Estudio de utilización de psicofármacos en usuarios de la policlínica del Hospital Vilardebó con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia (años 2006 y 2016) / Study of the use of psychotropic drugs in users of the Vilardebó Hospital polyclinic with a diagnosis of schizophrenia (2006 and 2016)

El tratamiento farmacológico de demostrada eficacia en la esquizofrenia es el antipsicótico. Sin embargo, en muchas ocasiones se requiere medicación concomitante que depende de comorbilidades y efectos adversos. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, longitudinal, retrospectivo, considerando el año 2006 y 2016, en una población de usuarios con esquizofrenia de la Policlínica del Hospital Vilardebó, analizando los tratamientos con psicofármacos. Se diferenciaron los tratamientos según monoterapia antipsicótica y polifarmacia con 2 antipsicóticos, y polifarmacia con más de 2 antipsicóticos, antidepresivos, estabilizantes del humor, benzodiacepinas y anticolinérgicos. La población inicial en 2006 fue de 621 pacientes y 398 pacientes continuaban en tratamiento en 2016. Mantuvieron el trata-miento con antipsicóticos 377 pacientes; 184 mantuvieron benzodiacepinas; 59 se mantuvieron con anticolinérgicos; 49, con estabilizantes del humor y 47, con antidepresivos. La monoterapia antipsicótica se presentó en torno al 50 % de la población estudiada. Se deberían revisar aquellas prácticas que se infieren a partir de este estudio, como el uso prolongado de anticolinérgicos, benzodiacepinas, y polifarmacia con más de 2 antipsicóticos, que está extendida en los usuarios con esquizofrenia. El tratamiento con clozapina fue el más estable y no parece aumentar la mortalidad en estos pacientes

Antipsychotics are the proved effective therapy for schizophrenia. However, on many occasions, associated drugs are required depending on comorbidities and side effects. A retrospective longitudinal quantitative study of drug prescription for 2006 and 2016 in patients with schizophrenia diagnosis was carried out in an outpatient clinic at Hospital Vilardebó. Treatments were classified as antipsychotic monotherapy, two antipsychotic drugs polypharmacy and polypharmacy with two antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines and anticholinergic drugs. Initial population in 2006 included 621 patients, 398 were still being treated in 2016. Antipsychotic drugs were still being received in 377 patients, benzodiazepines in 184, anticholinergic drugs in 59, mood stabilizers in 49, and anti-depressants in 47. Antipsychotic monotherapy was 50% of the population. Those practices that can be inferred from this study, with lengthy use of anticholinergic drugs, benzodiazepines, and the use of more than 2 antipsychotic drugs in patients with schizophrenia diagnosis should be revised. Clozapine therapy was the most stable and does not seem to increase mortality.

Tapentadol: Can It Kill Two Birds with One Stone without Breaking Windows?

Tapentadol is a novel oral analgesic with a dual mode of action as an agonist of the µ-opioid receptor (MOR), and as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) all in a single molecule. Immediate release (IR) tapentadol shows its analgesic effect quickly, at around 30 minutes. Its MOR agonistic action produces acute nociceptive pain relief; its role as an NRI brings about chronic neuropathic pain relief. Absorption is rapid, with a mean maximal serum concentration at 1.25-1.5 h after oral intake. It is present primarily in the form of conjugated metabolites after glucuronidation, and excretes rapidly and completely via the kidneys. The most common adverse reactions are nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and somnolence. Constipation is more common in use of the ER formulation. Precautions against concomitant use of central nervous system depressants, including sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, other opioids, and alcohol, or use of tapentadol within 14 days of the cessation of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, are advised. The safety and efficacy have not been established for use during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, or for nursing mothers, pediatric patients less than 18 years of age, and cases of severe renal impairment and severe hepatic impairment. The major concerns for tapentadol are abuse, addiction, seeking behavior, withdrawal, and physical dependence. The presumed problem for use of tapentadol is to control the ratio of MOR agonist and NRI. In conclusion, tapentadol produces both nociceptive and neuropathic pain relief, but with worries about abuse and dependence.

