• Title/Summary/Keyword: Economic Burden

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Effects of Wearing COVID-19 Protective Face Masks on Respiratory, Cardiovascular Responses and Wear Comfort During Rest and Exercise (휴식과 운동 중 COVID-19 대응 보건용 마스크 착용이 호흡·심혈관계 반응 및 착용감에 미치는 영향)

  • Jung, Jae-Yeon;Kang, ChanHyeok;Seong, Yuchan;Jang, Se-Hyeok;Lee, Joo-Young
    • Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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    • v.22 no.6
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    • pp.862-872
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    • 2020
  • This study explores the effects of facemasks on respiratory, thermoregulatory, cardiovascular responses during exercise on a treadmill and at rest. Five male subjects (25.8 ± 0.8 y, 171.8 ± 9.2 cm in height, 79.8 ± 28.1 kg in weight) participated in the following five experimental conditions: no mask, KF80, KF94, KF99, and N95. Inhalation resistance was ranked as KF80 < KF94 < N95 < KF99 and dead space inside a mask was ranked as KF80 = KF94 < N95 < KF99. The surface area covered by a mask was on average 1.1% of the total body surface area. The results showed no significant differences in body core temperature, oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), heart rate or subjective perception among the five experimental conditions; however, cheek temperature, respiratory ventilation and blood pressure were greater for KF80 or KF94 conditions when compared to KF99 or N95 conditions (p<0.05). The differences among mask conditions are attributed to the dead space or specific designs (cup type vs pleats type) rather than the filtration level. In addition, the results suggest that improving mask design can help mitigate respiratory resistance from increased filtration.

Antioxidant and antibacterial effect of bamboo leaves extract on oral bacteria (댓잎 추출물이 구강미생물에 미치는 항산화 및 항균 효과)

  • Hwang, Hye-Jeong;Kim, Dokyeong;Kang, Kyung-hee
    • Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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    • v.13 no.4
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    • pp.653-657
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    • 2022
  • Oral disease causes a significant health and economic burden worldwide, significantly reducing people's quality of life. Dental caries, a representative oral disease, is caused by S. mutans. Oral pathogenic microorganisms contain lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can cause an immune response and cause various oral diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of bamboo leaf extract (BLE) to control oral diseases. THP-1, oral fibroblasts, and S mutans culture medium were treated with bamboo leaf extract at different concentrations of 0-8% to conduct the experiment.. As a result, the antioxidant effect according to the BLE concentration was confirmed in mononuclear cell lines and oral fibroblasts. In addition, the antibacterial effect of S. mutans according to the BLE concentration was demonstrated. Therefore, BLE can be used for the prevention or treatment of oral diseases.

Soft Start System of Induction Motor using Emergency Generator (비상 발전기를 이용한 유도전동기의 소프트 기동 시스템)

  • Hwangbo, Chan;Ko, Jae-Ha;Lee, Jung-Hwan;Park, Seong-Mi;Park, Sung-Jun
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Industry Convergence
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    • v.25 no.3
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    • pp.433-441
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    • 2022
  • In general, in an emergency generator system for an electric facility including an induction motor load, an emergency power generation facility larger than the facility load capacity is built due to the initial starting current of the induction motor. In order to reduce this economic burden, various methods to reduce the inrush current of induction motors are applied to suppress the additional expansion of generators due to the reduction of power generation facilities and the increase in electrical facilities. Among these methods, when a system with a built-in soft start function of an induction motor using an inverter is built, it is the best way to reduce the inrush current of the induction motor to less than the rated current. However, in this case, the installation cost of the inverter to drive the induction motor increases. This paper proposes a soft start method of an induction motor by expanding the frequency and voltage control operation area of an emergency generator. In addition, proposed a speed calculation method based on power factor information, which is essential information for stable soft start of an induction motor, and a method for generating a speed command value of the governor for starting with maximum torque.

Analysis of Treatment Pattern in COPD Patients Using Health Insurance Claims Data: Focusing on Inhaled Medications (건강 보험 청구 자료를 이용한 COPD 환자에서 치료제 처방 변화 분석: 흡입제를 중심으로)

