• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2006

Purpose: Recently, the American Heart Association recommended that routine cervical spine protection in submerged patients was not necessary, except in high-energy injury situations. However, until now, this recommendation has few supportive studies and literatures. This retrospective study was performed to demonstrate the risk of cervical spine injury in patients who had been submerged in a river. Methods: Seventy-nine submerged patients who visited St. Mary's Hospital between January 2000 and December 2005 were included in this retrospective study. We investigated and analyzed the victim's age, sex, activity on submersion, mental status and level of severity at admission, prognosis at discharge, associated injuries, and risk group by using the medical records and cervical spine lateral images. According to the activity on submersion, victims were classified into three groups: high risk, low risk, and unknown risk. The reports of radiologic studies were classified into unstable fracture, stable fracture, sprain, degenerative change, and normal. Results: The patients' mean age was 36.8 yrs, and 54% were males. Of the 79 patients, adult and adolescent populations (80%) were dominant. Jumping from a high bridge (48%) was the most common activity on submersion and accounted for 52% of the high-risk group. The Glasgow coma scale at admission and the cerebral performance scale at discharge showed bimodal patterns. The results of the radiologic studies showed one stable fracture, one suspicious stable fracture, and 18 sprains. The incidence of cervical spine fracture in submerged patients was 2.5% in our study. The incidence of cervical spine injury was higher in the high-risk group than it was in the low-risk group, especially in the jumping-from-high-bridge subgroup; however this observation was not statistically significant. No other factors had any significant effect on the incidence of cervical spine injury. Conclusion: Our study showed that even submerged patients in the high risk group had a low incidence of cervical spine fracture and that the prognosis of a patient did not seem to be influenced by the cervical spine fracture itself.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.55-61
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• 1988

Fifty patients with residual, unresectable or recurrent rectal cancer were treated with external irradiation using a 6-MV linear accelerator at the Division of Therapeutic Radiology, Department of Radiology, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University Medical College during the period of April 1983 to December 1987. This paper describes the results of a retrospective analysis of the results of external irradiation for the residual, unresectable and recurrent rectal cancer in 46 patients. Four patients were lost to follow-up. Of the 46 patients, $18 (39\%)$ presented with unresectable primary lesions and $28 (61\%)$ with residual or recurrent rectal cancer. In $93\%$, the pathologic diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. Resonse to irradiation was observed in $22 (73\%)$ out of 30 patients who were treated for pain, $12 (86\%)$ out of 14 patients who were treated for mass, and $17 (77\%)$ out of 22 patients who were treated for bloody discharge. The actuarial postoperative 2-year and 3-year survival rates in recurrent and unresectable patients were $43\%$ and $22\%$, respectively. However, the post-RT 2-year survival rate was $13\% (6/46)$.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.132-139
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective multi-institutional study was to evaluate the nutritional status of patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for treatment of head and neck, lung, or gastrointestinal cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,000 patients were enrolled in this study at seven different hospitals in Seoul, Korea between October 2009 and May 2010. The nutritional status of patients after receiving 3 weeks of RT was evaluated using subjective global assessment (SGA). The nutritional status of each patient was rated as well nourished (A), moderately malnourished (B), or severely malnourished (C). Results: The mean age of patients in this study was $59.4{\pm}11.9$ years, and the male to female ratio was 7:3. According to the SGA results, 60.8%, 34.5%, and 4.7% of patients were classified as A, B, or C, respectively. The following criteria were significantly associated with malnutrition (SGA B or C; p < 0.001): loss of subcutaneous fat or muscle wasting (odds ratio [OR], 11.473); increased metabolic demand/stress (OR, 8.688); ankle, sacral edema, or ascites (OR, 3.234); and weight loss ${\geq}5%$ (OR, 2.299). Conclusion: SGA was applied successfully to assess the nutritional status of most patients. The prevalence of malnutrition in a radiation oncology department was 39.2%. The results of this study serve as a basis for implementation of nutrition intervention to patients being treated at radiation oncology departments.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 1973

