An analysis of Research Published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing from 2013 to 2022 using Text Network Analysis and Topic Modeling / 정신간호학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to examine research published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing (JKPMHN) from 2013 to 2022. @*Methods@#Descriptive statistics, text network analysis, and topic modeling were used to analyze 368 articles. @*Results@#The most prevalent research designs in the articles published during the past decade were cross-sectional studies (44.6%) and qualitative research (19.2%). The subjects of the included studies were people with mental illnesses (18.7%), nursing students (11.7%), and psychiatric nurses (8.7%). A text network comprised of the keywords from the research abstracts was constructed and presented. The text network analysis identified the main keywords as: “depression”, “family”, “stress”, “intervention”, “life”, “suicide”, “communication”, “alcoholics”, and “experience”. Seven topics were derived through the topic modeling: nursing intervention for mental health problems, nursing research for patients with mental illnesses, the competency of mental health nurses, the meaning derived from life experience, family in mental health, the mental health of nurses, and the mental health of students. @*Conclusion@#This study determined the recent research trends in the JKPMHN. In psychiatric nursing research, efforts should continue to serve as the basis for practice and produce relevant evidence, and research priorities need to be established.

Development and Roll-Out of A Coronavirus Disease 2019 Clinical Pathway for Standardized Qualified Care in Public Hospitals in Korea / 감염과화학요법

Despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination roll-out, variant-related outbreaks have occurred repeatedly in Korea. Although public hospitals played a major role in COVID-19 patients’ care, difficulty incorporating evolving COVID-19 treatment guidelines called for a clinical pathway (CP). Eighteen public hospitals volunteered, and a professional review board was created. CPs were formulated containing inclusion/exclusion criteria, application flow charts, and standardized order sets. After CP roll-out, key parameters improved, such as increased patient/staff five-point satisfaction scores (0.41/0.57) and decreased hospital stays (1.78 days)/medical expenses (17.5%). The CPs were updated consistently after roll-out as new therapeutics drugs were introduced and quarantine policies changed.

Association between Time to First Cigarette and Health-Related Quality of Life of Middle-Aged Male Current Smokers: A Nationwide Representative Study in Korea / 가정의학회지

Background@#Although many studies have demonstrated that the first cigarette in the morning increases the prevalence of smoking-related morbidity, limited studies have examined the impact of time to first cigarette (TTFC) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, we assessed this relationship using nationally-representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII-1 (2016). @*Methods@#We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 577 current male smokers aged 30–59 years, after excluding those with a certain disease. Participants were divided into four categories according to TTFC (≤5 min, 6–30 min, 31–60 min, >60 min). HRQoL was measured using self-reported EuroQol-5 (EQ-5D). The relationship between TTFC and EQ-5D index was analyzed using a multivariate-adjusted generalized linear model to assess how HRQoL varies according to TTFC. After adjusting for confounders, a multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to identify which of the five dimensions of the EQ-5D affected the HRQoL according to TTFC. @*Results@#The generalized linear analysis indicated that as TTFC decreased (6–30 min, 31–60 min vs. >60 min), the EQ-5D index score decreased significantly (P=0.037). Shorter TTFC (≤5 min vs. >60 min) was associated with higher pain/discomfort (odds ratio [OR], 3.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–10.48) and anxiety/depression (OR, 7.58; 95% CI, 1.75–32.88). @*Conclusion@#Higher nicotine dependence was associated with impaired HRQoL. These results may be used to improve smoking cessation treatment outcomes.