  • Lim, Hana;Park, Mihai
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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    • v.32 no.3
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    • pp.155-165
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    • 2022
  • Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not completely reversible and requires long-term management with appropriate treatment. This study aimed to analyze trends in treatment regimens and medication costs for COPD patients using a national claims database. Methods: We conducted this analysis using National Patient Sample data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service covering the period from 2015 to 2018. We have constructed a dataset comprising COPD disease classification codes J43.x and J44.x (based on KCD-7 code, J43.0 was excluded) and compiled a list of drugs fitting current guidelines. To identify trends, we calculated frequency, ratio, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) using the numbers of prescriptions and patients. Results: The number of COPD patients was 7,260 in 2018, slightly decreased from 2015. Most of these COPD patients were aged 60 or older and included a high proportion of males (72.2%; 2018). The number of patients prescribed inhaled medications increased gradually from 2015 to 2018 (9,227 (47.1%); 2015, 9,285 (51.5%); 2018), while the number of patients prescribed systemic beta-agonists and Xanthines has decreased since 2015 (CAGR -14.7; systemic beta-agonist, -5.8; Xanthines). The per capita cost of medication has increased by 0.4% (KRW 206,667; 2018, KRW 204,278; 2015) annually during the study period. Conclusion: This study showed that treatment with inhaled medications had continuously increased in accord with changing guidelines, but oral medications were still widely used. It is necessary to emphasize the importance of inhaled medications in treating COPD to reduce additional economic burden through appropriate medication use.

Interactive Effects of Nutrition Modification and Wet Cupping on Male Patients with Refractory Stable Angina

  • Abazari, Mohammad;Yousefi, Mahdi;Rahimi, Vafa Baradaran;Vahid, Hamideh;Saki, Azadeh;Gholoobi, Arash
    • Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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    • v.25 no.3
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    • pp.224-232
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    • 2022
  • Objectives: Routine therapies cannot control refractory stable angina, leading to a high economic burden and an impaired quality of life. Persian medicine incorporates exceptional attention to lifestyle and nutrition to prevent and treat various diseases. Previous studies have reported the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of wet cupping. The present study aims to determine the effects of nutrition and cupping on refractory stable angina patients. Methods: Forty male patients with refractory stable angina were randomly allocated to four groups, including nutrition modification based on Persian medicine, wet cupping, nutrition modification along with wet cupping, and control. The primary outcomes were the changes in pain score using a visual analog scale and quality of life using the Seattle angina questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were changes in the exercise test and blood pressure. Results: The results of the present study revealed that 30 days of treatment with nutrition modification based on Persian medicine, cupping, and modified nutrition and cupping along with standard treatment for stable angina significantly increased the patient's quality of life and exercise test results while reducing pain, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: Applying complementary Persian medicine methods such as nutrition modification and cupping along with the classical medical treatments may improve outcomes for refractory stable angina patients.

A Study on the Introduction of a Total Pollutant Load Management System in Gwangyang Bay, Korea (광양만 특별관리해역의 연안오염총량관리 도입에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, DoHee;Park, JongSick;Han, KiWon;Cho, HyeonSeo
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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    • v.28 no.6
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    • pp.899-905
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    • 2022
  • Seawater management via Total Pollutant Load Management System (TPLMS) is crucial because it enables local governments to optimally allocate pollutant loads in order to best reduce pollutant load burden while supporting reasonable development. This study analyzed the feasibility of introducing a TPLMS on Gwangyang Bay, a specially managed sea area. We researched the inflow of pollutants and analyzed the present state of seawater quality in Gwangyang Bay and then discussed our findings and reviewed other specially managed sea area with the Gwangyang Bay Advisory Committee. We conclude that TPLMS on Gwangyang Bay is needed and suggest checking economic feasibility, ef iciency, and conducting continuous monitoring of seawater quality indicators such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), heavy metals and polcyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) prior to introducing a TPLMS in Gwangyang Bay.

Novel Three-Dimensional Knitted Fabric for Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Preliminary Clinical Application and Testing in a Diabetic Mouse Model of Pressure Ulcers

  • Kim, Sungae;Hong, Jamin;Lee, Yongseong;Son, Daegu
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.49 no.2
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    • pp.275-284
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    • 2022
  • Background Population aging has led to an increased incidence of pressure ulcers, resulting in a social burden and economic costs. We developed a three-dimensional knitted fabric (3-DKF) with a pressure-reducing function that can be applied topically in the early stages of pressure ulcers to prevent progression. Methods We evaluated the effects of the 3-DKF in a streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus pressure ulcer mouse model, and the fabric was preliminarily applied to patients. Twelve-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were used for the animal experiments. In the pressure ulcer mouse model, an ischemia-reperfusion injury was created using a magnet on the dorsa of the mice. Pressure was measured with BodiTrak before and after applying the 3-DKF to 14 patients at risk of sacral pressure ulcers. Results In the 3-DKF-applied mice group, the ulcers were shallower and smaller than those in the control group. Compared with the mice in the control group, the 3-DKF group had lower platelet-derived growth factor-α and neutrophil elastase expression, as parameters related to inflammation, and increased levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, TGF-β3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and α-smooth muscle actin, which are related to growth factors and proliferation. Additionally, typical normal tissue staining patterns were observed in the 3-DKF group. In the preliminary clinical analysis, the average skin pressure was 26.2 mm Hg before applying the 3-DKF, but it decreased to an average of 23.4 mm Hg after 3-DKF application. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the newly developed 3-DKF was effective in preventing pressure ulcers through testing in a pressure ulcer animal model and preliminary clinical application.

