• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.2 s.62
• /
• pp.25-31
• /
• 2005

Objectives: This study was designed to assess traditional Korean medical therapy for urticaria and establish a clinical assessment guideline. Methods: Duration of symptoms, personal and family history of allergic diseases, serum IgE level, suspected causes and Provocation factors were investigated in 56 patients. Frequency of wheals, duration of wheals, number of wheals, itch severity and antihistamine counts on a 6-point (0-5) scale were assessed in 34 patients. The change of total scores and each criterion between baseline and follow up were analyzed using paired t-test (p<0.05). Results: 1. Acute urticaria within 6 weeks was $26.8\%$ and chronic urticaria over 6 weeks was $73.2\%$. The mean duration of symptoms was $19.2\pm38.8$ months. 2. $57.1\%$ of patients had a personal history of allergic diseases and $50\%$had a family history. $29.1\%$ had over 200 IU/mL serum IgE level. 3. The suspected causes were none $(39.3\%)$, foods $(32.1\%)$, drugs $(12.5\%)$, contact $(5.4\%)$ and maternity$(5.4\%)$. 4. The suspected provocation factors were foods $(41.1\%)$, none $(26.8\%)$, fatigue $(12.5\%)$, heat and sweating $(12.5\%)$, pressure $(10,7\%)$ and stress $(7.1\%)$. 5. The total scores between baseline and follow up of 34 patients were lowered from $15.38^{\circ}\;{\ae}3.75\;to\;8.82^{\circ}\;{\ae}5.21$, which was significant statistically (p=0.000). 6. Itch severity, frequency of wheals and number of wheals were the most significantly lowered of all criteria. Conclusions: Traditional Korean medical therapy was proven to be effective for urticaria, while itch severity, frequency of wheals and number of wheals should be assessed clinically with greater priority.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.26 no.12
• /
• pp.1341-1353
• /
• 2017

This study aimed to identify the aquatic and riparian factors associated with the presence/absence of the Eurasian otter in the Nakdong river basin, where the species is relatively more abundant than other otter species. Environmental factors and presence records were collected. Geographical Information System technology and chi-square test were used to compare environmental gradients in aquatic and riparian factors between presence and absence sites. Aquatic habitat attributes were evaluated with natural riverside sandbars and channel crossing artificial structures, the ratio of channel width to alluvial plain width, riverbed substrate, and flow diversity. Riverbank characteristics, bank materials, man-made embankment types, and land use/land cover of inland and riverside areas were selected as riparian habitat attributes. Compared to the aquatic attributes, riparian attributes were highly significant when assessing otter presence and absence sites, suggesting that conservation of suitable riparian areas to provide maternity and resting areas for otter species is essential in the Nakdong river basin. None of the aquatic attributes examined were statistically significant when evaluating otter presence or absence. These results indicate that the presence of suitable riparian area for resting and reproduction habitats is more critical to the presence of Eurasian otter than food availability in aquatic areas. To inform implementation of effective conservation actions, broad-scale factors, such as watershed attributes, would be needed to further assess habitat conditions of the Eurasian otter.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.335-339
• /
• 2016

Background: The aim of this work was to investigate if serum and salivary auto-antibodies, isotypes IgG and IgM, against HER2 and MUC1 tandem repeat fragments could play a role in breast cancer screening. Materials and Methods: Our case-control study was conducted in breast cancer patients, in early stages (n=29), at the gynecology service, Maternity Souissi Hospital, Rabat, Morocco and healthy woman (n=31). Salivary and serum auto-antibodies against HER2 and MUC1 (tandem repeat) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and compared between patients and healthy women using the Mann-Whitney U test. A P-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Our data showed higher expression of all serum and salivary autoantibodies in patients as compared to healthy women p<0.05. However, serum IgM anti-MUC1 expression did not show a significant difference between cases and controls (p=0.79). Similarly, salivary IgG anti-HER2 expression did not differ (p=0.15). The correlation between the different isotypes of antibodies revealed that the highest correlation was between salivary IgG anti-HER2 and salivary IgG anti-MUC1(r=0.65). In fact, we have found in saliva the correlation between autoantibodies anti-MUC1 and anti-HER2 more important than in serum (r=0.59 and r=0. 55). However, the correlation between serum and saliva values for all antibodies was weak. Conclusions: Autoantibodies against HER2 and MUC1 may provide a useful approach in breast cancer screening when using both serum and saliva values.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.8
• /
• pp.4829-4834
• /
• 2013

