• Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.293-300
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• 2018

Objectives. The current study aims to determine the correlation between nutritional status upon presentation and disease severity, as well as treatment and survival outcomes. Methods. Patients who were diagnosed with deep neck infection, underwent at least one surgical drainage/debridement, and had more than 1 week of hospitalization at a tertiary medical center from 2007 to 2015 were retrospectively included. Thereafter, initial serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and body mass index (BMI) were reviewed. Results. A total of 135 patients were included in the final analysis. Accordingly, the proportion of patients with simultaneous mediastinitis (21.0%), necrotizing fasciitis (12.9%), disease extent >1 cervical level (72.6%), mean CRP (22.4 mg/dL), mean length of hospitalization (25.0 days), and mean 1-week follow-up CRP (7.2 mg/dL) was significantly higher in the hypoalbuminemia group (initial serum albumin <3.0 g/dL) than in the normoalbuminemia group (all P<0.05). No significant correlations had been observed according to BMI status. After adjusting for age and Charlson comorbidity index, odds ratios for the following outcomes were calculated in patients initially presenting with hypoalbuminemia: simultaneous mediastinitis (3.07), necrotizing fasciitis (7.89), disease extent >1 cervical level (2.12), initial serum CRP over 20 mg/dL (3.79), hospitalization of more than 14 days (4.10), 1-week follow-up CRP over 5 mg/dL (3.78), and increased duration for an over 50% decrease in initial CRP (2.70) (all P<0.05). Although intravascular albumin replenishment decreased the proportion of patients with hypoalbuminemia after 2 weeks (P<0.05), it did not significantly predict better treatment outcomes. Conclusion. Among the markers reflecting an individual's nutritional state, an initial serum albumin of less than 3.0 g/dL was an independent serologic marker predicting increased disease severity and complications in patients with deep neck infection.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.3-12
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• 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the severity of trauma, many scoring systems and predictive models have been presented. The quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) is a simple scoring system based on vital signs, and we expect it to be easier to apply to trauma patients than other trauma assessment tools. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study of trauma patients who visited the emergency department of Jeju National University Hospital. We excluded patients under the age of 18 years and unknown outcomes. We calculated the qSOFA, the Modified Early Warning Score (mEWS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Injury Severity Score (ISS) based on patients' initial vital signs and assessments performed in the emergency department (ED). The primary outcome was mortality within 14 days of trauma. We analyzed qSOFA scores using multivariate logistic regression analysis and compared the predictive accuracy of these scoring systems using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: In total, 27,764 patients were analyzed. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis of the qSOFA, the adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) for mortality relative to a qSOFA score of 0 were 27.82 (13.63-56.79) for a qSOFA score of 1, 373.31 (183.47-759.57) for a qSOFA score of 2, and 494.07 (143.75-1698.15) for a qSOFA score of 3. In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for the qSOFA, mEWS, ISS, and RTS in predicting the outcomes, for mortality, the AUROC for the qSOFA (AUROC [95% CI]; 0.912 [0.871-0.952]) was significantly greater than those for the ISS (0.700 [0.608-0.793]) and RTS (0.160 [0.108-0.211]). Conclusions: The qSOFA was useful for predicting the prognosis of trauma patients evaluated in the ED.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.32-40
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• 2021

This study examined the association between hypertension (HTN), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) in Korean adults. Data for 8,922 adults (3,941 men and 4,981 women) aged ≥20 years from the Sixth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI (2013~2014) were analyzed. In men, after adjusting for the related variables, the odds ratios (ORs) of HTN [systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg, or use of HTN medications] were significantly higher in the decreased eGFR group [eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 ㎡, 1.98 (95% CI, 1.21~3.24)], elevated ACR group [ACR ≥30 mg/g, 2.03 (95% CI, 1.54~2.69)], and decreased eGFR plus elevated ACR group [eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 ㎡ and ACR ≥30 mg/g, 6.03 (95% CI, 2.82~12.92)] than in the normal group (eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 ㎡ and ACR <30 mg/g). In women, after adjusting for the related variables, the ORs of HTN were significantly higher in the decreased eGFR group (2.29, 95% CI, 1.27~4.13), elevated ACR group (2.22, 95% CI, 1.68~2.94), and decreased eGFR plus elevated ACR group (10.77, 95% CI, 3.89~29.82) than the normal group. In conclusion, HTN was associated with a decreased eGFR and elevated ACR in Korean men and women. In addition, the prevalence of HTN increased greatly when a decreased eGFR and elevated ACR occurred simultaneously.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.580-595
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• 2022

