• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.228-234
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• 2017

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which the volume of cerebrospinal fluid in the cerebral ventricles is abnormally elevated. Hydrocephalus patients may show macrocephaly and delayed development. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is the most commonly used treatment but ventriculoatrial shunt is another treatment option. This report discusses the dental management process employed for a 7-year, 6-month old patient with ventriculoperitoneal shunt-treated hydrocephalus. This patient showed dental caries on the deciduous molars, facial swelling, macrocephaly and delayed development. Pulpectomy was performed on the deciduous molars under nitrous oxide sedation and mild protective stabilization. This patient did not appear to have any specific complications until the latest follow-up and was scheduled for the management of overall oral hygiene, development of permanent teeth, and craniofacial asymmetry through periodic follow-up. During dental treatment of shunt-treated patients, care should be taken to avoid applying excessive force to the catheter running along the patient's neck to prevent the displacement of the catheter. A referral to a neurosurgeon is recommended for patients with ventriculoatrial shunts for prophylactic antibiotics. As hydrocephalus patients grow, they may show craniofacial asymmetry or differences in the calcification of the permanent teeth, and require periodic oral and craniofacial assessment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.75 no.1
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• pp.18-24
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• 2013

Background: We investigated the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among the health care workers (HCWs) and analyzed its risk factors in South Korea. Methods: A standard questionnaire regarding the baseline demographics and risk factors for LTBI was given to each participant and tuberculin skin test (TST), QuantiFERON-TB GOLD In-Tube (QFT-GIT) assay, and chest radiography were performed. Results: A total of 493 participants, 152 (30.8%) doctors and 341 (69.2%) nurses were enrolled in eight tertiary referral hospitals. The mean age of the subjects was 30.6 years old, and 383 (77.7%) were female. Of the 152 doctors, 63 (41.4%) and 36 (23.7%) were positive by TST and by QTF-GIT, respectively, and among the 341 nurses, 119 (34.9%) and 49 (14.4%) had positive TST and QFT-GIT results, respectively. Overall, the agreement between the two tests was 0.22 by the chance corrected proportional agreement rate (kappa coefficient) in 493 subjects. Experience of working in tuberculosis (TB)-related departments was significantly associated with positive LTBI test results by QFT-GIT assay, not by TST. In multivariate analysis, only age was independently associated with increased risk of a positive TST result, while age and experience of working in TB-related departments (odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-5.12) were independently associated with increased risk of a positive QFT-GIT result. Conclusion: A high prevalence of LTBI was found among South Korean HCWs. Considering the association between the experience of working in TB-related departments and high risk of LTBI, QFT-GIT may be a better diagnostic test for LTBI than TST in HCWs.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate patients' characteristics and actual conditions of home-based services offered by a free-standing hospice center. Methods: A retrospective review was performed with the medical records of 75 patients who received home-based hospice care from a free-standing hospice center from January 2014 through December 2014. Results: Most patients (54.7%) were enrolled via self-directed referral. The reason for the service termination was death at home 25.3%, admission to a hospice ward 50.7%, hospitalization 22.6% and patients' refusal 2.7%. Seventy three patients had cancer, and two patients had ALS. Among all, 58.7% were in a dying phase, and 34.7% were almost completely bedfast at the time of their enrollment in this study. When they enrolled, the patients' physical symptoms were characterized as pain (89.4%), sleep disturbance (71.2%), urinary difficulties (35.8%) and defecation difficulties (47.8%). Among all, 77.4% terminated the home visit service within one month. The mean frequency of the home visits was 3.25 (${\pm}3.98$), and less than five in 82.7% of patients. The mean frequency of the phone service was 3.40 (${\pm}3.12$). The frequency of doctor's home visits was $1.21{\pm}0.79$ on average, and the figure increased when patients' conditions turned unstable. Conclusion: It is necessary to develop a home-based hospice care model with consideration of patients' characteristics and the actual service conditions delivered by free-standing hospice facilities.

• Journal of Korean Academic Society of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.5
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• pp.20-31
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• 1998