Association between Time to First Cigarette and Health-Related Quality of Life of Middle-Aged Male Current Smokers: A Nationwide Representative Study in Korea / 가정의학회지

Background@#Although many studies have demonstrated that the first cigarette in the morning increases the prevalence of smoking-related morbidity, limited studies have examined the impact of time to first cigarette (TTFC) on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, we assessed this relationship using nationally-representative data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII-1 (2016). @*Methods@#We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 577 current male smokers aged 30–59 years, after excluding those with a certain disease. Participants were divided into four categories according to TTFC (≤5 min, 6–30 min, 31–60 min, >60 min). HRQoL was measured using self-reported EuroQol-5 (EQ-5D). The relationship between TTFC and EQ-5D index was analyzed using a multivariate-adjusted generalized linear model to assess how HRQoL varies according to TTFC. After adjusting for confounders, a multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to identify which of the five dimensions of the EQ-5D affected the HRQoL according to TTFC. @*Results@#The generalized linear analysis indicated that as TTFC decreased (6–30 min, 31–60 min vs. >60 min), the EQ-5D index score decreased significantly (P=0.037). Shorter TTFC (≤5 min vs. >60 min) was associated with higher pain/discomfort (odds ratio [OR], 3.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39–10.48) and anxiety/depression (OR, 7.58; 95% CI, 1.75–32.88). @*Conclusion@#Higher nicotine dependence was associated with impaired HRQoL. These results may be used to improve smoking cessation treatment outcomes.

Effect of administration of synbiotics mixture containing Bifidobacterium longum and xylooligosaccharide on fecal microbiota and defecation characteristics in healthy volunteers / 한국영양학회지

Purpose@#The effect of prebiotics intake after administration of a synbiotics mixture (a probiotic, Bifidobacterium longum, and a prebiotic, xylooligosaccharide containing sugar [XOS]) on human intestinal microflora and defecation characteristics was investigated in a randomized controlled trial. @*Methods@#Twenty-five healthy young volunteers (11 males and 14 females) were randomly assigned to 2 groups (BL2XO2 and BL2XO6). The synbiotics mixture was orally administered to both groups for 2 weeks, and the prebiotics were subsequently administered to the BL2XO6 group for 4 additional weeks. The daily dose of the synbiotics mixture comprised 1010 colony-forming unit of Bifidobacterium longum and 10 g of XOS, and during the prebiotics period, the daily dose of prebiotics comprised only 10 g of XOS. The fecal pH, microflora, and defecation characteristics were analyzed at baseline and at weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6. @*Results@#The counts of B. longum and Bifidobacterium spp. in the BL2XO6 group exhibited a steady, increasing trend during the synbiotics and prebiotics periods, whereas those of the BL2XO2 group exhibited considerable variation in each week of the study period. Although there was no significant difference, the counts of fecal Bifidobacterium in the BL2XO6 group tended to be higher than those of the BL2XO2 group at week 6. The growth of Lactobacillus spp. exhibited a time-dependent variation, peaking at week 6 in both groups. Low counts of Clostridium spp. were observed after treatment with the synbiotics and prebiotics in the BL2XO6 group (p < 0.05) throughout the study, whereas the inhibitory effect on Clostridium spp. was maintained only during the synbiotics period in the BL2XO2 group. The defecation characteristics did not differ between the two groups. @*Conclusion@#Administration of XOS after a synbiotics mixture containing B. longum and XOS can exert a prebiotic effect in healthy young volunteers by stimulating Bifidobacteriun spp.growth and inhibiting growth of Clostridium spp.

Improved immune responses and safety of foot-and-mouth disease vaccine containing immunostimulating components in pigs

Background@#The quality of a vaccine depends strongly on the effects of the adjuvants applied simultaneously with the antigen in the vaccine. The adjuvants enhance the protective effect of the vaccine against a viral challenge. Conversely, oil-type adjuvants leave oil residue inside the bodies of the injected animals that can produce a local reaction in the muscle. The longterm immunogenicity of mice after vaccination was examined. ISA206 or ISA15 oil adjuvants maintained the best immunity, protective capability, and safety among the oil adjuvants in the experimental group. @*Objectives@#This study screened the adjuvant composites aimed at enhancing foot-andmouth disease (FMD) immunity. The C-type lectin or toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist showed the most improved protection rate. @*Methods@#Experimental vaccines were fabricated by mixing various known oil adjuvants and composites that can act as immunogenic adjuvants (gel, saponin, and other components) and examined the enhancement effect on the vaccine. @*Results@#The water in oil (W/O) and water in oil in water (W/O/W) adjuvants showed better immune effects than the oil in water (O/W) adjuvants, which have a small volume of oil component. The W/O type left the largest amount of oil residue, followed by W/O/W and O/W types. In the mouse model, intramuscular inoculation showed a better protection rate than subcutaneous inoculation. Moreover, the protective effect was particularly weak in the case of inoculation in fatty tissue. The initial immune reaction and persistence of long-term immunity were also confirmed in an immune reaction on pigs. @*Conclusions@#The new experimental vaccine with immunostimulants produces improved immune responses and safety in pigs than general oil-adjuvanted vaccines.

