• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.83 no.3
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• pp.211-217
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• 2020

The gold standard method for diagnosis of tuberculosis is the isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis through culture, but there is a probability of cross-contamination in simultaneous cultures of samples causing false-positives. This can result in delayed treatment of the underlying disease and drug side effects. In this paper, we reviewed studies on false-positive cultures of M. tuberculosis. Rate of occurrence, effective factors, and extent of false-positives were analyzed. Ways to identify and reduce the false-positives and management of them are critical for all laboratories. In most cases, false-positive is occurring in cases with only one positive culture but negative direct smear. The three most crucial factors in this regard are inappropriate technician function, contamination of reagents, and aerosol production. Thus, to reduce false-positives, good laboratory practice, as well as use of whole-genome sequencing or genotyping of all positive culture samples with a robust, extra pure method and rapid response, are essential for minimizing the rate of false-positives. Indeed, molecular approaches and epidemiological surveillance can provide a valuable tool besides culture to identify possible false positives.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of chest compression according to the patient body weight and the rescuer's weight when performing chest compression on a cardiac arrest patient that occurred on a home bed. From January 07 to January 19, 2023, 36 paramedic students from N and S universities who completed the KBLS provider curriculum of the Korea Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Association were measured at the subject's knee position, the depth of the mattress being pressed by the weight of the manikin, and the depth of the mattress being pressed by the weight of the manikin were measured during continuous chest compression for 2 minutes. As a result of the study, if a child's cardiac arrest is found at home, the patient is moved to the floor to proceed with chest compression, and the first witness to find an adult cardiac arrest is recommended to proceed on the bed rather than force the patient under the bed to proceed with chest compression.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.127-137
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the jobs of paramedics who are diversifying by deriving duties in accordance with occupational group-related laws, although they are not directly specified in the job description of paramedics or the Emergency Medical Act. Methods: This study selected four paramedics who randomly extracted participants that submitted consent to participate between March 2023 and October 2023. Their occupational groups were the Korea coast guard and air rescue, health centers, and industries; they met on September 19, 2023, and directly transcribed the recorded contents through a three-and-a-half-hour focus group interview for analysis. Results: In the results, although the job description was not directly specified in the job description or emergency medical law, five areas of work applied to practice were derived: "rescue," "administration," "education," "industry," and "tactical." Conclusion: To expand jobs according to the diversification of the occupational field of paramedics, job analysis of paramedics belonging to various occupations is required.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.21-34
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to observe change in factors over time in the first cohort of the 2018 Children and Adolescent Panel Middle School. In addition, this study attempted to examine the causal relationship and influence between variables by setting a time gap between independent and dependent variables. Methods: Frequency and descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to determine the general characteristics of the study participants. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to analyze the effects of smartphone dependence on health, sleep quality, and depression. After inputting the control variables (Model 2), the influence of the variables was identified based on the input model. Results: Smartphone dependence positively impacted depression in both male and female students and negatively impacted sleep and health. Conclusion: Smartphones are closely associated with teenagers' lives. Additionally, as adolescents experience various psychological anxieties owing to rapid physical changes, there are concerns that psychological dependence may increase, considering that adolescence is the most emotionally unstable period. Therefore, the results of this study consistently prove that smartphone dependence has a causal relationship with emotion-related variables, such as emotional stress, depression, and anxiety.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.28 no.7
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• pp.113-120
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was the accuracy of cardiac compression, fatigue, and physiological changes of the rescuer for different mask type in cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR). Data collection was from 9 to 12 May 2022, the participants were a total of 24 paramedic students with a BLS provider at D University. The students participated in an experiment in which 12 students each wore a surgical mask (Dental mask) and a fine particle 94% blocking mask (KF94 mask) and performed CPR for 2 minutes over a total of 7 times. As a result of the study, in the analysis of the quality of the rescuer's chest compression according to the type of mask, there was a significant difference in the compression speed (F=24.91, p<.001) and bad compression hand position (F=14.54, p=.024) in the group wearing the KF94, Fatigue showed significant differences in both the Dental mask group (F=51.16, p<.001) and the KF94 mask group (F=63.49, p<.001). Among the physiological changes, heart rate showed a significant difference between the Dental mask group (F=34.79, p<.001) and the KF94 mask group (F=35.55, p<.001), and the respiratory rate showed a significant difference between the Dental mask group (F=25.02, p=.001) and the KF94 mask group(F=23.02, p=.002). Therefore, in order to improve the quality of efficient chest compression and reduce the fatigue and physiological changes of rescuers, it will be necessary for rescuers to wear suitable personal protective equipment.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.165-171
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• 2024