Desenvolvimento e testes in vitro de um novo corante para terapia fotodinâmica em Periodontia / Development and in vitro tests of a new dye for photodynamic therapy in Periodontics

A terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana (Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy - aPDT) tem sido utilizada em Periodontia para redução bacteriana de bolsas periodontais na forma de tratamento adjuvante da raspagem e alisamento radicular. Seu efeito em cirurgias periodontais é pouco estudado. Pesquisas recentes têm procurado descobrir novos fotossensibilizadores para aumento da efetividade dessa terapia. O objetivo do presente estudo foi testar in vitro um novo corante à base de corantes fenotiazínicos para uso em aPDT, quanto à sua biocompatibilidade e efetividade em eliminar bactérias. Foram realizados testes para avaliar a desmineralização e desgaste causados pelo corante em esmalte e dentina bovinos, bem como o tempo de aplicação ideal para se conseguir efeitos semelhantes ao ácido cítrico; comportamento óptico dos novos corantes em relação aos corantes convencionais; teste de biocompatibilidade de fragmentos de raiz humana, tratados pelo corante, em culturas de fibroblastos gengivais humanos; efetividade dos novos corantes sozinhos ou associados ao laser na eliminação de S. aureus e E. coli. Nos experimentos de desmineralização e biocompatibilidade foi utilizado um laser vermelho (660nm, 30mW, 45J/cm2, 30s) e nos experimentos com bactérias laser vermelho (660nm, 100mW, 45J/cm2, 12s). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com testes paramétricos e não paramétricos (p<0,05). Os resultados mostraram que o novo corante promoveu desmineralização em esmalte (perda de dureza 55,5% e desgaste 10,33μm) e dentina (perda de dureza 65,9% e desgaste 8,37μm) bovinos de forma semelhante ao ácido cítrico, sendo 180s, o tempo mais adequado. Nos ensaios ópticos, observou-se que o novo corante à base de azul de toluidina (NCTBO) reduziu a banda de absorção para 575nm e teve uma fotodegradação mais rápida, enquanto que à base de azul de metileno (NCMB) o pico manteve-se em 660nm com fotodegradação lenta. O crescimento de fibroblastos gengivais humanos sobre superfícies de raiz...

The antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is used in Periodontics for reduction of bacteria in periodontal pockets as an adjuvant treatment to scaling and root planning. Recent researches aim at finding new photosensitizers in order to improve its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to test in vitro the biocompatibility and efficiency of eliminating bacteria of a new phenothiazine-based dye for aPDT in Periodontics. The following tests were performed: magnitude of demineralization and wear in bovine dentin and enamel fragments; the ideal time of application to obtain results similar to citric acid conditioning; optic behavior of new dye compared to conventional dyes; biocompatibility of human root fragments treated by the new dye in human gingival fibroblasts culture; effectiveness of the new dye in elimination of S. aureus and E. coli. In the experiments of demineralization and biocompatibility a red laser (660nm, 30mW, 45J/cm2, 30s) was applied, while in the microbiology experiments the parameters were changed (660nm, 100mW, 45J/cm2, 12s). The statistical analysis were done with parametric and non-parametric tests (p<0.05). The results showed that the new dye promoted demineralization in bovine enamel (surface hardness loss 55.5% and wear 10.33μm) and dentin (surface hardness loss 65.9% and wear 8.37μm). The demineralization was similar to citric acid and the ideal time of application was 180s. The optic tests showed that the toluidine blue-based new dye (TBOND) diminished the absorption band to 575nm and had a faster photodegradation. The methylene blue-based new dye (MBND) maintained a peak of absorption in 660nm and had a slower photodegradation. Growth of human gingival fibroblasts onto human root surfaces was similar to those treated with regular dyes (3.07 x 2.6 cells after 72h). The TBOND when used alone, reduced E. coli and S. aureus in 59.6% e 54.6%, respectively. When associated to laser, the reduction of E. coli was 52.6%. The MBND...