The definition of cancer, its diagnosis and its prognosis all depend upon description of growth. To the layman a synonym for cancer is a "growth". There are no quantitative terms for the description of growth or growth rate in clinical use. There has been no attempt to assign values that would define "rapidly" or "slowly" growing. Estimates of growth potentiality are implied in the descriptive phrases "poorly differentiated" or "well differentiated", "highly malignant" or "low grade malignancy". and in systems of grading. These qualifying terms represent a personal impression, clinically useful in prognosis, but relative in nature. They do not lend themselves to uniform application or precise measurement for purpose of comparison. Growth is related to size and time. The volume of tumor depends upon the duration of the period of growth and the rate of growth. If the interval and change in volume are known. the average growth rate can be determined. If the growth rate is determined, and assumed to be constant., the duration of a given tumor and the time of inception can be estimated. The commonest concept of the origin of cancer is that as a result of a mutation involving a single cell, succeeding divisions of cells establish a colony with the characteristics recognizable as cancer. If the growth rate of the hypothetical tumor were constant it could be described in terms of "tumor volume doubling time". In the department of thoracic surgery of St. Mary hospital in Catholic Medical College, a clinical evaluation for the growth rate, degree of malignancy, resectability and prognosis was done on a total 24 cases of primary bronchogenic carcinoma which contour was significant on the chest X-ray film as possible estimating the tumor volume doubling time. The following results were obtained: 1. In the cases of 6.0cm or more in diameter of minor size at operation the resectability rate was lower and in the cases of 60 days or more in the tumor or volume doubling time the resectability rate was higher. 2. If differentiation of cancer cells was lower graded in tissue pathology, the tumor volume was shorter and the resectability rate was lower. 3. The tumor volume doubling time of the primary bronchogenic carcinoma occured more over 60 years of age was slightly shorter than under 60 years of age. 4. The tumor size at operation was more important to evaluate the survival time and prognosis than the tumor volume doubling time because the tumor growth was not always constant, we presume.mor volume doubling time because the tumor growth was not always constant, we presume.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.639-644
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• 2009

Characterized by unique phenotypic features such as aortic aneurysm/dissection, hypertelorism, bifid uvula/cleft palate and generalized tortuosity in the arterial system, Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a newly described aggressive connective tissue disorder associated with mutation in the gene encoding transforming growth factor-$\beta$ receptor type I or type II. Some phenotypic manifestations of Loeys-Dietz syndrome overlap with those of Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. However, due to its more malignant pathophysiologic nature, physicians should be alert to Loeys-Dietz syndrome. High suspicion, early diagnosis, preventive surgery and serial imaging assessments are warranted for optimal management of Loeys-Dietz syndrome. We present here a case of a young patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome who had aortic rupture, bifid uvula and hypertelorism. We also present a review of the medical literature.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.5
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• pp.335-340
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• 2011

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world in all age groups. Viral causes of CAP are less well characterized than bacterial causes. We analyzed the characteristics of hospitalized patients with CAP who had a viral pathogen detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: Multiplex real-time PCR was performed for respiratory viruses in samples collected from 520 adults who developed CAP at Chungnam National University Hospital. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological features at presentation as well as other epidemiological data were analyzed. Results: Of 520 patients with CAP, a viral pathogen was detected in 60 (11.5%), and influenza A was the most common. The virus detection rate in patients with CAP was highest in November. Two or more pathogens were detected in 13 (21.7%) patients. Seven patients had severe disease and were administered in the intensive care unit. Most patients (49/60, 81.7%) had comorbidities. However, nine (15%) patients had no comorbidities, and their age was <60 years. The ground glass opacity pattern was the most common radiological feature. Seven (11.7%) patients died from CAP. Conclusion: Viral pathogens are commonly detected in patients with CAP, and a respiratory virus may be associated with the severity and outcome of pneumonia. Careful attention should be paid to the viral etiology in adult patients with CAP.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2014