Background: Breast self examination (BSE), performed regularly every month, is one of the most important methods in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. This study was performed with the aim of establishing the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of women working in government hospitals within the province of Samsun regarding BSE. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January-March 2012, on a total of 550 women (500 health personnel, and 50 general administration services (GAS) workers) from 7 government hospitals and the Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Centre (CEDSEC). Percentages were used for the descriptive statistics, and the chi-square test for the evaluation of statistical importance. Values of p<0.05 were accepted as significant. Results: The mean age of the participants was $36.2{\pm}15.3$, and 42.5% were in the 30-39 year old age group, 78.0% being married. Seventy-eight point four percent (78.4%) of the health personnel and 76.0% of the GAS workers performed BSE. However, the rates of performing BSE regularly every month were only 25.6% and 5.0%. Within the health personnel, 1.4% stated that they did not perform BSE because they found it unnecessary as they had no history of breast cancer in their family, 3.6% did not do so due to fear and stress, 13.2% because they forgot, and 14.6% because they had no complaints. Some 22.2% of the health personnel and 52.0% of the GAS workers had undergone mammographic evaluation, the difference being significant (p<0.05), 84.1% of the health personnel and 61.9% of the GAS workers knowing symptoms of breast cancer. Conclusions: Women in society should be brought to a certain level of awareness and knowledge regarding BSE. It is of the utmost importance that health personnel, who carry the responsibility for counseling and enlightening society, should interiorize the necessary knowledge, attitudes and behavior.

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.439-448
• /
• 2003

Purpose: This study was accomplished to apply and to evaluate the 10-week Urinary tract Function Promotion for the Elderly Women (UFPE), and to suggest guideline and to be utilized on the community level. Method: Subjects were 30 persons of 16 healthy elderly and 14 hemiplegic elderly. This UFPE was composed of diagnosis of incontinence & evaluation of physical condition, understanding of urogenital system & urinary incontinence management. UFPE was evaluated by subjective urinary condition, intra-vaginal contraction power, continence self-efficacy (CSE), incontinence stress, geriatric depression. The collected data was analyzed using Wilcoxon Matched Signed-Ranks test by SPSS/WIN program. Result: 5 subjects (31.2%) in healthy group and 2 subjects(14.3%) in hemiplegic group have a daytime frequency, 14 subjects(87.5%) in healthy- group and 14 subjects(100%) have a nocturia. After program, subjective urinary condition was increased just only healthy elderly (Z=-2.545, p<0.05), while intra-vaginal contraction power and CSE were increased significantly only in the hemiplegic elderly (Z=-2.57, P<0.05: Z=-2.29, p<0.05). There were barriers not to comply program guidance such as inadequate perception of pelvic floor muscle, forget to do exercise, fatigue. Conclusion: UFPE was effective in increasing subjective urinary condition for healthy elderly and in increasing intra-vaginal contraction power and continence self-efficacy for the hemiplegic elderly women. I suggest that this UFPE be utilized at the health center and elderly center, and public health nurse counsel and guide the elderly's work through phone service.

• 모자간호학회지
• /
• v.1
• /
• pp.23-33
• /
• 1991

Recently, Cesarean Section has been revealed as major events in maternity nursing, because it has influence on tile formatter of the self concept of cesarean section mothers as well as later coping mechanism and mother-child relationship including the mothering role. The study is conducted to clarify the relationships between the perceired family support and the self concept of cesarean section mothers, and to find out other Influencing factors on the formation of the self concept. Measuring instrument used in this study was Lee's scale to measure the self concept and the degree of perceived family support of the cesarean section mothers, The subject were 155 cesarean section mothers who were selected conveniently. Volunteers answered self reporting questionnaires which asked about their self concept. Data was analyzed as follows using SAS. The relationship between scores of the self concept and degree of the perceived family support was analyzed by Pearson's product moment correlation. In order to identify the influencing effects of demographic variables on the formation of self concept & F test were used. Result were summarized as follows : 1. Scores of self concept of cesarean section mothers were significantly correlated with scores of the perceived family support (r=0.3438, p<0.01) These results show that the family support is closely related to the self concept of cesarean mothers and has positive effects on their coping capacity. 2. Scores of self-concept of those who have lower ducation background and are multipara were significantly higher than those who have higher education background and are primipara(M=29.90$\pm$9.37, 27.69$\pm$3.89, t=2.006, df=105.8, p=0.0480: M=27.75$\pm$3.49. 29.46$\pm$8.68, t=-1.7183, 2. p=0.08).

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.44-54
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Uncertainty and restrictions on daily life have increased fear, stress, and depression during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Depression is the most common mental health problem in pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of fear and stress related to COVID-19 experienced by pregnant women, as well as their levels of depression, and to examine the factors associated with depression during pregnancy. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, correlational study conducted among 153 pregnant women who visited a maternity hospital in Busan, South Korea. A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection from December 18, 2021 to March 8, 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. Results: Pregnant women experienced a moderate level of fear related to COVID-19, with an average score of 21.55±4.90. The average score for depression during pregnancy was 14.86±11.10, with 50.3% of the participants experiencing depression (≥13). The factors associated with depression during pregnancy were fear of COVID-19, contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, being in the third trimester of pregnancy, high stress levels due to difficulties experienced from social distancing measures, and unintended pregnancy. These five statistically significant factors explained 35.0% of variance in depression during pregnancy. Conclusion: Considering the prevalence of depression in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to develop interventions to reduce anxiety by providing correct information and alleviating the stress of social distancing.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.66-80
• /
• 1998