Splenic congestion associated with acepromazine administration in dogs / Congestão esplênica associada à aplicação de acepromazina em cães

The effects splenic dilatation induced by acepromazine in a prospective, randomized study. Thirtythree adult mongrel dogs were divided into two groups designated as AG (acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg, i.v., n = 23) and CG (0.9 percent sodium chloride administered at a similar volume, n = 10). In both groups underwent sonographic examinations before (T0) and fifteen minutes (T15) after drug injection. The thickness spleen and splenic vein width were measured. Higher thickness was found in the AG group at T15 (2.47 cm) when compared to that at T0 (2.06 cm, p = 0.016), while the T0 (2.33 cm) and T15 (2.39 cm) measures did not differ within the CG group. Moreover, the splenic vein width was higher (p = 0.013) at T15 than at T0 in the AG group. Based on results of this study, we concluded that acepromazine, in doses of 0.05 mg/kg, promotes splenomegaly in dogs after fifteen minutes of the injection.

Foram avaliados os efeitos de dilatação esplênica induzidos pela acepromazina em estudo do tipo prospectivo e randomizado. Trinta e três cães foram distribuídos em dois grupos designados como GA (acepromazina 0,05 mg/kg, i.v., n = 23) e GC (solução de cloreto de sódio 0,9 por cento em volume semelhante ao GA, i.v., n = 10). Em ambos os grupos foi realizada ultrassonografia abdominal previamente à aplicação das substâncias (T0) e após 15 minutos (T15). A espessura do baço e a largura da veia esplênica foram mensuradas. Foi verificada maior espessura esplênica no GA no T15 (2,47 cm) quando comparado a T0 (2,06 cm, p = 0,016), enquanto no GC não houve diferença significativa, sendo T0 (2,33 cm) e T15 (2,39 cm). Ainda, a largura da veia esplênica foi maior no T15 (p = 0,013) comparado a T0no GA. Baseado nos resultados encontrados, pode-se concluir que a acepromazina na dose de 0,05 mg/kg induz a esplenomegalia em cães após 15 minutos da aplicação.

Health Status of Vulnerable Preschool Children and Their Mothers' Health Management

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to find out preschool children's health status and their mothers' health management in the vulnerable classes. METHODS: The assessment tool was developed, taken into consideration existing studies, materials produced by the customized visiting health care system, and review of visiting nurses of health centers and related experts. Data were collected January to February 2010 from 259 mothers by visiting nurses, and analyzed using SAS program for descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Body weight less than 3 percentile was found for 5.0% children and over 97 percentile for 7.7%. Atopy was found in 17.8% children, no hand-washing after toileting and before meal in 30.9% and 36.7% respectively, no breakfast in 15.8%, and irregular meal in 32.0%. Sex education was made by 45.7% mothers, regular dental check by 56.6%, and hearing and eyesight test by 61.1% and 66.8% respectively. Home environment for upbringing is 34.3 in the scale of 41, and accident prevention 17.5 in the scale of 22. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to make an intervention on children's weight, personal sanitation and meal time in the vulnerable classes. Mothers need to be educated for appropriate health care, and home environments to improve upbringing and accident prevention.

Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Copenhagen Psyco-social Questionnaire Scale / 한국직업건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aims to test the validity and criteria-related reliability of the Korean version of the Copenhagen Psyco-social Questionnaire version II (COPSOQ-K) assessing the psychosocial working environment. METHODS: The COPSOQ-K was developed through forward-backward translation techniques, and revision based on feedback from focus groups. Survey data were collected from 311 office workers who worked in one workplace. An internal consistency reliability was estimated by Cronbach's alpha. The impacts of the COPSOQ-K scales on job satisfaction, self-rated health, stress, sleeping troubles, burnout, and sickness absence were analyzed with multiple regression model or multiple logistic regression model, adjusted age and gender using SAS version 9.3. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the COPSOQ-K scales and Korean job stress and its subdomain were identified. RESULTS: Cronbach's alpha of COPSOQ-K scales was adequate or good (0.66~0.87). The major COPSOQ-K scales predict job satisfaction, self-rated health, stress, sleeping troubles burnout, and sickness absence. The major COPSOQ-K scales were correlated with Korean job stress and its subdomain. CONCLUSION: The COPSOQ-K scales have satisfactory reliability and criteria-related validity. The COPSOQ-K scales will be useful for the future studies and practices associated with psychosocial working environment.