The purpose of this study was to develop the framework of community-based home care nursing delivery system, and to examine the validity of it. For these, home care nursing study team of College of Nursing, Seoul National University has studied home care nursing system since September, 1996, and has operated home care center since August, 1997. This study has been supported by the Korean Sience Foundation. We organized Committee of rules, and Clinical specialist consultant group for more efficient running of the home care center. In nursing station, research assistant controlled general work, and 5 home care nurses were hired for home visiting. We developed the Standards for operations, that included criteria for clients, central supply system of nursing materials, central management of nursing care cost, advertisement, patient referral system, and so forth. In our center, 108 patients enrolled, and neurologic disorders including cerebrovascular accident, and cancer were the most prevailing diseases. We tried to overcome the limitations of hopital -based home care, and to provide more accessible, efficient, safe, and stable home care nursing. Therefore, we were referred clients from patients and families, public health care center, industries, as well as from hospitals. Meanwhile, we developed home care recording system and assessment-intervention algorithm for various diseases for quality control and standardization. Also, we did continuing education, and tried to detect problems and to find solutions by regular meeting between the committee of rules and home care nurses. As the results of this study, several limitations of operation were found. First, it was difficult to manage and communicate with the doctor in the emergency situation, Second, we spent too much time for trasnsportation, because only five nurses covered all areas of Seoul and nearby cities. Third, preparation for special care of home care nurses were lacked. Forth, criteria for termination of care and frequency of home visit were ambiguous. Fifth, some difficulties were found in retrospective payment system. And finally, interconnection with home care machinery company were needed. Strategies for solving these problems were suggested.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.185-193
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• 2023

Background: This study focuses on the establishment and operation of a stroke patient hotline program to help patients and their caregivers determine when acute neurological changes require emergency attention. Method: The stroke hotline was established at the Gyeonggi Regional Cerebrovascular Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, in June 2016. Patients diagnosed with stroke during admission or in outpatient clinics were registered and provided with stroke education. Consulting nurses managed hotline calls and made decisions about outpatient schedules or emergency room referrals, consulting physicians when necessary. The study analyzed consultation records from June 2016 to December 2020, assessing consultation volumes and types. Outcomes and hotline satisfaction were also evaluated. Results: Over this period, 6,851 patients were registered, with 1,173 patients (18%) undergoing 3,356 hotline consultations. The average monthly consultation volume increased from 29.2 cases in 2016 to 92.3 cases in 2020. Common consultation types included stroke symptoms (22.3%), blood pressure/glucose inquiries (12.8%), and surgery/procedure questions (12.6%). Unexpected outpatient visits decreased from 103 cases before the hotline to 81 cases after. Among the 2,244 consultations between January 2019 and December 2020, 9.6% were recommended hospital visits, with two cases requiring intra-arterial thrombectomy. Patient satisfaction ratings of 9-10 points increased from 64% in 2019 to 69% in 2020. Conclusion: The stroke hotline program effectively reduced unexpected outpatient visits and achieved high patient satisfaction. Expanding the program could enhance the management of stroke-related neurological symptoms and minimize unnecessary healthcare resource utilization.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.279-282
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• 2012

Background: Although more than two third of colorectal cancers are localized on the left side, recent studies suggest a right ward shift in anatomical distribution with increase in proximal colon cancers. The aim of the present study was to determine the anatomical distribution of colorectal cancer in a referral center over a 15 year period. Method: Records of patients who underwent colectomy in the Cancer Institute of Iran from 1994 to 2009 were retrieved. Data including anatomical localization, year of diagnosis, patient age and gender, tumor histology and differentiation, and disease stage were extracted. Tumors located from the cecum to the distal transverse colon were classified as right side and those occurring from the splenic flexure to the descending colon as left-sided. Cancer of rectum and recto-sigmoid junction were considered as rectal cancers. Results: A total of 442 patients including 220 (49/8%) men and 222 (50/2%) women with mean age 53 were included. Most patients were in stage II &III (47.1% and 33% respectively). There were 157 (35.5 %) colon cancers and 285 (64.5%) rectal cancers. 43.3% of the colon cancers were right sided and 56.7% were left sided. There was no statistically significant increase in right sided cancer during the period of the study. There were no significant differences in age at diagnosis, gender, grade and stage of tumor between the right and the left sided cancers. Conclusion: No proximal shift over time was identified in our study.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4347-4351
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• 2012

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer of women and the principal cause of death in middle aged women. The objective of this study was to describe the trend of breast cancer and its management in Aden and adjacent south-eastern governorates of Yemen during the last 20 years. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of previous studies on patients with breast cancer in Aden and adjacent south-eastern governorates, Yemen (January 1989 through December 2007). The studied variables were: sex, age, time and type of presentation, disease stage, pathological types and the performed surgical treatment. The sources of information were the treatment registry of Aden health office, archives of Al-Gamhouria teaching hospital; major referral and other public and private hospitals in Aden and Aden Cancer Registry. Results: The total number of patients was 476, 99% being females. The age range was 19-88 years. The most affected age was 30-50 years (60.5%), 95% presenting after one month of having breast symptoms. Forty-five percent presented with signs of advanced local disease, while 59.2% had palpable axillary lymph nodes on presentation. Early breast cancer (stages I-II) occurred in 47%, and late breast cancer (stages III-IV) in 51.5%. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the commonest pathology (89.3%). The main surgical treatment was mastectomy (modified radical mastectomy (50%). Conclusion: Breast cancer is predominantly a disease of young with late presentation and advanced disease. Improving health awareness and earlier diagnosis of the disease by health education, encouraging breast self-examination, and providing the mammography equipment and mammary clinics in hospitals are recommended. Establishment of oncology and radiotherapy centers in Aden is a necessity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1851-1855
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• 2015