With the opening of healthcare market, the health care environment in Korea is anticipating a drastic change. In this Internationally open market environment, it is necessary to introduce a systematic health care plan and DRG system which offer qualitative medical services as well as reduced cost. Purpose of this study is to develop and test the critical pathway for Cesarean section patient in the way to be possible the integrated inpatient management. It was adopted the process of six phases to develop the critical pathway as the theoretical framework implemented by Johns Hopkins Hospital, Maryland, U.S.A. In the first phase, make a selection of diagnosis/procedures to develop. In the second phase, organize a development team consisted of eight expertises working in maternity nursing area. In the third phase, analyze the overall medical service offered to patient through review medical records and decided the service content and the implementation period for the Cesarean section patient. In the forth phase, make out a preliminary critical pathway after verification of expert group on content validity. In the fifth phase, validity operate to ten Cesarean section patients to test implementation in practice by using the preliminary critical pathway, In the sixth phase, defined the final critical pathway. The result of this study was as follows. 1. There were classified 8 categories as monitoring/assesment, treatment, medication, activity, diet, test, consult, education/discharge plan for vertical axis and showed hospital stayed from admission to discharge for horizontal axis of critical pathway through analysis 68 Cesarean section patients medical records. 2. After critical review 68 medical records to make out a preliminary critical pathway, hospital stays for horizontal axis were showed 6 days, mean hospital stays were 7.5 days, 2.1 days were to be taken operation after admission and 4.2 days were stayed until discharge after operation. 3. After making out a questionare in 90 items of a medical service content of eight categories and verifying the content validity of expertises, the 85 items of the preliminary critical pathway were selected by expertises agreement over 88% and modified or deleted 5 items showing agreement below 75%. 4. After verifying a validity to 10 patients for 4 weeks, hospital stays were 5.9 days. There were deleted 1 item and modified or supplemented the 9 items of the 10 items.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
• /
• v.19 no.6
• /
• pp.429-438
• /
• 2021

This study aims to prevent maternal social isolation by analyzing the causes of postpartum obesity and postpartum depression and stress in Korea. Gneral characteristics of mothers as a result of the study: 91.1% (102 people) answered that they had social experience, and only 8% (9 people) answered that they had no social experience. In the question of whether to return to society, 17.9% responded that they have already returned, 54.5% did not, and 18.8% were on maternity leave. As a result of examining the level of BMI increase among mothers through chi-square test of BMI changes before and after childbirth and general characteristics, 55% experienced below-average BMI increase; 45% experienced above-average BMI increase. Those in their 30s accounted for 40.2%, and those in their 40s accounted for 57.1%. Postpartum obesity and maternal psychological status (t-test): Mothers with postpartum obesity were more hypersensitive (t = -1.997, p = 0.048) and more prone to suffer from hard breathing (t = -1.930, p = 0.056), emptiness (t = -2.673, p = 0.010), and body numbness (t = -2.315, p = 0.024) than mothers who are not suffering from not postpartum obesity. Per the results of postpartum BMI increase and maternal psychological state (t-test) analysis, mothers with an average increase in postpartum BMI were more depressed than mothers who did not. Research Results - Postpartum obesity due to pregnancy and childbirth has been identified as an important individual cause affecting mental and physical problems after childbirth. In conclusion, I also think that the government should support the management of maternal obesity and the elimination of depression through the results of this study.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.22 no.1
• /
• pp.106-117
• /
• 2021

Objective: To explore the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based whole tumor texture analysis in differentiating borderline epithelial ovarian tumors (BEOTs) from FIGO stage I/II malignant epithelial ovarian tumors (MEOTs). Materials and Methods: A total of 88 patients with histopathologically confirmed ovarian epithelial tumors after surgical resection, including 30 BEOT and 58 MEOT patients, were divided into a training group (n = 62) and a test group (n = 26). The clinical and conventional MRI features were retrospectively reviewed. The texture features of tumors, based on T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging, were extracted using MaZda software and the three top weighted texture features were selected by using the Random Forest algorithm. A non-texture logistic regression model in the training group was built to include those clinical and conventional MRI variables with p value < 0.10. Subsequently, a combined model integrating non-texture information and texture features was built for the training group. The model, evaluated using patients in the training group, was then applied to patients in the test group. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the diagnostic performance of the models. Results: The combined model showed superior performance in categorizing BEOTs and MEOTs (sensitivity, 92.5%; specificity, 86.4%; accuracy, 90.3%; area under the ROC curve [AUC], 0.962) than the non-texture model (sensitivity, 78.3%; specificity, 84.6%; accuracy, 82.3%; AUC, 0.818). The AUCs were statistically different (p value = 0.038). In the test group, the AUCs, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 0.840, 73.3%, 90.1%, and 80.8% when the non-texture model was used and 0.896, 75.0%, 94.0%, and 88.5% when the combined model was used. Conclusion: MRI-based texture features combined with clinical and conventional MRI features may assist in differentitating between BEOT and FIGO stage I/II MEOT patients.