Estimation of the prevalence of Korean adults aged 50 years or more with knee osteoarthritis based on the data from fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

This study estimated the number of Korean adults aged 50 years or more with osteoarthritis (OA) based on the data from fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (K-NHANES). We analyzed the knee X-ray finding and symptom questionnaire data obtained from the fifth K-NHANES conducted in 2010. The number of Korean adults aged 50 years or more with radiographic OA (those who had grade II or higher Kellgren-Lawrence score for OA) and symptomatic OA (those who had grade II or higher Kellgren-Lawrence score for OA and knee pain) were estimated using surveyfreq procedure of the SAS statistical package. It was estimated that there were 5,294,073 (proportion, 37.8%; 95% confidence interval, 4,739,995 to 5,848,150) patients with radiographic OA and 2,003,471 (proportion, 14.3%; 95% confidence interval, 1,693,239 to 2,313,703) patients with symptomatic OA among 14,010,367 Korean adults aged 50 years or more in 2010. This study has a limitation that symptomatic OA based on only the self report of symptom questionnaire. So, it is important that the physician do a physical examination to diagnose OA. Also, further efforts to investigate large-scale prospective studies are needed.

A Comparative Study on Nursing Practice Environment, Professionalism, and Job Satisfaction according to Hospital Size / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate and compare the characteristics and relations of nursing practice environment, professionalism and job satisfaction among nurses in general hospitals according to hospital size. METHODS: The participants included 314 staff and charge nurses who were working in the general medical/surgical nursing units in one large hospital, three medium sized hospitals, and four small hospitals. Data collected through using self-report questionnaire were analyzed using the SPSS and SAS statistical programs. RESULTS: Nursing practice environment and job satisfaction had significant differences according to hospital size. Both of these scales were highest for medium hospitals and lowest for small hospitals. For all hospital sizes there were positive correlations between each of the variables. Multiple regression analysis showed that both nursing practice environment and job satisfaction were affected by hospital size, but professionalism was not. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that nursing practice environment and job satisfaction vary with the size of the hospital. Therefore, further study is necessary to identify the work environment variables of nurses for performance management and to implement appropriate policies.

The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Related Risk Factors Based on the KNHANES V 2010 / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: This study is to investigate the prevalence and related factors of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults aged 20 years and above. METHODS: From the database of the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V) conducted in 2010, data of 5,670 adults who responded to all the questionnaires of health interview and had metabolic syndrome in the health examination were included in this analysis. SAS 9.2 was used for statistical analysis with complex sample survey modules and commands. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome based on the criteria proposed by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was 18.8%. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in each group was: 20.7% of women, 43.1% among elderly over 70 years old, 40.6% of the divorced or the separated, 27.6% of recipients of economic support from the government, 23.6% of people who had alcohol dependency problem, and 43.7% of overweight or obese adults. Independent risk factors based on the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that prevalence of metabolic syndrome was associated with female (odds ratio 1.59 [95% confidence interval 1.20-2.11]), age (50s 3.95 [2.11-7.37], 60s 5.62 [2.98-10.61], 70s 10.56 [5.25-21.25]), high school education (0.52 [0.37-0.74]), clerk occupation (2.14 [1.27-3.60]), divorced marital status (1.72 [1.15-2.59]), alcohol dependency (1.86 [1.16-2.98]), higher BMI (14.08 [10.60-18.70]). CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic syndrome is prevalent among Korean adult population according to IDF criteria. Several demographic characteristics and potentially modifiable factors are associated with metabolic syndrome. Identification of this high-risk group and management of these modifiable factors are warranted to reduce the prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Comparison of the retention of the full veneer casted gold crowns with varying convergence angle, crown length and dental cements / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this research was to establish the effect and variation in differing convergence angle and length of abutment on the retention of full veneer casted gold crown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different length,5 mm and 10 mm in height with convergence angles of 5, 10, 15 and 25 degrees crowns were fabricated. Cementation was done using cements; zinc phosphate cement (Fleck's zinc phosphate cement), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Vitremer) and resin cement (Panavia 21). These were tested for tensile force at the point of separation by using Instron Universal Testing Machine. Statistical analysis was done by SAS 6.04 package. RESULTS: In all cements the mean retention decreased with significant difference on increase of convergence angle (P<.05). Increase in every 5 degree-convergence angel the retention rate decreased with resin-modified glass ionomer cement of 15.9% and resin cement of 14.8%. With zinc phosphate cement, there was largest decreasing rate of mean retention of 25.5% between convergence angles from 5 degree to 10 degree. When the crown length increased from 5 mm to 10 mm, the retention increased with the significant difference in the same convergence angle and in all types of cement used (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The retention was strongly dependent on geometric factors of abutment. Much care is required in choosing cements for an optimal retention in abutments with different convergence angles and crown lengths.