A Case of Successful Treatment of Congenital Syphilis in an Extremely Preterm Baby With Severe Respiratory Distress

  • Yoon Kyung Cho;Yeon Kyung Lee;Sun Young Ko
    • Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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    • v.29 no.3
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    • pp.161-165
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    • 2022
  • We report a case of successful treatment of congenital syphilis in an extremely preterm baby. A 1,395 g female infant was born by emergency Caesarean section due to preterm labor and breech presentation at gestational age at 29 weeks and 3 days with an Apgar score of 2 and 4 at 1 minute and 5 minutes, respectively. The mother of the newborn, an illegal immigrant who did not receive any antenatal care, was diagnosed as active syphilis infection by reactive rapid plasma regain (RPR) (titer 1:128) just before the delivery. Upon birth, the newborn presented with various clinical manifestations, including severe respiratory distress syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, desquamation and scaling of the whole body, and osteolytic changes of long bone ends. Results of laboratory tests showed signs of early congenital syphilis, including positive syphilis reagin test (12.7 R.U.), reactive with RPR titer of 1:64, and positive for immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test. However, after completion of penicillin G treatment for two weeks, laboratory results dramatically improved, showing a negative syphilis reagin test (0.5 R.U.) and non-reactive in RPR. In conclusion, the incidence of congenital syphilis is prone to be resurgent in South Korea, neonatologists should be fully aware of the clinical features of congenital syphilis because early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential in order to reduce the social and economic burden due to congenital syphilis.

Beliefs and Attitudes toward Physician-assisted Suicide among Korean Adults

  • In Cheol, Hwang;Jung Hun, Kang;Won-chul, Kim;Jeanno, Park;Hyun Sook, Kim;DaeKyun, Kim;Kyung Hee, Lee
    • Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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    • v.25 no.4
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    • pp.198-203
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    • 2022
  • Purpose: To grasp public opinion accurately, we conducted an opinion poll on beliefs and attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide (PAS). Methods: A randomized telephone survey ensuring a representative sample was conducted, 1,007 participants aged 18 years or older (response rate, 9.5%). Results: The main results are as follows: i) 61.1% of participants thought that the current social support system for terminally ill patients and their families is insufficient; ii) 60% of participants did not recognize the term "hospice and palliative care"; iii) 81.7% of participants would not like to receive life-sustaining treatment if there is no possibility of recovery; iv) 58.4% of participants would like to receive hospice and palliative care if they are diagnosed with a terminal illness; v) the priorities for dignified dying were preparing a support system to reduce the burden of care (28.6%), economic support including reduction of medical expenses (26.7%), expansion of hospice and palliative care services (25.4%), and legalization of PAS (13.6%); and vi) 58.3% of participants agreed that the expansion of hospice and palliative care should precede the legalization of PAS. Conclusion: Koreans currently want other efforts, including expansion of hospice and palliative care services, instead of the legalization of PAS.

Factors related to the intention of pre-clinical vaccination among nursing students (간호대학생의 임상 실습 전 예방접종 의도에 영향을 미치는 요인)

  • Ahn, Kahyung;Jang, Minsu;Kang, Jihyeon;Kim, Yuri;Shin, Ahyeon;Park, Yeon-Hwan
    • The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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    • v.29 no.3
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    • pp.225-233
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    • 2023
  • Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify factors related to the vaccination intentions of nursing students before clinical practice. Methods: A descriptive correlational study design was used. The participants were 129 nursing students who were enrolled in one college of nursing in Seoul and were scheduled for clinical training. Data collection was conducted from February 28 to March 7, 2022. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and a latitudinal regression analysis using the IBM SPSS statistics version 26.0 program. Results: The intention to vaccinate showed a significant correlation with vaccination attitude (r=.72, p<.001), subjective norms (r=.68, p<.001), and perceived behavioral control (r=.63, p<.001). The influencing factors on three intent to vaccinate were vaccination attitude (β=.36 p<.001), subjective norms (β=.31, p<.001), and perceived behavioral control (β=.36, p<.001). The explanatory power of these variables was 69.6%. Conclusion: The vaccination rate before the clinical training of nursing students was related to economic burden, a lack of time, and transportation problems that nursing college students experienced during the vaccination process. Therefore, administrative and financial support is needed for improving the vaccination rates of nursing students.