Establishment of a Nationwide Korean Imaging Cohort of Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background@#The Korean Society of Thoracic Radiology (KSTR) recently constructed a nation-wide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) database and imaging repository, referred to the Korean imaging cohort of COVID-19 (KICC-19) based on the collaborative efforts of its members. The purpose of this study was to provide a summary of the clinico-epidemiological data and imaging data of the KICC-19. @*Methods@#The KSTR members at 17 COVID-19 referral centers retrospectively collected imaging data and clinical information of consecutive patients with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction-proven COVID-19 in respiratory specimens from February 2020 through May 2020 who underwent diagnostic chest computed tomography (CT) or radiograph in each participating hospital. @*Results@#The cohort consisted of 239 men and 283 women (mean age, 52.3 years; age range, 11–97 years). Of the 522 subjects, 201 (38.5%) had an underlying disease. The most common symptoms were fever (n = 292) and cough (n = 245). The 151 patients (28.9%) had lymphocytopenia, 86 had (16.5%) thrombocytopenia, and 227 patients (43.5%) had an elevated CRP at admission. The 121 (23.4%) needed nasal oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation (n = 38; 7.3%), and 49 patients (9.4%) were admitted to an intensive care unit.Although most patients had cured, 21 patients (4.0%) died. The 465 (89.1%) subjects underwent a low to standard-dose chest CT scan at least once during hospitalization, resulting in a total of 658 CT scans. The 497 subjects (95.2%) underwent chest radiography at least once during hospitalization, which resulted in a total of 1,475 chest radiographs. @*Conclusion@#The KICC-19 was successfully established and comprised of 658 CT scans and 1,475 chest radiographs of 522 hospitalized Korean COVID-19 patients. The KICC-19 will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the clinical, epidemiological, and radiologic characteristics of patients with COVID-19.

New foot-and-mouth disease vaccine, O JC-R, induce complete protection to pigs against SEA topotype viruses occurred in South Korea, 2014–2015

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute epidemic that spreads rapidly among cattle and pigs. In 2014, in Korea, despite enforced vaccination, the type O Southeast Asia (SEA) topotype viruses (Mya-98 lineage) infected mainly cattle and pigs simultaneously, thereby causing enormous damage. If a vaccine that is completely protective against this FMD virus is developed and used, it can become a very important preventive measure in Asia, which is where this type of virus mainly circulates. The SEA topotype has been steadily evolving and transforming into new variations since it became epidemic in Asia. Therefore, it became necessary to develop a new vaccine that could provide protection against the FMD virus strain that was responsible for the 2014–2015 outbreak in Korea. This study aimed to develop a vaccine that would provide complete protection against the SEA topotype FMD virus to control sporadic FMD outbreaks, which occur despite the enforcement of vaccination, and to completely prevent virus shedding, thereby preventing the virus from spreading. The vaccine candidate virus developed in this study showed low pathogenicity and can be distinguished from the wild-type FMD virus strain. The developed vaccine was able to protect mice from SEA and Middle East–South Asia topotype virus strains and induced high titers of antibodies against both virus strains in pigs, thereby confirming the sufficiency of its protective function. In particular, the results of the SEA topotype virus challenge test in pigs revealed that perfect immunity was created in the vaccinated pigs, without virus shedding and viremia.

