Factors Influencing on Vision-related Quality of Life in Patients with Retinal Diseases Receiving Intravitreal Injections / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to identify influencing factors on vision-related quality of life in patients with retinal diseases receiving intravitreal injections by examining relationships among anxiety, depression, coping, eye health behaviors and vision-related quality of life. @*Methods@#One hundred and five outpatients who were diagnosed with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy were recruited from one university hospital during August 16, 2019 to March 25, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage, mean, standard deviation), and t-tests, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlations, and stepwise multiple regressions using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. @*Results@#The vision-related quality of life according to general characteristics of retinal disease patients with intravitreal injection showed significant differences in age (F=3.01, p=.034), subjective economic status (F=5.83, p=.004), types of retinal disease (t=2.62, p=.010), and disease in both eyes (t=-3.04, p=.003). The vision-related quality of life showed a significant positive correlation with age (r=.24, p=.012), and negative correlations with anxiety (r=-.66, p<.001), depression (r=-.48, p<.001), and emotion-focused coping (r=-.20, p=.036). The hierarchical regression analysis indicated that factors affecting vision-related quality of life in patients with retinal diseases were anxiety and subjective economic status, accounting for 47.0% of the variances of the vision-related quality of life. @*Conclusion@#Based on our results, health professionals need to pay attention to patients with low socioeconomic status due to frequent treatments. Also, a program needs to be developed to decrease anxiety for outpatients receiving intravitreal injections to improve their vision-related quality of life.

Factors Influencing on Vision-related Quality of Life in Patients with Retinal Diseases Receiving Intravitreal Injections / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to identify influencing factors on vision-related quality of life in patients with retinal diseases receiving intravitreal injections by examining relationships among anxiety, depression, coping, eye health behaviors and vision-related quality of life. @*Methods@#One hundred and five outpatients who were diagnosed with macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy were recruited from one university hospital during August 16, 2019 to March 25, 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage, mean, standard deviation), and t-tests, ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson’s correlations, and stepwise multiple regressions using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. @*Results@#The vision-related quality of life according to general characteristics of retinal disease patients with intravitreal injection showed significant differences in age (F=3.01, p=.034), subjective economic status (F=5.83, p=.004), types of retinal disease (t=2.62, p=.010), and disease in both eyes (t=-3.04, p=.003). The vision-related quality of life showed a significant positive correlation with age (r=.24, p=.012), and negative correlations with anxiety (r=-.66, p<.001), depression (r=-.48, p<.001), and emotion-focused coping (r=-.20, p=.036). The hierarchical regression analysis indicated that factors affecting vision-related quality of life in patients with retinal diseases were anxiety and subjective economic status, accounting for 47.0% of the variances of the vision-related quality of life. @*Conclusion@#Based on our results, health professionals need to pay attention to patients with low socioeconomic status due to frequent treatments. Also, a program needs to be developed to decrease anxiety for outpatients receiving intravitreal injections to improve their vision-related quality of life.

Polishing characteristics of polyetherketoneketone on Candida albicans adhesion / 대한치과보철학회지

Purpose@#To compare the polishing characteristics and their influence on Candida albicans adhesion to the recently introduced polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) and the conventional polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture resin material. @*Materials and methods@#Specimens from PEKK (Group E) and PMMA (Group M) were made in dimensions of 8 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness. The specimens were further divided into sub-groups according to the extent of polishing (ER, MR: rough; EP, MP: polished, N = 12 each). The specimens were polished using polishing machine and SiC foil. ER and MR group specimens were polished with 600 grit SiC foil only. EP and MP groups were further polished with 800, 1,000, 1,200 grit SiC foils sequentially. To measure the surface roughness values (Sa) of specimens, atomic force microscope (AFM) was used and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation under 1,000, and 20,000 magnifications was performed to investigate surface topography. The polished specimens were soaked in C. albicans suspension for 2 hours with shaking to promote adhesion. The attached C. albicans were detached from the surface with 10 times of pipetting. The suspension of detached C. albicans was performed by serial dilution to 103 times, and the diluted suspensions were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar plates using spread plate method. After incubating the plate for 48 hours, colony forming unit (CFU)/plate of C. albicans was counted. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test to confirm significant difference between the groups (α=.05). @*Results@#Average Sa value was significantly higher in MR group compared to other groups (P<.05), meaning that additional polishing steps reduced surface roughness effectively only in the PMMA specimens. There was no significant difference in Sa values between MP and EP groups. In SEM images, PEKK specimens showed numerous spikes of abraded material protruding from the surface and this phenomenon was more significant in EP group. The mean CFU/plate value was the highest in EP group and this was significant when it was compared to MP group (P<.05) which was the lowest. @*Conclusion@#Polishing PEKK using serial SiC abrasive foil may result in higher adhesion of C. albicans. In clinic, this should be considered carefully.

