• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.14-20
• /
• 2013

Background: Nefopam, a non-opiate analgesic, has been regarded as a substance that reduces the requirement for morphine, but conflicting results have also been reported. The inhibition of monoamine reuptake is a mechanism of action for the analgesia of nefopam. The spinal cord is an important site for the action of monoamines however, the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal nefopam was not clear. This study was performed to examine the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal (i.t.) nefopam and the pattern of pharmacologic interaction with i.t. morphine in the formalin test. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with an i.t. catheter, and were randomly treated with a vehicle, nefopam, or morphine. Formalin was injected into the hind-paw 10 min. after an i.t. injection of the above experiment drugs. After obtaining antinociceptive $ED_{50}$ of nefopam and morphine, the mixture of nefopam and morphine was tested for the antinociceptive effect in the formalin test at a dose of 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 of $ED_{50}$, or $ED_{50}$ of each drug followed by an isobolographic analysis. Results: Intrathecal nefopam significantly reduced the flinching responses in both phases of the formalin test in a dose-dependent manner. Its effect, however, peaked at a dose of $30{\mu}g$ in phase 1 (39.8% of control) and $10{\mu}g$ during phase 2 (37.6% of control). The isobolograhic analysis indicated an additive interaction of nefopam and morphine during phase 2, and a synergy effect in antinociception during phase 1. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that i.t. nefopam produces an antinociceptive effect in formalin induced pain behavior during both phases of the formalin test, while interacting differently with i.t. morphine, synergistically during phase 1, and additively during phase 2.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.65-70
• /
• 2009

Purpose: Many studies have addressed a psychiatric analysis of self-injury patients who have self-injurious behavior and who have attempted suicide. Few studies on the injury characteristics of self-injury related trauma patients have been conducted. We analyzed the injury characteristics of self-injury patients. Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records extracted from the injury surveillance system of Wonju Christian Hospital for the period from August 2006 to February 2008 was conducted. Of the 121 cases extracted, 103 were included in this study. We analyzed the sex ratio, age group, place of injury, injury mechanism, location of injury, management results, injury severity, and relation with drinking. Results: One hundred three cases were included (sex ratio: 1.06), and the mean age was $33.9{\pm}14.2$ years old. Fifty-six patients (54.4%) were discharged from the emergency department (ED) on the day of injury after primary care, and 9 patients (8.7%) were discharged, because they refused treatment. Seven patients (6.8%) died. Of these, 4 patients (3.9%) died after attempted cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in the ED, 1 patient (1%) was dead on arrival, and 2 patients (1.9%) died after admission. Sixteen patients (15.5%) were admitted to the hospital, including 2 patients (1.9%) needing emergency surgery. Sixteen patients (15.5%) were transferred to other hospitals. Sixty-one cases (59.2%) involved drinking, and 31 (30.1%) did not; for 11 cases (10.7%), the involvement of drinking was unknown. The mean revised trauma score (RTS) was $11.26{\pm}2.52$, and 88 cases (85.4%) hat a RTS of 12. The mean injury severity score (ISS) was $5.80{\pm}14.56$, and 9 (8.7%) severely injured patients had scores of more than 15. Conclusion: Most self-injuries were mild traumas related to drinking and occurred at a young age. Most cases were not so severe, and the patients were discharged from the ED, but some patients needed hospitalization. Other patients had injuries so severe that they died.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.23 no.1 s.53
• /
• pp.38-43
• /
• 1999

Ginseng total saponins (ginsenosides) are biologically active main ingredients of Panax ginseng. In present study, we have investigated whether pretreatment of ginsenosides inhibited capsaicin-induced pain at the spinal level, in the view that capsaicin causes substance P (SP) release from primary afferents. Ginsenosides relieved capsaicin-induced pain in a dose-dependent manner. The $ED_{50}$ of the effect was 43 (20-93, $95\%$ C.I.) ${\mu}g/mouse$. We investigated excitatory amino acids-induced nociceptive responses in mice, because these agents are also involved in nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord. Coadministration of ginsenosides with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or kainate via i.t. inhibited NMDA- but not kainate-induced pain behaviors. The $ED_{50}$ for the inhibition of NMDA-induced pain by ginsenosides was 37 (21-66, $95\%$ C.I.) ${\mu}g/mouse$. These results suggest that the ginsenosides-induced antinociception results from blocking of pain transmitter-induced nociceptive information at the spinal level.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.42 no.3
• /
• pp.443-451
• /
• 2012