Background: There are increasing data about microRNAs (miRNA) in the literature, providing abundant evidence that they play important roles in pathogenesis and development of colorectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to investigate the miRNA expression profiles in surgically resected specimens of patients with recurrent and non-recurrent colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: The study population included 40 patients with stage II colorectal cancer (20 patients with recurrent tumors, and 20 sex and age matched patients without recurrence), who underwent curative colectomy between 2004 and 2011 without adjuvant therapy. Expression of 16 miRNAs (miRNA-9, 21, 30d, 31, 106a, 127, 133a, 133b, 135b, 143, 145, 155, 182, 200a, 200c, 362) was verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in all resected colon cancer tissue samples and in corresponding normal colonic tissues. Data analyses were carried out using SPSS 15 software. Values were statistically significantly changed in 40 cancer tissues when compared to the corresponding 40 normal colonic tissues (p<0.001). MiR-30d, miR-133a, miR-143, miR-145 and miR-362 expression was statistically significantly downregulated in 40 resected colorectal cancer tissue samples (p<0.001). When we compared subgroups, miRNA expression profiles of 20 recurrent cancer tissues were similar to all 40 cancer tissues. However in 20 non-recurrent cancer tissues, miR-133a expression was not significantly downregulated, moreover miR-133b expression was significantly upregulated (p<0.05). Conclusions: Our study revealed dysregulation of expression of ten miRNAs in Turkish colon cancer patients. These miRNAs may be used as potential biomarkers for early detection, screening and surveillance of colorectal cancer, with functional effects on tumor cell behavior.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1817-1820
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• 2015

Background: Hemoglobin A1c(HgA1c) is a marker of poor gylcemic control and elevation HgA1c is associated with increased risk of many cancers. We aimed to determine the HgA1c levels in endometrial cancer cases and any relationship with stage and grade of disease. Materials and Methods: A retrospective data review was performed between June 2011 and October 2012 at a tertiary referral center in Turkey. The study included 35 surgically staged endometrial cancer patients and 40 healthy controls. Preoperative HgA1c levels drawn within 3 months before surgery were compared. Also the relationships between HgA1c levels and stage, grade and hystologic type of cancer cases were evaluated. Results: The mean HgA1c levels were statistically significantly higher at $6.19{\pm}1.44$ in endometrial cancer cases than the $5.61{\pm}0.58$ in controls (p=0.027). With endometrial cancer cases, the mean HgA1c level was found to be $6.62{\pm}1.40$ for stage I and $6.88{\pm}1.15$ for stages II-IV (p=0.07). The figures were $6.74{\pm}1.65$ for endometrioid and $6.63{\pm}1.41$ for non-endometrioid type tumors (p=0.56). Mean HgA1c levels of $6.72{\pm}1.14$ for grade 1 and $6.62{\pm}1.42$ for grade 2-3 were observed (p=0.57). Conclusions: HgA1c levels in endometrial cancer patients were statistically higher than healthy controls. However, HgA1c did not show any significant correlation with stage, grade and histologic type in endometrial cancer cases.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.366-375
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of case management using Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care(RAI-HC) in home health service for older people. Methods: All elders were assessed at baseline and 3 months later using RAI-HC. The change of function in the intervention group was compared with that of a conventional intervention group. Function was measured with Activities of Daily Living(ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living(IADL), Cognitive Performance Scale(CPS), Depression Rating Scale(DRS), Pain and the number of Clinical Assessment Protocols(CAP). Results: Among ninety two elders participated in the program, 59 were allocated to the case management group and 33 to the conventional group. The intervention, home health service by a nurse over a 3 month period, consisted of comprehensive assessment, case conference for care plan, direct care, education and referral, and outcome evaluation. The percent of elders whose function improved in the intervention group was greater than the conventional group for depression(odds ratio [OR]: 10.941, confidence interval [CI]: 2.338-51.206), IADL(OR: 4.423, CI: 1.151-16.999) and the number of CAP(OR: 11.443, CI: 3.805-34.410). Conclusion: Case management was effective for older people in the community. The effect might have resulted from individual, systematic intervention, however, standards of service including eligibility criteria for case management and collaboration of multi-disciplines is required for more effective home health service programs.