Complication Analysis in Korean Patients With Hemophilia A From 2007 to 2019: A Nationwide Study by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service Database

Background@#There has been remarkable progress in hemophilia A (HA) treatment in Korea.Viral inactivation products were developed in 1989, use of recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates started in 2002, and prophylaxis expanded thereafter. This study was conducted to identify the changes in complications in HA before and after 1989 or 2002. @*Methods@#The study was performed using the 2007–2019 Healthcare Big Data Hub of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. @*Results@#Among 2,557 patients, 1,084 had ≥ 1 complication; 829 had joint problems, 328 had viral infections, 146 had neurologic sequelae, and 87 underwent 113 surgeries or procedures due to complications. Patients born after 1989 had a significantly lower risk of viral infections than those born before 1989; 27.1% vs. 1.4% (P 10 years to expand prophylaxis widely. Neurologic sequelae have not decreased; thus, additional efforts to decrease intracranial hemorrhage are needed. We suggest personalized dosing of FVIII and more meticulous care during childbirth to further reduce the complications.

Association of PTTG1 expression with invasiveness of non-functioning pituitary adenomas

Background@#Pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1), paired-like homeodomain 2 (PITX2), and galectin-3 have been widely studied as predictive biomarkers for various tumors and are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. We evaluated the usefulness of PTTG1, PITX2, and galectin-3 as predictive biomarkers for invasive non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) by determining the relationship between the expressions of these three proteins and the invasiveness of the NFPAs. We also investigated whether PTTG1, E-cadherin, and Ki-67, which are known to be related to each other, show a correlation with NFPA features. @*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted on 87 patients with NPFAs who underwent surgical removal. The NFPAs were classified into three groups based on magnetic resonance imaging findings of suprasellar extension and cavernous sinus invasion. Immunohistochemical staining for PTTG1, PITX2, galectin-3, E-cadherin, and Ki-67 was performed on tissue microarrays. @*Results@#PTTG1 expression showed a statistically significant correlation with the invasiveness of NFPAs, whereas PITX2 and galectin-3 did not have a relationship with the invasiveness of NFPAs. Moreover, there was no association among PTTG1, E-cadherin, and Ki-67 expression. @*Conclusions@#PTTG1 has the potential to serve as a predictive biomarker for invasive NFPA. Furthermore, this study may serve as a reference for the development of PTTG1-targeted therapeutic agents.

Polo-like kinase 4 as a potential predictive biomarker of chemoradioresistance in locally advanced rectal cancer

Background@#Polo-like kinase 4 (PLK4) is a serine/threonine protein kinase located in the centriole of the chromosome during the cell cycle. PLK4 overexpression has been described in a variety of many common human epithelial tumors. Conversely, PLK4 acts as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor in some situations, highlighting the importance of strict regulation of PLK4 expression, activity, and function. Meanwhile, the importance of chemoradiation resistance in rectal cancer is being emphasized more than ever. We aimed to analyze PLK4 expression and the tumor regression grade (TRG) in patients with rectal cancer, treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT). @*Methods@#A retrospective study was conducted on 102 patients with rectal cancer who received preoperative CRT. Immunohistochemistry for PLK4 in paraffin-embedded tissue was performed from the biopsy and surgical specimens. @*Results@#We found significant association between high expression of PLK4 and poor response to neoadjuvant CRT (according to both Mandard and The Korean Society of Pathologists TRG systems) in the pre-CRT specimens. Other clinicopathologic parameters did not reveal any correlation with PLK4 expression. @*Conclusions@#This study revealed an association between high expression of PLK4 in the pre-CRT specimens and TRG. Our results indicated that PLK4 could potentially be a new predictor for CRT effect in patients with rectal cancer.

Analysis of Research Trends in the Korean Journal of Medical Education and Korean Medical Education Review Using Keyword Network Analysis / 의학교육논단

The aim of this study was to analyze the research trends in articles published in the Korean Journal of Medical Education (KJME) and Korean Medical Education Review (KMER) using keyword network analysis. The analyses included 507 papers from 2010 to 2019 published in KJME and KMER. First, keyword frequency analysis showed that the research topics that appeared in both journals were “medical student,” “curriculum,” “clinical clerkship,” and “undergraduate medical education.” Second, centrality analysis of a network map of the keywords identified “curriculum” and “medical student” as highly important research topics in both journals. Third, a cluster analysis of 20 core keywords in KMER identified research clusters related to academic motivation, achievement, educational measurement, medical competence, and clinical practice (centered on “learning,” while in KJME, clusters were related to educational method and program evaluation, medical competence, and clinical practice (centered on “teaching”). In conclusion, future medical education research needs to expand to encompass other research areas, such as educational methods, student evaluations, the educational environment, student counseling, and curriculum.