Effects of a Fall Prevention Program on Physical Fitness, Fall Efficacy and Fall Prevention Behavior among Community-dwelling Older Adults / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: This research was conducted to determine the effects of fall prevention exercise and education on physical fitness, fall efficacy, and fall prevention behavior among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: This study applied nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Data were collected from January 8th to March 4th, 2015. There were 24 subjects in the experimental group and 21 in the control group from two different senior citizen center in B city. The fall prevention program consisted of exercise, education, and telephone coaching was developed using self-efficacy theory: ‘Performance accomplishment’, ‘Vicarious experience’, ‘Verbal persuasion’, ‘Emotional arousal’. Then, it was conducted once a week for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed with χ² test and t-test using the SPSS program. RESULTS: The findings indicated that fall prevention program conducted on older adults is good for improving their muscular strength in lower extremities (t=6.25, p<.001), physical balance (t=2.66, p=.014), physical flexibility (t=2.88, p<.001) and fall prevention behavior (t=6.19, p<.001). CONCLUSION: The fall prevention program can be used for community-dwelling older adults as a nursing intervention that enables older adults to enhance their self-care continuously. It is necessary to conduct a follow-up study to see if a self-help meeting could improve self-efficacy.

In Vitro Quantification of the Radiopacity of Onyx during Embolization / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: Onyx has been successfully applied in the treatment of various neurovascular lesions. However, some experience is required to get accustomed to its unpredictable fluoroscopic visibility during injection. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of radiopacity change in a simulated embolization procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a bench-top Onyx injection experiment simulating a typical brain arteriovenous malformation embolization, nine cycles of casting modes (continuous injection) and plugging modes (injection with intermittent pauses) were performed. Radiodensity of Onyx droplets collected from the microcatheter tip and the distal head portion of the microcatheter were measured as time lapsed. Distribution of droplet radiodensity (radiodensity) and distribution of radiographic grade (grade) were analyzed and compared by repeated measurements. RESULTS: Within-group analysis revealed no significant radiodensity change with time (P>0.05). The radiodensity was significantly higher in the casting mode than in the plugging mode (P<0.01). The lateral radiograph of the microcatheter showed higher radiopacity (P<0.01) and better evenness (P<0.01) in the casting mode than in the plugging mode. A significant difference in microcatheter attenuation (both radiographic grade mean and SD; P<0.01) was noted between the two modes. Radiodensity had a significant influence on the radiopacity and radiopacity evenness of the microcatheter. CONCLUSION: The radiopacity of the Onyx can vary significantly over time because of early precipitation of tantalum powder. Radiopacity decreased significantly during plugging modes, characterized by pauses between injections.

Bench-top Comparison of Physical Properties of 4 Commercially-Available Self-Expanding Intracranial Stents / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: To better understand the performance of four commercially available neurovascular stents in intracranial aneurysm embolization, the stents were compared in terms of their basic morphological and mechanical properties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four different types of stents that are currently being used for cerebral aneurysm embolization were prepared (two stents per type). Two were laser-cut stents (Neuroform and Enterprise) and two were braided from a single nitinol wire (LEO and LVIS stents). All were subjected to quantitative measurements of stent size, pore density, metal coverage, the force needed to load, push, and deploy the stent, radial force on deployment, surface roughness, and corrosion resistance. RESULTS: Compared to their nominal diameters, all stents had greater diameters after deployment. The length generally decreased after deployment. This was particularly marked in the braided stents. The braided stents also had higher pore densities than the laser-cut stents. Metal coverage was highest in the LEO stent (14%) and lowest in the Enterprise stent (5%). The LIVS stent had the highest microcatheter loading force (81.5 gf). The LEO stent had the highest passage force (55.0 gf) and deployment force (78.9 gf). The LVIS and LEO stents had the highest perpendicular (37.1 gf) and circumferential (178.4 gf) radial forces, respectively. The Enterprise stent had the roughest stent wire, followed by the LVIS, LEO, and Neuroform stents. CONCLUSION: The four neurovascular stent types differed in terms of morphological and physical characteristics. An understanding of this diversity may help to decide which stent is most suitable for specific clinical situations.