This study looked at the relationship between lifestyle choices and various substance addictions in young adults by applying the Relapse Prevention model of addiction. The data was obtained from a cross-sectional questionnaire (Depression and Anxiety Assessment Test) of 926 young adults aged 18~24 from 24 countries. Of these, 17.6% reported that they had a serious substance addiction, with alcohol addiction being the highest (11.2%), followed by nicotine (10.3%) and illicit drug (8.7%) usage. Results of chi-square test and logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between various lifestyle factors (exercise patterns, intake of dietary nutrients like tryptophan, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids and micronutrients, spiritual habits such as Bible reading and prayer) and addiction to various substances (illicit drugs, alcohol and nicotine). Depression was also found to be a significant factor influencing substance addiction. Interestingly, the risk of alcohol abuse was the highest at 9.870 (95% CI: 4.525-21.525) times among those who didn't have the habit of daily Bible reading. The highest risk of nicotine and illicit drug addiction was among those who consumed 'less than 1 serving' of dietary micronutrients per day compared to those who consumed '5 or more servings', with odds ratios of 9.606(95% CI: 2.726-30.111) and 8.642(95% CI: 2.022-37.378), respectively. These findings suggest that holistic lifestyle interventions may help prevent and reduce substance addiction in young adults.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.109-120
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations on deaths of the COVID-19 cases in some elderly long-term care facilities (LTCF) in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Methods: The study subjects were 659 COVID-19 cases in residents of 7 elderly LTCF, Gwangju, from 21 Dec. 2021 to 28 Jan. 2022. The used variables were confirmed dates for COVID-19, demographic characteristics, co-morbidities, presentation of symptoms, death and vaccination related characteristics including type of vaccine, doses and dates. Vaccination status were classified as not vaccinated, partially and fully vaccinated. The associations of vaccination status and deaths of COVID-19 cases were tested by chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The rates of not vaccinated, partially vaccinated and fully vaccinated were 19.4%, 10.2% and 70.4%, respectively. The mortality rate of the cases was 6.4%. The death rate by vaccination status was 16.4% in not vaccinated, 15.4% in partially vaccinated and 2.6% in fully vaccinated, showing a statistically significant difference. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence intervals, CIs) of death compared to fully vaccinated were 7.64 (3.87-16.34) in non-vaccinated, and 6.97 (3.44-14.14) in partially vaccinated. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination seems to work effectively in preventing deaths of COVID-19 cases of elderly LTCF residents. This finding support that fully vaccinations in high risk group such as elderly LTCF residents is very important for one of strategies of COVID-19 management.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.178-188
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• 2023

Objective: Self perceived health status dose not only reflects an individual's perception of their overall well-being but is also known to be influenced by various aspects of life. Rural areas tend to have relatively lower quality of life compared to urban areas. Therefore, this study aims to investigate factors related to Self perceived health status among farmers. Methods: In the subjective health status questionnaire, responses of "very healthy" and "healthy" are classified as 'good', whereas "average", "unhealthy" or "very unhealthy" are classified as indicative of a 'poor' subjective health status. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios(OR), aiming to investigate factors related to self perceived health status. Results: The OR for self perceived health status as poor was statistically significant for females at 2.32(95% CI 1.47-3.67), for individuals working in greenhouses at 1.43(95% CI 1.01-1.98), for current smoker at 1.50(95% CI 1.02-2.08), and for those who experienced symptoms after pesticide exposure at 1.74(95% CI 1.13-2.67). An annual income of 50 million won or more had a statistically significant OR of 0.51(95% CI 0.28-0.91), education level of high school and above had an OR of 0.45(95% CI 0.32-0.63), and engaging in physical exercise had an OR of 0.61(95% CI 0.42-0.89). Conclusions: The factors related to self perceived health status were identified as sex, smoking, cultivation type, presence of symptoms after pesticide exposure, annual income, education level, and exercise status. The significance of this study lies in providing foundational data for the development of health management programs for farmers.

• 한국노년학
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.577-592
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to examine which factors determine fall experience among Korean elderly. To achieve this purpose, it uses the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging(KLoSA), wave 1 and 2. Participants aged 65 from wave 1 were selected. From wave 2, a dependent variable was selected and it was fall experiences since the first interview in 2006. Other than this variable, all independent variables were selected from wave 1. In analyses, x2 or t-test were conducted to examine whether independent variables significantly differ between falls and no falls. Then, since a dependent variable consisted of two categories-falls or no falls, multiple logistic regressions were run. Female, using hearing aid, having two diseases, having three or more diseases, depression, and exercise 5 times/a week or more elevated the odds ratios of fall experience. compared to their reference categories. Particularly, if Korean elderly had three or more diseases or depression, their likelihood of fall experience would have about 2 times higher than their reference categories. In conclusion, health practitioners should make the elderly be recognized how much these risk factors are important to falls. Also, Korean government should support Korean elderly having these risk factors to prevent them from falling.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.367-377
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• 2023