Breakfast Intake Effect on the Association between Fast-Food Consumption and the Risk of Obesity and Dyslipidemia in Korean Adults Aged 20–39 Years Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV 2013–2014

We investigated the association between fast-food (FF) consumptions and the risk of overweight/obesity and dyslipidemia in Korean adults (20–39 years) based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2014). We also examined the effect of breakfast intake on the risk of overweight/obesity and dyslipidemia according to their frequencies of FF consumption. FF consumption was categorized into 3 groups: < 1 time/month (n = 79); 1–3 times/month (n = 1,173); and ≥ 1 time/week (n = 474). People consuming FF ≥ 1 time/week had unhealthy lifestyles, higher intake of total calorie, fat, and protein, and higher levels of blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol than those consuming FF < 1 time/month. Logistic regression analysis showed higher risk of overweight/obesity in people consuming FF 1–3 times/month (odds ratio [OR], 2.525; confidence intervals [CIs], 1.169–5.452; p = 0.018) and ≥ 1 time/week (OR, 2.646; CIs, 1.128–6.208; p = 0.025) than those consuming FF < 1 time/month after the adjustment. The risk of dyslipidemia was also higher in people consuming FF ≥ 1 time/week than those consuming FF < 1 time/month after the adjustment (OR, 2.444; CIs, 1.047–5.704; p = 0.039). Furthermore, among people consuming FF ≥ 1 time/week, irregular breakfast consumers (≤ 2 times/week, n = 215) had significantly higher levels of triglyceride, TC, and LDL-C than regular breakfast consumers (5–6 times/week, n=180). Irregular breakfast consumers also showed a higher risk of dyslipidemia than regular breakfast consumers after the adjustment (OR, 2.913; CIs, 1.463–5.801; p = 0.002). In conclusion, frequent FF consumption increases the risk of obesity and dyslipidemia in Korean adults aged 20–39 years. Particularly amongthe frequent FF consumers, irregular breakfast intake may contribute to the increased risk of dyslipidemia. It may provide an evidence for proper dietary education to reduce the risk of overweight/obesity and dyslipidemia in Koreans adults aged 20–39 years.

Importance of Adherence to Personalized Diet Intervention in Obesity Related Metabolic Improvement in Overweight and Obese Korean Adults

We investigated weight loss effect of personalized diet education in overweight/obese Korean adults. Overweight/obese Korean adults (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 23 kg/m2 or waist circumference [WC] ≥ 90 cm for men, ≥ 85 cm for women) were recruited, and 40 participants who completed the 10-week intervention were finally included in the analyses. At first visit, study participants (small group with individual counseling) were educated for optimal diet by clinical dietitian, and checked for their compliance through telephone/text message every 1–2 week during the intervention. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters and dietary intake were investigated. Body weight, BMI, WC, and body fat mass were significantly reduced in whole participants. Hemoglobin A1c, insulin, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also significantly decreased after the intervention. Total energy intake (EI) during the intervention was not significantly decreased compared to the baseline value, but the proportions of energy derived from macronutrients were within the ranges recommended by 2015 Dietary Reference Intake for Koreans. Based on actual EI, participants were classified into high-adherence (HA) (prescribed EI ± 25%, n = 29), low-adherence I (LA-I) ( 125% of prescribed EI, n = 4). Only HA group showed significant improvements in anthropometric parameters, glycemic control and lipid profile. Interestingly, LA-I group showed significant increases in glucose, insulin, C-peptide and insulin resistance. In conclusion, a shift from overweight/obesity to healthy weight can be accomplished by high adherence to personalized diet modification, not by EI reduction.

Comparative analysis of the amount of postoperative drainage after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy and sagittal split ramus osteotomy

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the amount of postoperative drainage via closed suction drainage system after intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) and sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We planned a retrospective cohort study of 40 patients selected from a larger group who underwent orthognathic surgery from 2007 to 2013. Mean age (range) was 23.95 (16 to 35) years. Patients who underwent bilateral IVRO or SSRO were categorized into group I or group II, respectively, and each group consisted of 20 patients. Closed suction drainage system was inserted in mandibular osteotomy sites to decrease swelling and dead space, and records of drainage amount were collected. The data were compared and analyzed with independent t-test. RESULTS: The closed suction drainage system was removed at 32 hours postoperatively, and the amount of drainage was recorded every 8 hours. In group I, the mean amount of drainage was 79.42 mL in total, with 31.20 mL, 19.90 mL, 13.90 mL, 9.47 mL, and 4.95 mL measured at 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 hours postoperatively, respectively. In group II, the mean total amount of drainage was 90.11 mL, with 30.25 mL, 25.75 mL, 19.70 mL, 8.50 mL, and 5.91 mL measured at 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 hours postoperatively, respectively. Total amount of drainage from group I was less than group II, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.338). There was a significant difference in drainage between group I and group II only at 16 hours postoperatively (P=0.029). CONCLUSION: IVRO and SSRO have different osteotomy design and different extent of medullary exposure; however, our results reveal that there is no remarkable difference in postoperative drainage of blood and exudate.