Effect of xylobiose-sugar mixture on defecation frequency and symptoms in young women with constipation / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of xylobiose-sugar mixture intake on defecation frequency and constipation symptoms in 31 young women with constipation. METHODS: Thirty-one subjects were assigned to two groups, and subjects in each group were administered 10 g of a 7% xylobiose-sugar mixture (Experiment 1: XBS, n = 15) or 10 g of a 7% xylobiose-sugar mixture containing coffee mix (Experiment 2: XBS coffee mix, n = 16) twice per day for 6 weeks. During the study, clinical efficacy was assessed by a daily diary record. The subjects recorded their defecation frequency and fecal characteristics. RESULTS: During pretreatment week, mean defecation frequency of XBS subjects was 2.13 times/week, whereas that of XBS coffee mix subjects was 1.56 times/week. The mean defecation frequencies of XBS and XBS coffee mix subjects increased significantly to 3.73 times/week (p < 0.05) and 3.56 times/week by week 6 (p < 0.05), respectively. After treatment with either XBS or XBS coffee mix, patients presented significant improvements in their amounts of stool, feelings of residual stool leftness, and abdominal pain symptoms (p < 0.05). The total constipation scoring system (CSS) for diagnosing constipation symptoms significantly decreased in the XBS group (10.53 score vs 7.22 score) and in the XBS coffee mix group (10.75 score vs 6.51 score) after 6 weeks. Improvement due to intake of 7% xylobiose-containing sugar seemed to last during the experimental period. CONCLUSION: The addition of approximately 7% xylobiose to commercially available sweeteners has been shown to improve constipation.

Temporomandibular joint reconstruction with alloplastic prosthesis: the outcomes of four cases / 대한악안면성형재건외과학회지

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of four patients receiving stock Biomet TMJ prosthesis for reconstruction of the TMJs. METHODS: TMJ reconstruction with stock Biomet TMJ prosthesis was performed in four patients who had joint damages by trauma, tumor, resorption, and ankylosis, which represent the indications of alloplastic prosthesis. RESULTS: Loss of condyle from trauma and resorption of joint are good indications for prosthesis, but the patients should be informed about limitation of jaw movement. In case of structural damage of TMJ by tumor, tumor recurrence should be considered before planning TMJ reconstruction. Considering heterotopic bone formation in case of ankylosis, periodic follow-up and special surgical technique are required. CONCLUSIONS: Given careful treatment planning and understanding the functional limitation of TMJ prosthesis, alloplastic prosthesis is a safe and effective management option for the reconstruction of TMJs.

Enlarged Parent Artery Lumen at Aneurysmal-Neck Segment in Wide-Necked Distal Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: Hypothesizing that the parent artery (PA) diameter of the aneurysm-neck segment is larger than those of normal segments, especially in wide-necked aneurysm cases, we conducted 3D angiographic analyses in wide-necked aneurysm cases focusing on the luminal morphologic change of the PA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Under the approval of local IRB, we enrolled 26 patients with distal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms, which were treated with stent assisted coiling. The PA diameters along the centerline were measured at 6 points with built-in software by two observers. Those 6 points were P1 and P2 proximally, P3 and P4 at the aneurysm ostium margins, and P5 and P6 distally. We performed an ANOVA test and a Bonferroni method for post hoc analyses. Linear regression analysis was performed to find any morphologic influencing factors. RESULTS: There were 20 distal ICA aneurysms out of 26 consecutive cases after exclusion. The differences in diameter at each point were statistically significant (p<0.0001). On post hoc analyses, the difference between P4 and P5 was significant both in maximum and mean PA diameters (p<0.0001 and p<0.001, respectively). Multivariate analyses failed to reveal any morphological influencing factor. CONCLUSION: PAs harboring a wide-necked aneurysm requiring stent assistance for coiling showed significant enlargement of the lumen, especially at the distal transition segment of the aneurysm ostium and the PA.