Association Between Hypertension Management and Blood Pressure Screening Among Adults in 30s and 40s

BACKGROUND: Although adults in 30s and 40s are at risk for hypertension management due to low rates of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, there has been a lack of study on hypertension management for this population. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine blood pressure screening and other associated factors with hypertension management in terms of awareness, control, and treatment. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was performed on the data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2007-2009. To examine whether blood pressure screening affects hypertension management in 929 subjects aged 30s and 40s with hypertension. Other factors, such as socio-demographics, health status, and health behaviors, were also included for data analysis. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were carried out using SAS 9.1. RESULTS: Hypertension awareness rates were high in those who had diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR] 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27-3.90), self-rated their health status as poor (OR 2.89; 95% CI 1.82-4.58), and received a blood pressure check up (OR 5.96; 95% CI 2.90-12.25). Hypertension treatment rates were high in women (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.47-4.27), and high in those who had diabetes mellitus (OR 2.59; 95% CI 1.49-4.47), self-rated their health status as poor (OR 2.53; 95% CI 1.54-4.14), self-reported as past smoker (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.22-3.29), and received a blood pressure check up (OR 12.64; 95% CI 4.87-32.77). Hypertension control rates were high in women (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.29-4.72), and high in those who self-reported as past smoker (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.35-4.50), and received a blood pressure check up (OR 9.24; 95% CI 3.15-27.15). CONCLUSIONS: For effective hypertension management in 30s and 40s, we should encourage this population to have a regular blood pressure screening.

Effects of Nordic Walking on Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Lipid Profile in Elderly Women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Nordic walking on body composition, muscle strength, and lipid profile in elderly women. METHOD: Sixty-seven women were assigned to the Nordic walking group (n = 21), the normal walking group (n = 21), and the control group (n = 25). Nordic walking and normal walking were performed three times a week for 12 weeks. Body weight, body mass index, total body water, skeletal muscle mass, percent body fat, grip strength, sit to stand, arm curl, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured before and after the program. A Chi-square test, one way analysis of variance, paired t test and repeated-measure two-factor analysis were used with the SAS program for data analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the weight (F = 8.07, p < .001), grip strength (F = 10.30, p < .001), sit to stand (F = 16.84, p < .001), arm curl (F = 41.16, p < .001), and total cholesterol (F = 5.14, p = .009) measurements between the groups. In addition, arm curl was significantly increased in the Nordic walking group compared to the normal walking group and the control group. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Nordic walking was more effective than normal walking in improving upper extremity strength.

