraction of mandibular third molar under IVS using MDZ were retrospectively investigated in this case-control study. The initial dose of MDZ was determined by body mass index (BMI) and weight. In the case of insufficient sedation at the beginning of surgery, additional doses were injected. During surgery, peripheral oxygen saturation, bispectral index score (BIS), heart rate, and blood pressure were monitored and recorded. The predictor variables were sex, age, BMI, sleeping time ratio, dental anxiety, Pederson scale, and initial dose of MDZ. The outcome variables were additional administration of MDZ, observer's assessment of alertness/sedation, intraoperative amnesia, and patient satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were computed, and the P-value was set at 0.05. Results: Most patients had an adequate level of sedation with only the initial dose of MDZ and were satisfied with the treatment under sedation; however, 19 patients needed additional administration, and 13 patients were unsatisfied. In multivariable logistic analysis, lower age (odds ratio [OR], 0.825; P=0.005) and higher dental anxiety (OR, 5.744; P=0.003) were related to additional administration; lower intraoperative amnesia (OR, 0.228; P=0.002) and higher BIS right before MDZ administration (OR, 1.379; P=0.029) had relevance to patient dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The preoperative consideration of age and dental anxiety is necessary for appropriate dose determination of MDZ in the minor oral surgery under IVS. The amnesia about the procedure affects patient satisfaction positively.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.12
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• pp.1540-1545
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• 2002

Purpose : Vesicoureteral reflux(VUR) is defined as a retrograde flow of urine from the bladder into the upper urinary tract. It has been shown to predispose patients to hypertension, renal scarring, and end-stage renal failure if not recognized and treated. The observation that VUR occurs in siblings of children with reflux at a significantly higher rate than the general pediatric population has been recognized for many years and VUR was detected in 26% to 51% of siblings of patients with VUR. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of VUR in asymptomatic siblings of children with VUR and to see if this form of screening would be practical. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the records of 28 patients with VUR and their siblings. The total number of asymptomatic siblings investigating VUR were 28 persons. All patients and siblings were evaluated for VUR by a voiding cystourethrography and all patients and siblings with VUR were performed $^{99m}Tc$ 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. Results : A total of 28 patients(14 boys, 14 girls) with VUR were studied; the mean patient age was 2.7 years(range 1 month to 8.4 years). The total number of asymptomatic siblings investigating VUR were 28 persons(17 boys, 11 girls) and the mean age was 3.3 years(range 2 months to 7.4 years). Renal scar was detected in 20 of 28(71.4%) patients with VUR. VUR was noted in three of 28(10.7%) siblings and renal scar was detected in one of three siblings with VUR. Conclusion : In this study, the predictive value of a positive family history alone in identifying VUR was 10.7%. This incidence suggests more investigation of asymptomatic siblings and continued study of this group of patients at risk is needed for clarifying the family screening of patients with VUR.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.495-502
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• 2020

Processing fresh produce into fresh-cut products increases the risk of bacterial growth and contamination by breaking the exterior barrier of produce. Our objective in this study was to develop predictive models of Listeria monocytogenes in the fresh-cut salad, fresh-cut pineapple, and frozen mango. Predictive growth and survival models were developed to predict the change of L. monocytogenes populations in the fresh-cut salad (4, 10, 12, 13, 17, 25, and 36℃), fresh-cut pineapple (4, 10, 17, 25, 30, and 36℃), and frozen mango (-2, -10 and -18℃) as a function of temperature. The growth of L. monocytogenes in fresh-cut salad and pineapple was observed at above 13℃ and 10℃, respectively. The growth of L. monocytogenes in pineapple was faster than in salad. The delta value of L. monocytogenes in frozen mango increased as the storage temperature decreased. The results indicate that L. monocytogenes behave differently according to the physicochemical properties of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Since L. monocytogenes grow and survive well in refrigerated and frozen conditions, management programs and preventive controls for the processing of fresh-cut produce should be effectively implemented to enhance the safety of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables at retail markets.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.343-370
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• 2005

This study is to find out factors that protect social workers in a medical setting from burnout. It is differentiated from the existing studies, which focused on factors or process causing burnout. The participants of the study were ten social workers, who have been working in a medical setting for at least seven years and were recognized as competent social workers by at least five other colleagues. The data were collected through intensive interviews. The contents of the interviews were analyzed by using Nvivo2, a computer software program for use qualitative study analysis. The result of this study categorized coping strategies that kept the social workers from burnout. Among such factors were their own admissions of having professional competency, feeling worthwhile and sense of accomplishment, having a firm belief system and value about their profession, teamwork, and their overall disposition. Additionally, they said that the support by their agency and the recognition and support by family contributed to their overall coping ability. Through this study, it was found that the social workers in medical setting were reducing risk factors related to burnout and overcoming them with various protective factors. These protective factors reflected the unique characteristics that social workers encounter in a medical setting. It was remarkable that 'developing and managing their professional competency' was emphasized most as a protective factor.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.17 no.4 s.88
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• pp.581-586
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• 2005