Deep benign fibrous histiocytoma in the oral cavity: a case report

Benign fibrous histiocytoma (FH) is a benign tumor composed of fibroblasts and histiocytes in varying proportions. This tumor is usually found in adult extremities but rarely occurs in deep soft tissues of the oral cavity. As it is difficult to diagnose with physical and radiologic exams, deep benign FH can only be diagnosed by histopathology. We report a case of a 36-year-old female patient who came to our department with painless swelling in the right buccal mucosa. This case report reviews the clinical, radiological, and histological aspects of this tumor.

A Study on Relationship between Socio-demographic Factors and Food Consumption Frequencies among Adolescents in South Korea: Using the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey from 2011 / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of socio-demographic factors on food consumption frequencies among adolescents in Korea. Data were obtained from the Seventh Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (2011 KYRBS), a nationwide representative sample of 75,643 (37,873 males and 37,770 females) middle and high school students. It was carried out as a self-administered on-line survey. The frequency of eating breakfast was 4.8 times per week for middle school students and 4.6 times per week for high school students (p < 0.001). Higher levels of perceived household economic status, family affluence scale (FAS) and education attainment of mother were associated with more frequent breakfast eating. The frequencies of consumption of vegetables and milk were higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). The frequency of consumption fruits was higher in females than in males (p < 0.01). Higher levels of perceived household economic status, FAS and education attainment of mother were associated with more frequent consumption of vegetable, fruits and milk. The frequencies of consumption of soda, fast food and instant noodls were higher in males than in females (p < 0.001). The frequency of consumption of snacks was higher in females than in males. Adolescents with lower levels of FAS and education attainment of mother were at risk for skipping breakfast and consuming of soda, fast food and instant noodls more frequently. Whereas, adolescents with higher levels of FAS, education attainment of mother were more likely to be frequent consumers of vegetable, fruits and milk. These findings demonstrated that being high school students and belonging to lower level of socio-economic status (SES) were associated with undesirable food habits.

Gluteal Compartment Syndrome and Lumbosacral Plexus Injury Associated with Rhabdomyolysis: A Case Report

Gluteal compartment syndrome is a rare disorder which often occurs in conjunction with prolonged immobility after an overdose of sedative. Signs of sciatic nerve compression frequently occur, and rhabdomyolysis may be associated with the syndrome. We recently encountered a patient with lumbosacral plexopathy, complicated by gluteal compartment syndrome. A 42-year-old man presented with weakness and swelling in the right lower extremity and gluteal area after an overdose of antipsychotic drug, accompanied by prolonged immobilization. Serum creatine phosphokinase and urinary myoglobin were markedly elevated, and a T2-weighted pelvis MRI showed hyperintensities and swelling in the gluteal muscles. An electrodiagnosis study showed incomplete lumbosacral plexopathy. The patient received medical treatment and rehabilitation. Six months later, his right lower limb weakness had improved and he could walk independently. Lumbosacral plexus injury with rhabdomyolysis is a rare but debilitating disorder. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for prevention of neurologic deterioration.

Clinical Analysis of Endoscopic Thyroidectomy by the Axillary Approach for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma / 대한내시경복강경외과학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and surgical outcomes of endoscopic thyroidectomy by the axillary approach for treating papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). METHODS: We analyzed 56 patients who underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy by the axillary approach for treating PTMC between May 2002 and October 2008 at Bucheon ST hospital. We evaluated the operation type, the tumor size, the operative time, the hospital days, the number of retrieved lymph nodes and the complications. RESULTS: All the patients except one were women. The mean age was 40.5+/-8.7 years. All the procedure was performed by one surgeon and endoscopic thyroidectomy was done by the axillary approach. There was no conversion to open surgery. The type of operation was classified according to the extent of the surgery. The mean operative time for lobectomy and isthmectomy with CLND (24 cases) and total thyroidectomy with CLND (5 cases) was 142.5+/-40 minutes and 270+/-84.3 minutes, respectively. The mean tumor size was 0.66+/-0.46 cm. The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was 3.7+/-2.4. The mean number of hospital days was 3.7+/-1.4 days. There were no serious complications. There were no tumor recurrence and the mean follow-up was 50.7 months. All the patients were satisfied with the cosmetic results. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic thyroidectomy by the axillary approach for PTMC is feasible and safe. Although a larger series and longer follow up are necessary, endoscopic thyroidectomy can be a alternative treatment method for selected patients with PTMC.