Purpose: This study was done to compare the rates of hemolysis and repeated sampling in blood samples obtained by a syringe needle versus a vacuum tube needle. Methods: A randomized, prospective study was used to evaluate the differences between the two blood sampling methods. The study group consisted of patients seen in the emergency department (ED) for blood sampling to determine electrolyte level. ED patients were randomly assigned to either the syringe group or the vacuum tube group. All blood samples were collected by experienced ED nurses and hemolysis was determined by experienced laboratory technologists. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regression. Results: One hundred forty-five valid samples were collected (74 in the syringe group versus 71 in the vacuum tube group). 5 of 74 (6.8%) blood samples in the syringe group and 8 of 71 (11.3%) in the vacuum tube group hemolyzed. Repeated blood sampling occurred for 2 of 74 (2.7%) and 3 of 71 (4.2%) in each group respectively. There were no significant differences in rates of hemolysis and repeated sampling between two groups (B=1.97, p=.204; B=2.36, p=.345). Conclusion: Venipuncture with syringe needles can be recommended for ED nurses to obtain blood samples.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.513-522
• /
• 2019

Background: South Korea operates a Medical Aid (MA) program targeting selected low-income individuals to ensure medical service delivery to the disadvantaged while enhancing self-sufficiency of work-capable beneficiaries. However, as reasons behind welfare exits are diverse and do not always infer poverty relief or the provision of appropriate levels of health care services, this study aimed to investigate the association between changes in MA status and health care utilization. Methods: This study used the 2006 to 2015 National Health Insurance claims data. The impact of changes in annual MA status on health care utilization (yearly number of outpatient visits, inpatient visits, length of stay, and emergency department [ED] visits) was investigated using the generalized estimating equation model. Results: In 117,943 adult subjects aged 20 to 64, compared to the 'MA to MA' group, the 'MA to MA exit' group showed general decreases in utilization (outpatient visits: β=-3.93, p<0.0001; hospital admissions: relative risk [RR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-0.91; length of stay: β=-3.64, p<0.0001; ED visits: RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.77-0.90). Similar patterns were found in the 'MA exit to MA exit' group (outpatient visits: β=-5.72, p<0.0001; admissions: RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.94; length of stay: β=-5.87; p<0.0001; ED visits: RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75-0.88). Likewise, in 74,747 older adult subjects aged 65 or above, the 'MA to MA exit' group showed reduced levels of utilization (outpatient visits: β=-1.51; p=0.0020), as well as the 'MA exit to MA exit' group (admissions: RR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89-0.95; length of stay: β, -5.45; p<0.0001; ED visits: RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83-0.97). Conclusion: MA exit was associated with general decreases in health care utilization. Utilization patterns of individuals with experiences of receiving MA benefits should be monitored to promote the ideal use of health care services while preventing potential financial barriers present in accessing medical care.

• Review of KIISC
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.30-43
• /
• 1994

본 해설은 1993년 일본의 미쓰비스 전기(주)의 마쯔이가 세계 최초로 발표한 DES의 선형해독법을 1994년 1월 27일부터 1월 30일까지 개최된 SCIS'94에서 기 발표한 선형 해독법의 고속화 방법을 제안한 논문을 번역하여 소개한다. 이 방법으로 2$^{43}$ 개의 랜덤과 평문과 암호문이 주어진다면 DES의 모르는 키 56비트를 80%의 성공확률로 구할 수 있다. 또한, 이론을 실증하기 위해 50일간 12대의 W/S(PA-RISC, 99MHz, 125MIPA)을 이용하여 수행한 결과 EDS의 기지 평문 공격에 성공하였다고 한다.