Implementing Medical Education Continuous Quality Improvement Using Design‐Based Research / 의학교육논단

The goal of this study is to present efficient measures to improve the quality of medical education through using a developed and applied continuous quality improvement (CQI) model suitable for medical education.To achieve this purpose, we developed a theoretical CQI model through a review of the literature according to the design-based research method. Through repetitive productive cyclical processes and professional reviews, we finally deduced an appropriate CQI model for medical education. The most important results of this study are as follows: First, the CQI model for medical education is defined as a quality management system with a cyclical course of planning, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of medical education.Second, the CQI model for medical education is composed of quality management activities of educational design, work, and evaluation. In addition, each activity has the implementation strategies of planning, doing, checking, and improving based on the PDCA model (Plan-Do-Check-Act model). Third, the CQI model for medical school education is composed of committees related to medical education doing improvement activities, as well as planning, implementing and evaluating it with CQI. As a result, we can improve teaching by using the CQI model for medical education. It is more meaningful because this gives us organized and practical measures of quality management and improvement in medical education as well as in the educational process.

Analysis of the Satisfaction with Computer Based Test Program and Test Environment in Medical School / 의학교육논단

This study aimed to identify needed improvements to current evaluation methods in medical school computer-based test (CBT) programs and test environments. To that end, an analysis of the importance and satisfaction was conducted through a survey of 3rd and 4th year medical students who had sufficient experience with CBT programs. Importance performance analysis methodology using the correlation coefficient was applied to assess average satisfaction and importance. The first quadrant (keep up the good work) was a factor of review and time management and test facilities among the conveniences of the CBT program.The second quadrant (concentrate here) was a factor of the convenience of the CBT program and computer monitor and chair factor within the test facilities. The third quadrant (low priority) was a factor of cheating and computer failure. The fourth quadrant (possible overkill) was the location, spacing, and temperature factors of the test facilities. Improvements are needed to reduce ‘eye fatigue’ and help students focus and understand the questions in the CBT programs. It is necessary to improve computer monitors, desks and chairs, and consider the subject’s body type and manager in order to cope with computer breakdown and peripheral failures. Spare computers are needed. These findings are meaningful in that they have been able to identify factors that require improvement in the CBT program and test environment resulting from changes in assessment tools.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Diagnosed from Bilateral Facial Nerve Paralysis as the First Symptom / 대한이비인후과학회지

The incidence of neurological complication has subsequently increased with the rise of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Peripheral facial palsy, one of the presenting symptoms of neurological complications, is caused by HIV infection. Worldwide reported cases of bilateral facial palsy associated with HIV are extremely rare, with just 20 cases reported. In this case, bilateral facial palsy occurred during the first clinical manifestation of the HIV infection. It is important to recognize bilateral facial palsy as the first sign of HIV infection due to its significance for early diagnosis and treatment of HIV.

Factors Influencing Adherence to Preventive Behavior on Chronic Complications of Diabetes Mellitus / 당뇨병

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes is steadily increasing in Korea. The increase of people with diabetes will ultimately result in taking a turn for the worse, not only affecting the health of the people, but there will be an increase of social finances. This study was aimed at investigating the factors influencing adherence to preventive behavior on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus. METHODS: Data was collected by questionnaires from 332 diabetic patients who were visited out-patient clinics, with 323 finally selected for the study. The data was analyzed by the SPSS program. RESULTS: The level of knowledge on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus was 18.02 points space(maximum 24 points). The level of hardiness was 119.80 points(maximum 240 points). The level of adherence to preventive behavior on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus was 49.11 points(maximum 75 points). The score of knowledge and hardiness showed a significant correlation with adherence to preventive behavior on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus. The significant predictors influencing adherence to preventive behavior were treatment, knowledge of Diabetes Mellitus, and hardiness. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that treatment, knowledge, and hardiness are significant influencing factors on adherence to preventive behavior on chronic complications of Diabetes Mellitus. The results of this study will contribute to developing a program for people with diabetes.

Conquering Process of the Group-bullies among Teenagers / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to develop a substantive theory on the conquering experience of group-bullies among teenagers, and thereafter suggest a model for solving the problems. METHOD: Data collection and analysis was proceeded by a method of Grounded Theory. Data was collected by interviewing the participants. Five teenagers participated in this study who had already overcome the situation. RESULT: In the analysis 31 concepts, 6 categories, and 14 subcategories are extracted from the raw data, and all are constituted on the paradigm model. The causal condition is a painstaking of participants. The context is affirmative reconsidering and the phenomenon is conquering difficulties. The intervening condition is a positive intervention of a supporting system and the strategy for action/interaction is building a relationship. The consequences of this analysis is harmonizing. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest adequate ways of conquering group-bullies. These are positive attitudes towards solving problems and the full use of support systems surrounding them.