Efficacy of Fenoverine and Trimebutine in the Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Multicenter Randomized Double-blind Non-inferiority Clinical Study / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Antispasmodic agents have been used in the management of irritable bowel syndrome. However, systematic reviews have come to different conclusions about the efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome. Fenoverine acts as a synchronizer of smooth muscle in modulating the intracellular influx of calcium. We compared fenoverine with trimebutine for the treatment of patients with IBS. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical study was conducted to compared fenoverine with trimebutine. Subjects were randomized to receive either fenoverine (100 mg three times a day) or trimebutine (150 mg three times a day) for 8 weeks. A total of 197 patients were analyzed by the intention-to-treat approach. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who had 30% reduction in abdominal pain or discomfort measured by bowel symptom scale (BSS) score at week 8 compared to the baseline. The secondary endpoints were changes of abdominal bloating, diarrhea, constipation, overall and total scores of BSS, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: At week 8, fenoverine was shown to be non-inferior to trimebutine (treatment difference, 1.76%; 90% CI, -10.30-13.82; p=0.81); 69.23% (54 of 78 patients) of patients taking fenoverine and 67.47% (56 of 83 patients) of patients taking trimebutine showed 30% reduction in abdominal pain or discomfort compared to the baseline. There results of the secondary endpoints were also comparable between the fenoverine group and the trimebutine group. CONCLUSIONS: Fenoverine is non-inferior to trimebutine for treating IBS in terms of both efficacy and tolerability.

A survey on the education, medical practice, research, and fringe benefits of Korean medical school faculty

In general, medical school faculty have to perform clinical practice in addition to their educational and research activities, unlike the professors of other departments, while simultaneously playing an important role within the medical profession. However, some organizational or environmental factors decrease the job satisfaction of medical professors. This study aimed to determine the current status of medical schools professors' job activities, satisfaction level, factors related to job satisfaction, and so on. A structured questionnaire was used in the survey and 936 valid responses (response rate, 79.1%) were analyzed using SAS version 9.1. Items included in the questionnaire were work tasks, satisfaction with work and environment, fringe benefits, and future plans. Our study found that the satisfaction of respondents with research activities was not high, and they had negative perceptions of their work environment. Also, it was found that job satisfaction was most affected by work environment. In the section on fringe benefits, a variety of fringe benefits were provided to respondents but their actual satisfaction was not high. To enhance the overall job satisfaction of medical school faculty, all the matters related to their work tasks and environmental factors have to be considered in the aspect of their own role in medical school. The limitations of this study were a low response rate to the early online survey and a long duration of the survey period. However, these limitations were resolved by an additional mail survey modality and statistical techniques. It is meaningful that this study was an extensive survey aimed at medical school faculty and dealt with a comprehensive range of issues.

Factors Affecting Alcohol Drinking of Sixth-grade Children in South Korea

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing 6th graders' alcohol drinking. METHODS: Data were collected by questionnaires from 524 6th-graders in G City. The data were analyzed using SAS 9.1.3 programme. RESULTS: Of the children, 63.7% had no education about drinking, implying that drinking prevention education is not done properly in elementary schools. In addition, 70.6% of the children experienced drinking. Among those who had drinking experience, 24.9% experienced the first drinking before entrance into elementary school and this was the highest percentage. Logistic regression analysis showed that the predictors are religion, family type, mother's drinking frequency, and alcohol attitude. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that complementing home environment and parenting education would be effective for reducing children's drinking. Also, it is recommended that drinking prevention programs for children should be developed in consideration of various factors affecting children's drinking including the factors identified in the present study, and the effectiveness of those programs should be assessed.

No Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Urocanase Domain Containing 1 (UROC1) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in the Korean Population

OBJECTIVES: Urocanase domain containing 1 (UROC1) has never been studied in prior studies on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). UROC1 causes urocanic aciduria, one of the symptoms of which is mental retardation. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the UROC1 gene and ASDs in a Korean population. METHODS: A total of 258 control and 214 patients with ASD were used as subjects of this study. SNPs selected from UROC1 were genotyped using Illumina Golden-Gate Genotyping assay with VeraCode(R) technology. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS and Plink software. RESULTS: We found no association of the 12 SNPs in the UROC1 gene with ASDs in a Korean population. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the 12 SNPs (11 SNPs and 1 SNP in the intron and 3'UTR region, respectively) in the UROC1 were not associated with ASDs in a Korean population. Further study on the exon region of UROC1 is needed.