This study investigates the utility of the Triglyceride-glucose(TyG) index and Cardiometabolic Index(CMI) as predictors for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. The study involved 1970 males, 1459 females, totaling 3429 participants who underwent health checkups at P Hospital in Busan between January 2023 and June 2023. Metabolic syndrome diagnosis was based on the presence of 3 or more risk factors out of the 5 criteria outlined by the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute(AHA/NHLBI), and participants with 2 or fewer risk factors were categorized as normal. Statistical analyses included independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, Pearson's correlation analysis, Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC) curve analysis, and logistic regression analysis, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences(SPSS) program. Significance was established at p<0.05. The comparison revealed that the metabolic syndrome group exhibited attributes such as advanced age, male gender, elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressures, high blood sugar, elevated triglycerides, reduced LDL-C, elevated HDL-C, higher Cardiometabolic Index, Triglyceride-glucose index, and components linked to abdominal obesity. Pearson correlation analysis showed strong positive correlations between waist circumference/height ratio, waist circumference, Cardiometabolic Index, and triglycerides. Weak positive correlations were observed between LDL-C, body mass index, and Cardiometabolic index, while a strong negative correlation was found between Cardiometabolic Index and HDL-C. ROC analysis indicated that the Cardiometabolic Index(CMI), Triglyceride-glucose(TyG) index, and waist circumference demonstrated the highest Area Under the Curve(AUC) values, indicating their efficacy in diagnosing metabolic syndrome. Optimal cut-off values were determined as >1.34, >8.86, and >84.5 for the Cardiometabolic Index, Triglyceride-glucose index, and waist circumference, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant differences for age(p=0.037), waist circumference(p<0.001), systolic blood pressure(p<0.001), triglycerides(p<0.001), LDL-C(p=0.028), fasting blood sugar(p<0.001), Cardiometabolic Index(p<0.001), and Triglyceride-glucose index (p<0.001). The odds ratios for these variables were 1.015, 1.179, 1.090, 3.03, and 69.16, respectively. In conclusion, the Cardiometabolic Index and Triglyceride-glucose index are robust predictive indicators closely associated with metabolic syndrome diagnosis, and waist circumference is identified as an excellent predictor. Integrating these variables into clinical practice holds the potential for enhancing early diagnosis and prevention of metabolic syndrome.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.372-379
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• 2023

Background: Laundry workers are known to be exposed to organic solvents in various works including dry cleaning. Long-term exposure to organic solvents may cause adverse health effects among laundry workers. Objectives: To investigate the association between exposure to organic solvents and symptom of headache or eyestrain among laundry workers. Methods: The subjects were total 267 laundry workers who participated in the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS). Responses to exposure to 'inhalation of vapor from organic solvent' was categorized into two (non-exposed: rarely or absolutely not exposed during working hours; exposed: ≥1/4 working hours) or three (non-exposed; low exposure: 1/4 of the working hours; high exposure: ≥1/2 working hours) groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between exposure to organic solvents and symptom of headache or eyestrain in the last 12 months among laundry workers. Odds ratios (ORs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for experience of the symptom of headache or eyestrain with adjustment for age, sex, education, workplace size (by the number of workers), working hours per week, and current working period (year). Results: The proportions of exposure groups, i.e., non-exposed, low exposure, and high exposure, were 80.4%, 11.1%, and 8.5%, respectively. The proportion of those who had symptom of headache or eyestrain in the last 12 months was 18.7%. There was a significant association between exposure to organic solvents and experience of headache or eyestrain (OR=3.2, 95% CI=1.4~7.4). And, the proportion of those who experienced symptom of headache or eyestrain tended to increase significantly as the level of exposure to organic solvents increased (P_trend=0.002). Conclusions: Our results suggest that exposure to organic solvents are associated with symptom of headache or eystrain among laundry workers in Korea. However, further studies with more relevant design is needed to replicate the association.

• Journal of Industrial Convergence
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.143-151
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• 2024

This study compared the health behaviors, health related clinical characteristics between individuals with Glycated Hemoglobin A1C≧6.5% and < 6.5% in 30~59yr. Factors that were associated with A1C were identified by sex, health behaviors, health literacy. This study was an observational study with a cross-sectional design based on data from 2019~2021 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to compute the odds ratios of health behaviors to identify the risk factors for Glycated Hemoglobin. The prevalence of A1C≧6.5% among the total was 79.4%(weighted %, n=348). In the A1C≧6.5%, 71.8% were men. In univariate logistic regression for A1C≧6.5%, sex, duration with diabetes, and body mass index(BMI) were influencing factors. In multiple logistic regression by sex, the factors associated with A1C≧6.5 in women were as follows: education(OR 4.5; 95% CI:1.1, 18.5), duration with diabetes(OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.1, 7.9). Strategies should be targeted to improve health behaviors and clinical characteristics for those in their sex, women in low education level, duration with diabetes. Moreover, healthcare providers should understand the barriers to health behaviors and health literacy to effectively deliver healthcare service.