• Research in Mathematical Education
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.1-5
• /
• 1997

We discuss some aspects of mathematics for teachers such as algebra for teachers, geometry for teachers, statistics for teachers, etc., which can be taught in teacher preparation courses. Mathematics for teachers should consider the followings: (a) Various solutions for a problem, (b) The dynamics of a problem introduced by change of condition, (c) Relationship of mathematics to real life, (d) Mathematics history and historical issues, (e) The difference between pure mathematics and pedagogical mathematics, (f) Understanding of the theoretical backgrounds, and (g) Understanding advanced mathematics.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.174-180
• /
• 2012

Objectives: An ambulance can be a potential source of contagious or droplet infection of a community. We estimated the prevalence of positive carriage of tuberculosis (TB), methicillin-resistant $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$ (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant $Enterococci$ (VRE) in patients transported by ambulance. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. We enrolled all patients who visited a tertiary teaching hospital emergency department (ED). Blood, sputum, urine, body fluid, and rectal swab samples were taken from patients when they were suspected of TB, MRSA, or VRE in the ED. The patients were categorized into three groups: pre-hospital ambulance (PA) group; inter-facility ambulance (IA) group; and non-ambulance (NA) group. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a multivariable logistic regression model for the prevalence of each infection. Results: The total number of patients was 89206. Of these, 9378 (10.5%) and 4799 (5.4%) were in the PA and IA group, respectively. The prevalence of TB, MRSA, and VRE infection were 0.3%, 1.1%, and 0.3%, respectively. In the PA group, the prevalence of TB, MRSA, and VRE were 0.3%, 1.8%, and 0.4%. In the IA group, the prevalence of TB, MRSA, and VRE were 0.7%, 4.6%, and 1.5%, respectively. The adjusted ORs (95% CI) of the PA and IA compared to the NA group were 1.02 (0.69 to 1.53) and 1.83 (1.24 to 2.71) for TB, 2.24 (1.87 to 2.69) and 5.47 (4.63 to 6.46) for MRSA, 2.59 (1.78 to 3.77) and 8.90 (6.52 to 12.14) for VRE, respectively. Conclusions: A high prevalence of positive carriage of TB, MRSA, and VRE in patients transported by metropolitan ambulances was found.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.90-97
• /
• 2015

Background: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) can cause serious adverse effects. To reduce the occurrence of CIN related computed tomography (CT) in emergency patients, we assessed the respective roles of serum creatinine (SCr) alone and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as an early predictor for CIN related CT. Methods: For patients with SCr <1.5 mg/dL who underwent CT in emergency department (ED) between September 2012 and October 2013, we assessed the prevalence of CIN and its adverse effects. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study (MDRD) and Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula was used for the calculation of eGFR. Practical calculation was performed by electronic medical record (EMR) system for MDRD and internet calculating service for CG. And we investigated the prevalence of CIN in eGFR $<60mL/min/1.73m^2$ before CT. Results: A total of 1,555 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of CIN after CT was 4.6% and it showed correlation with renal deterioration, increased in-hospital mortality, and prolonged hospitalization. Despite baseline SCr <1.5 mg/dL, among enrolled patients, 11.3% as MDRD equation and 29.5% as CG formula were $<60mL/min/1.73m^2$ and in this condition, the prevalence of CIN was significantly high (odds ratio was 2.87 [1.64-5.02] as MDRD equation and 2.03 [1.26-3.29] as CG formula). Conclusion: Just SCr <1.5mg/dL was not appropriate to recognize preexisting renal insufficiency, but eGFR using MDRD equation was useful in predicting the risk of CIN related CT in ED. Using EMR, calculation of eGFR can be easier and more convenient.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.164-172
• /
• 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on emergency departments (EDs) in patients under the age of 18 years with respiratory disease. Also, we analyzed similarities and differences in patients including revisit before and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study population was respiratory patients under the age of 18 years who visited all 403 EDs in Korea between January 1st, 2019 and December 31st, 2020, using the National Emergency Department Information System Database. The primary outcome was the number of respiratory patients according to age, sex, the type of EDs, season, Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS) levels, the result of ED, and length of stay. The secondary outcome was the number of revisit respiratory patients within 72 hours. We calculated the risk-adjusted revisit rates according to the KTAS level using a multiple logistic regression model. Results: The number of ED visits decreased from 274,526 in 2019 to 79,007 in 2020; this number was 71.2% lower than that before COVID-19. In spring 2020, this number was 90.1% lower than during the same period in 2019. For the revisit rate in the study population, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.22 (1.05-1.41) in 2019 and 1.39 (1.07-1.81) in 2020. Conclusion: Implementing appropriate emergency care policies in severe respiratory patients would have contributed to improving the safety of reducing in revisit rate.