Statistical Analysis of Factors Associated with Facial Bone Fractures

PURPOSE: Statistical analysis of facial bone fractures has been performed in various papers. However, reports on risk factors for facial bone fractures are rare. In order to prevent facial bone fractures, it is important to determine the risk factors for their occurrence. This study seeks to perform a statistical analysis on and identify the risk factors associated with facial bone fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to assess facial bone fractures in patients presenting from October 2009 to January 2011 through a chart review. The data collected included age, gender, etiology, and alcohol consumption. Data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The significance level was set at p<0.05 and SAS ver. 9.2 was used. RESULTS: A total of 489 patients were analyzed. The patients' age ranged from 2 to 85 years (mean age, 31.8+/-15.4 years). The ratio of men to women was 5.0:1. The predominant group was age below 19 years old (30.9%). The main causes of facial bone fractures were assaults (37.8%), falls (27.2%), and sport accidents (19.5%). On multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, especially in the teen group was associated with assaults (p<0.05) resulting in facial bone fractures. Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with assaults and falls (p<0.05) leading to facial bone fractures. CONCLUSION: Facial bone fracture is a challenging problem, because of its high incidence and financial cost. The findings of this study indicate that more effective policies aimed at reducing alcohol intake and teenage violence are needed.

Statistical Analysis of Factors Associated with Facial Bone Fractures

PURPOSE: Statistical analysis of facial bone fractures has been performed in various papers. However, reports on risk factors for facial bone fractures are rare. In order to prevent facial bone fractures, it is important to determine the risk factors for their occurrence. This study seeks to perform a statistical analysis on and identify the risk factors associated with facial bone fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to assess facial bone fractures in patients presenting from October 2009 to January 2011 through a chart review. The data collected included age, gender, etiology, and alcohol consumption. Data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The significance level was set at p<0.05 and SAS ver. 9.2 was used. RESULTS: A total of 489 patients were analyzed. The patients' age ranged from 2 to 85 years (mean age, 31.8+/-15.4 years). The ratio of men to women was 5.0:1. The predominant group was age below 19 years old (30.9%). The main causes of facial bone fractures were assaults (37.8%), falls (27.2%), and sport accidents (19.5%). On multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, especially in the teen group was associated with assaults (p<0.05) resulting in facial bone fractures. Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with assaults and falls (p<0.05) leading to facial bone fractures. CONCLUSION: Facial bone fracture is a challenging problem, because of its high incidence and financial cost. The findings of this study indicate that more effective policies aimed at reducing alcohol intake and teenage violence are needed.

Knowledge and Ability Toward CPR in Metropolitan Dental Hygienists

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ability and level of knowledge among certain dental hygienists in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. METHODS: We surveyed ability and knowledge of CPR among dental hygienists working at dental offices and dental hospitals located in Soul and Gyeonggi-do from September 18, 2010 to October 16, 2010. Data acquired from dental hygienists who had completed the questionnaire that we designed were used in the analysis. Uni- and bi-variate analysis and Chi-square test were performed using SAS 9.2. RESULTS: According to our findings, among respondents, approximately 14.29% of dental hygienists had a CPR license. Their CPR licenses are affected by working period, job position, and level of education (p<.05). Factors including working period, type of CPR license, and CPR license renewal were indicators of CPR knowledge level (p<.05). Significant differences were observed among dental hygienists with regard to subjective CPR abilities, which is dependent on obtaining a CPR license, CPR knowledge level, and education channel for CPR (p<.05). CONCLUSION: CPR ability and knowledge level among dental hygienists were not sufficient to save emergency people in the dental clinic. In order to save emergency patients patients, implementation of a CPR education and renewal program for dental hygienists is recommended.