The Relation between Employees' Lifestyle and Their Health Status in an Electronics Research and Development Company / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: An unhealthy lifestyle is the most important cause of lifestyle-induced illness (diabetes, hypertension, liver enzyme abnormality, dyslipidemia etc.). This study was carried out to evaluate that relation between employees' lifestyle and their health status in a Korean electronic research and development company. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional survey. 3,041 consecutive workers in a Korean R&D company were enrolled in this study. A checkup list for the health examination (from the National Health Insurance Coperation), which contained the information on the lifestyle, and the results of the health examination, which contained information on the body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and liver function tests (LFT, AST, ALT, gamma-GTP) and cholesterol profiles (total cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL) were done for all the subjects. We evaluated the health profile as normal or abnormal. Statistical analysis of the health profiles and the lifestyle of the employees' was performing by using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of 'excessive alcohol drinking' was 52.9% (n=1,610), that for 'lack of exercise' was 86.2% (n=2,662), that for 'meat eating' 12.2% (n=370) and that for 'current smoker' was 31.3% (n=952). According to results of health examination, the prevalence of obesity was 27.1% (n=824), hypertension was 7.1% (n=215), diabetes was 1.0% (n=30), abnormal LFT was 15.4% (n=469) and dyslipidemia was 18.7% (n=569). On multiple logistic regression analysis of the health profile and lifestyle, 'meat eating' was related to obesity, hypertension, abnormal LFT (ALT, gamma-GTP), dyslipidemia (LDL). 'Excessive alcohol drinking' was related to obesity, hypertension, abnormal LFT (gamma-GTP). 'Lack of exercise' was related to dyslipidemia (HDL). 'Current smoker' was related to obesity, diabetes, abnormal LFT (ALT, gamma-GTP), and dyslipidemia (TG, HDL) with statistically significance. CONCLUSIONS: For workers in the R&D company, an unhealthy lifestyle (such as diet, alcohol drinking, lack of exercise and smoking) were related to obesity, hypertension, diabetes, abnormal LFT and dyslipidemia. Therefore health promotion is necessary for the young employees of an Korean R&D company.

Clinical Characteristics and Direct Medical Costs of Type 2 Diabetic Patients / 당뇨병

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is an expensive chronic metabolic disorder and its prevalence has been increasing rapidly in South Korea, owing to a westernized lifestyle. We analyzed the annual direct medical costs attributable to type 2 diabetes and its chronic complications in Korea retrospectively. METHODS: We randomly selected 1,051 patients with type 2 diabetes who visited Ajou University Hospital as an outpatient in 2005. Clinical characteristics, duration of diabetes, and microvascular and macrovascular complications were assessed from a medical chart review. The annual direct medical costs included insurance covered and uncovered medical costs. RESULTS: Of the 1,051 patients with type 2 diabetes, 48.2% had at least one microvascular complication, 5.6% had at least one macrovascular complication, and 12.4% of the patients had both microvascular and macrovascular complications. The average annual direct medical cost was found to be 3,348,488won per patient. In patients with microvascular complications, the total cost of management was increased 1.4 times compared to those without complications. Direct medical costs for patients with macrovascular complications were 2.1-fold as high as patients with no complications. Those patients with both microvascular and macrovascular complications, increased costs by 3.1-fold over those without complications. CONCLUSION: Chronic complications have a substantial impact on the direct medical costs of type 2 diabetes. The prevention of chronic diabetic complications will not only influence the mortality and morbidity of patients with type 2 diabetes, but also potentially reduce medical costs.