Corrigendum: Cavernous sinus thrombosis caused by a dental infection: a case report

This correction is being published to correct the author's name.

The Effects of Temperature on Heat-related Illness According to the Characteristics of Patients During the Summer of 2012 in the Republic of Korea / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between heat-related illnesses developed in the summer of 2012 and temperature. METHODS: The study analyzed data generated by a heat wave surveillance system operated by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the summer of 2012. The daily maximum temperature, average temperature, and maximum heat index were compared to identify the most suitable index for this study. A piecewise linear model was used to identify the threshold temperature and the relative risk (RR) above the threshold temperature according to patient characteristics and region. RESULTS: The total number of patients during the 3 months was 975. Of the three temperature indicators, the daily maximum temperature showed the best goodness of fit with the model. The RR of the total patient incidence was 1.691 (1.641 to 1.743) per 1degrees C after 31.2degrees C. The RR above the threshold temperature of women (1.822, 1.716 to 1.934) was greater than that of men (1.643, 1.587 to 1.701). The threshold temperature was the lowest in the age group of 20 to 64 (30.4degrees C), and the RR was the highest in the > or =65 age group (1.863, 1.755 to 1.978). The threshold temperature of the provinces (30.5degrees C) was lower than that of the metropolitan cities (32.2degrees C). Metropolitan cities at higher latitudes had a greater RR than other cities at lower latitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The influences of temperature on heat-related illnesses vary according to gender, age, and region. A surveillance system and public health program should reflect these factors in their implementation.

Effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix on Repeated Restraint Stress-induced Neurochemical and Behavioral Responses

Glycyrrhizae radix (GR) is an herbal medicine that is commonly used in the East Asia for treating a variety of diseases, including stomach disorders. The objective of the present study was to examine the anti-stress effects of GR on repeated stress-induced alterations of anxiety, learning and memory in rats. Restraint stress was administered for 14 days (2 h/day) to the rats in the Control and GR groups (400 mg/kg/day, PO). Starting on the eighth day, the rats were tested for spatial memory on the Morris water maze test (MW) and for anxiety on the elevated plus maze (EPM). We studied the changes of the expressions of cholineacetyl transferase (ChAT) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the locus coerleus (LC) using immunohistochemistry. The results showed that the rats treated with GR had significantly reduced stress-induced deficits on their learning and memory on the spatial memory tasks. In addition, the ChAT immunoreactivities were increased. Gor the EPM, treatment with GR increased the time spent in the open arms (p<0.001) as compared to that of the control group. Moreover, GR treatment also normalized the increases of the TH expression in the LC (p<0.001). In conclusion, administration of GR improved spatial learning and memory and reduced stress-induced anxiety. Thus, the present results suggest that GR has the potential to attenuate the behavioral and neurochemical impairments caused by stress.

Significance of Retinal Microvascular Changes in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND: Retinal microvascular abnormalities reflect cerebral microvascular changes. However, there is few clinical data on the relationship between retinal microvascular changes and intracranial arterial stenosis or stroke subtypes. We examined the association between white matter changes (WMCs) or large artery stenosis and retinal microvascular changes, stroke subtypes. METHODS: We investigated demographic features, retinal microvascular changes, intracranial large arterial stenosis, WMCs and stroke subtypes in 100 acute ischemic stroke patients over 2 years who had taken retinal photography and underwent brain MRI with MR angiography. Retinal photography was evaluated for specific retinal microvascular change by grader using standardized protocol. Intracranial arterial stenosis was defined by MR angiography. WMCs were coded from 1 for normal to 8 for most severe degree. And we defined "White matter lesion" as grade 3 or more. Stroke subtypes were classified by TOAST criteria. RESULTS: Among the retinal microvascular changes, retinal hemorrhage, arteriovenous nicking, focal and generalized arteriolar narrowing and venous congestion were significantly correlated with intracranial large arterial stenosis. There was no relationship between the retinal microvascular changes and stroke subtypes. And only focal arteriolar narrowing was significantly correlated with WML. CONCLUSIONS: Retinal microvascular changes seen in patients with ischemic stroke were related to intracranial large arterial stenosis. We might suggest that the pathogenesis of retinal microvascular changes is related to that of large arterial atherosclerosis.