This study aims to investigate the appropriate volume of artificial ventilation and success rate when Basic - emergency medical Technician administer bag valve mask(BVM) artificial ventilation to patients experiencing respiratory failure or respiratory arrest using a respiratory rate measurement device. The research was conducted from December 11th to 12th, 2023, targeting 20 Basic - emergency medical Technicians enrolled at D University. Ten participants were selected for the experimental group, receiving BVM ventilation training with the use of a respiratory rate measurement device, while the other ten were assigned to the control group, receiving BVM ventilation training without the use of a respiratory rate measurement device. The experiment involved providing artificial ventilation for 2 minutes. The results of the study indicated that the control group did not provide accurate tidal volume (p=.025). The experimental group demonstrated a higher success rate of ventilation over the 2-minute period, while the control group showed a significant difference (p=.001). Subjective perception of tidal volume and objectively measured tidal volume also exhibited a significant difference in the control group (p=.010). Therefore, training with a respiratory rate measurement device can align the subjective perception of tidal volume with objective measurements, increase the success rate of ventilation, and potentially contribute to improving survival rates in patients experiencing respiratory failure or respiratory arrest during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.71-85
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the current status of non-face-to-face education at universities for paramedicine and measure students' education satisfaction after the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for paramedic students at the Chungcheong and Honam areas using Google Forms. Convenience sampling was used. A structured questionnaire was created and modified according to Park and Choi's test tool developed to review online lectures and practical courses. Results: A total of 202 students responded to the survey. The satisfaction level of online lectures was 3.06±1.12 (n=202) out of 5. Students experiencing online lectures responded that it was difficult to focus on the class, and the overall quality and lecture delivery should be improved. They also experienced technical difficulties. The satisfaction level of practical course lectures was 3.24±1.04 (n=133) out of 5. It was higher than those of other types of classes because it was conducted by the more familiar face-to-face lecture. Conclusion: This study has shown that the universities and instructors have examined a variety of methods in paramedic education after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, further research and consideration are required to improve paramedic education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.113-126
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• 2024

Purpose: Education for children in South Korea is similar to that for adults, necessitating additional enhancements. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of fairy-tale books in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) education among kindergarten children. Methods: The study involved 64 kindergarten children enrolled in an affiliated kindergarten program were included. The participants were divided into an experimental group of 32 who received CPR education using picture books, and a control group of 32 who received education through traditional methods. Participant characteristics such as sex, age, height, weight, cardiac arrest awareness, and ability to request assistance were measured, and the collected data were statistically analyzed. Results: Following education, the experimental group showed significantly higher scores than the control group across all measures, including cardiac arrest recognition (2.25 vs. 0.34, p<.001) and consciousness assessment (1.81 vs. 0.09, p<.001). Additionally, in requesting assistance, the experimental group exhibited statistical superiority in phone usage (1.75 vs. 0.28, p<.001), situational explanation post-call (2.25 vs. 0.34, p<.001), and self-location explanation (0.84 vs. 0.00, p=.001). Conclusion: The use of fairy-tale books in CPR education enhanced cardiac arrest recognition and the ability to request assistance (EMS Activation) more effectively than the traditional educational methods among kindergarten children.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.28-41
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• 2024

Objective: Chronic scrotal hyperthermia (SHT) can lead to serious disorders of the male reproductive system, with oxidative stress playing a key role in the onset of these dysfunctions. Thus, we evaluated the impact of caffeine, a potent antioxidant, on cellular and tissue disorders in mice with chronic SHT. Methods: In this experimental study, 56 adult male NMRI mice were allocated into seven equal groups. Apart from the non-treated control group, all were exposed to heat stress. Two groups, termed "preventive" and "curative," were orally administered caffeine. The preventive mice began receiving caffeine immediately prior to heat exposure, while for the curative group, a caffeine regimen was initiated 15 consecutive days following cessation of heat exposure. Each treated group was subdivided based on pairing with a positive control (Pre/ curative [Cur]+PC) or a vehicle (Pre/Cur+vehicle). Upon conclusion of the study, we assessed sperm characteristics, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, apoptosis, antioxidant and oxidant levels, and molecular markers. Results: Sperm parameters, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, biochemical factors (excluding malondialdehyde [MDA]), and c-kit gene expression were significantly elevated in the preventive and curative groups, especially the former, relative to the other groups. Conversely, expression levels of the heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) genes, MDA levels, and apoptotic cell density were markedly lower in both caffeine-treated groups relative to the other groups, with more pronounced differences observed in the preventive group. Conclusion: Overall, caffeine attenuated cellular and molecular abnormalities induced by heat stress in the testis, particularly in the mice treated under the preventive condition.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.123-129
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• 2024

CPR is very important to paramedics, but the chest compression performed while on the move main stretcher is less accurate. The purpose of this study is to find out the difference between performing chest compression on the side of the main stretcher using C-step and on the patient's over the belly in order to increase the effect of CPR on the main object while on the move. As a result of the study, the appropriate depth (t=4.132, p=.000) and speed (t=7.177, p=.000) were shown in the group to which the C-step was applied, and the accuracy was higher (t=6.774, p=.000). In addition, it was found that there were few location defects (t=-5.197, p=.000) and too shallow errors (t=-2.948, p=.008) in the group to which the C-step was applied. In conclusion, mounting a C-step on the main stretcher seems to help improve the quality of chest compression, and it is thought that this will increase the efficiency of chest compression.