High-performance concrete (HPC), which is particularly sensitive to self-desiccation, is required to be durable even in severe environmental conditions, i.e. costal area, cold district, etc. However, in recent years, some attention was particularly given to cracking sensitivity of high performance concrete at early age. It has been argued and demonstrated experimentally that such concrete undergoes autogenous shrinkage due to self-desiccation at early age under restrained condition, nd, as a result, internal tensile stress may develop, leading to micro cracking and macro cracking. This shrinkage-introduced crack produces a major serviceability problem for concrete structures. One possible method to reduce cracking due to autogenous shrinkage is the addition of expansive additive. Tests conducted by many researches have shown the beneficial effects of addition of expansive additive for reducing the risk of autogenous shrinkage-introduced cracking. However, the research on hydration model of expansion additive has been hardly researched up to now. This paper presents a study of the hydration model of Ettringite-Gypsum type expansive additive. As a result of comparing forecast values with experiment value, proposed model is shown to expressible of hydration of expansive additive.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2010

Objective : Samulatang (herbal description) is much used for women's disease in Korean Traditional Medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate reproductive toxic effect by Samultang in pregnant rats and fetuses, and ascertain a dose-response relationship Method : Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with the Samultang at single, double and quadruple dose for 20 days, orally. Pregnant rats were sacrificed at 20th day of gestation, and observed internal and reproductive organs. Live fetuses of gestation were randomly selected and fixed in 95% ethanol. Fetuses were stained with alcian blue and alizarin red S. We observe maternal body weight,, index associated pregnancy, and skeletal malformations in fetus Result : Maternal body weight of Samultang treated group has increased, side effect was not found in maternal body compared to that of control group. There were no significant difference in internal and reproductive organs. Double concentration administered group had lowest value in number of implantation, live fetuses, implantation rate and delivery rate, Also double concentration administered group showed higher early and late resorption rate than the other group. But, these are not significant. In the sex ratio, number of females, bigger than number of males in all Samultang administered groups. The fetuses of dams treated with Samultang didn't showed external and skeletal malformation. Vertebral and sternal variations were observed in single, double and quadruple concentration administered group but, compared to the control, those variations were insignificant. There were no significant changes in number of ribs, cervical, thoracic, lumber, sacral and caudal vertebrae Conclusion : Samultang is not expected to affect on pregnant rats and fetus about maternal body weight and number of live fetuses. There were no significant changes in organ weight, reproductive organs. Although skeletal variations were showed in vertebrae and sternum, treated groups were shown insignificant changes in skeletal variation

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.27
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• pp.3.1-3.4
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• 2012

Objectives: The current use of humidifier detergent and its harmful impact on humans has arisen as a societal environmental health issue. Therefore, in this study we aimed to explore the relationship between demo-socio characteristics and humidifier use, as well as the monthly usage changes in pregnant women; thus, we report the actual status of humidifier usage of Korea's pregnant population. Methods: From a birth cohort of a Mothers and Children's Environmental Health (MOCEH) study, 1,144 pregnant women who responded through questionnaires including demo-socio characteristics, obstetric status and household environment including whether they use humidifier and frequency of use were included in this study. Statistical analyses were performed to explore the relationship between maternal characteristics and the relevance of the use of humidifiers was performed using a chi-square test, a t-test and univariate logistic regression analysis. The monthly usage rate was demonstrated in the graph. Results: The humidifier usage rate in pregnant women was 28.2%. The average frequency of humidifier usage was 4.6 days per week, 7.3 hours per day. The usage rate was higher in the multipara group and the above the age of 34 age group than in the primipara and below the age of 34 groups. Seoul showed a higher usage rate than Cheonan and Ulsan and as the education level and income increased, the usage rate of humidifiers among pregnant women also increased. In the monthly trend of usage rate, the winter season showed the highest usage rate of over 45% and the lowest in late summer and beginning of fall with a value of 12% or less. Conclusions: During pregnancy, the mother's body is especially vulnerable to hazardous environmental exposure that not only affects the pregnant woman but also the fetus. Further research is still needed to elucidate the route and effect of environmental risk factors. Therefore, based on precautionary and preventive principles, special interest and caution in harmful environments are strongly needed not only at an individual level but also at a national level.