Background: It is known to reduce the mortality when glutamine is supplied to patients during the surgery or in intensive care unit through intravenous nutrition supply. The purpose of this study is to establish the appropriate basis for use of glutamine and guidelines of nutrition supply for critically ill patients in the hospital by examining the clinical effects of administration of glutamine with subjects of elderly critically ill patients receiving intravenous nutrition in one hospital in Korea. Method: Among elderly patients with age of 60 or more hospitalized in Yeuido St. Mary's Hospital from August 2012 to July 2013, those who stayed in the intensive care unit for more than a week and received TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) for more than 3 days during staying in the intensive care unit were classified to a test group using glutamine and a control group without glutamine. Duration of use of mechanical ventilator, duration of hospitalization, occurrence of infectious disease and death were compared between two groups. We would like to identify the clinical test figures affected by the use of glutamine by examining changes in SCr, Total Protein, Albumin, AST, ALT, TB, DB and GFR at the time of admission and discharge. Results: At the time of admission to intensive care unit, gender, physical measurement information and clinical test figures did not show any significant difference between 72 subjects in a test group and 24 subjects in a control group. Thus, two groups began in the same condition. There were no significant difference in duration of hospitalization, duration of intensive care unit, use of mechanical ventilator, occurrence of infectious disease and death. As the results of statistical analysis of the average changes of clinical test figures at the time of admission and discharge of intensive care unit, SCr and GFR were significantly changed in the test group. GFR was significantly changed in a control group. As the result of analysis of the clinical test figures at the time of discharge with reflection of average changes after clinical test figures were corrected at the time of admission of intensive care unit, TB and GFR were significantly increased in a test group compared with those in a control group. Other clinical test figures were not significantly changed. Conclusion: If glutamine is administered to critically ill patients over age 60 receiving TPN and careful monitoring for total bilirubin is made in the future, it is expected to give the positive effect on renal function andminimize the side effect of arise in total bilirubin.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.295-310
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• 2015

Objectives : Symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during childhood may persist into adulthood. This study included the development and validation process of the Korean Adult ADHD Rating Scale (K-AARS), which was developed for screening and monitoring treatment of adults with ADHD. Methods : Preliminary questionnaires of the K-AARS were based on the reviews of previous adult ADHD scales and clinical experiences of the board certified child and adolescent psychiatrists in Korea. For this study, 136 adults (18-50 years old) with inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity symptoms were enrolled as ADHD subjects, and compared with 406 control subjects (18-50 years old) without ADHD symptoms. Construct validity was examined using explorative factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha to obtain internal reliability coefficients. Concurrent validity was evaluated by comparison with the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scale (CAARS). Results : An explorative factor analysis showed that the K-AARS had 8 factors (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, antisocial personality disorder/conduct disorder/oppositional defiant disorder, impairment, driving, emotional dysregulation, disorganization). K-AARS was highly reliable in terms of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.77-0.95) and correlation between factors (0.57-0.86). Concurrent validity with the CAARS and discriminant validity were statistically significant. Conclusion : The K-AARS is a valid and reliable measure for assessment of Korean adults with ADHD.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.82-89
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• 2009

Objectives: Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) often have difficulties in social behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a short-term training program for improving social skills, self-perception and attention deficits. Methods: The subjects were nine children diagnosed with ADHD with(or without) other mental disorders using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children(DISC-ADHD) module. Children were given eight sessions of a social skills training program. Parents of children simultaneously participated in their own training which was designed to support their children's generalization of skills. Assessments included child, parent and teacher ratings of social skills, self-perception and attention deficit at baseline and post-treatment. Results: Social skills training led to significant improvements in child-reported measures of self-esteem, in teacher reported measures of social skills, and in parent-reported measures of attention deficit. Conclusion: This study suggests that short-term social skills training programs for children with ADHD may improve their social skills, self-perception and attention deficits.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.392-402
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was done to investigate the status of disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities. Method: A survey of 193 Korean healthcare facilities was conducted from February 8 to March 7, 2013. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ${\chi}^2$ test, Fisher's exact test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe with SPSS WIN 18.0. Results: Of the healthcare facilities 93.2% had specific guidelines for disinfection/sterilization, but only 47.9% had a committee on disinfection/sterilization for decision-making, less than half (42.7%) conducted regular monitoring of actual practices, while 83.9% had established procedures for recovery in case of problems with the disinfection process and 89.0% kept records and archives of disinfection practices. Cleaning process, selection of chemical disinfectants and process of disinfection and sterilization were found to be inadequate in some healthcare facilities. Perception score for adequacy of medical instruments was 8.10, environmental disinfection was 7.20, and sterilizer management was 8.45 out of a possible 10. Conclusion: Compared to larger institutions, smaller healthcare facilities had less effective disinfection and sterilization management systems, while some facilities showed inadequate practices for medical equipment and general sterilization. Better academic and state-level support is recommended for smaller facilities in order to establish a better system-wide management system.