• Title/Summary/Keyword: Relief time

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Effects of Repetitive High Frequency Motor Cortex Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Cortical Disinhibition in Diabetic Patients with Neuropathic Pain: A Case Control Study (신경병성 통증이 있는 당뇨 환자에서 반복 경두개 자기자극치료의 효과 및 피질 탈억제 현상: 환자 대조군 연구)

  • Han, Yong;Lee, Chan Ho;Min, Kyung Wan;Han, Kyung Ah;Choi, Hyo Seon;Kang, Youn Joo
    • Clinical Pain
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.1-7
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    • 2019
  • Objective: To investigate the cortical disinhibition in diabetic patients with neuropathic pain and without pain. In addition, we assessed the cortical disinhibition and pain relief after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Method: We recruited diabetic patients with neuropathic pain (n = 15) and without pain (n = 15). We compared the TMS parameters such as motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitude, cortical silent period (CSP), intracortical inhibition (ICI %) and intracortical facilitation (ICF %) between two groups. Moreover, we evaluated the changes of pain and TMS parameters after five consecutive high frequency (10 Hz) rTMS sessions in diabetic patients with neuropathic pain. The neuropathic pain intensity (visual analog scale) and TMS parameters were assessed on pre-rTMS, post-rTMS 1day, and post-rTMS 5 day. Results: The comparison of the CSP, ICI % revealed significant differences between two groups (p<0.01). After rTMS sessions, the decrease in pain intensity across the three time points revealed a pattern of significant differences (p<0.01). The change of CSP and ICI % across the three test points revealed a pattern of significant differences (p<0.01). The ICI % revealed immediate increase after first rTMS application and significant increase after five rTMS application (p<0.01) in diabetic patients with neuropathic pain. The MEP amplitude and ICF % did not reveal any significant changes. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that cortical inhibition was decreased in diabetic patients with neuropathic pain compared with patients without pain. Furthermore, we also identified that five daily rTMS sessions restored the defective intracortical inhibition which related to improvement of neuropathic pain in diabetic patients.

A Study on the Effective Container Transport System for the Relief of Urban Traffic Congestion -A Container Transport Time-Oriented- (도시교통 체증완화를 위한 효율적인 수송체계에 관한 연구 - 컨테이너 수송시간을 중심으로 -)

  • Kim, Tae-Gon
    • Journal of Korean Port Research
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.33-43
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    • 1990
  • 우리나라에서는 70년대 이후 컨테이너 수송체계가 도입되어 운영되어 왔으나 차량의 급격한 증가와 더불어 컨테이너 수송체계는 도시교통에 있어서 많은 문제를 야기시키는 것으로 논란이 되고 있다. 특히, 부산항은 우리나라 최대의 국제 무역항으로써 전 컨테이너 수송화물의 90%이상을 처리하고 있고, 또한 수출입항으로서 제 역할을 다하고 있으나 낮은 도로율(12.45%)과 산재해 있는 30여개의 Off-Dock CY로 인해서 도심을 통과하는 컨테이너 수송차량은 많은 교통문제를 유발시키고 있다. 본 연구는 1) 부산시에 산재해 있는 30여개의 Off-Dock CY에 이르는 주요 도로상에서 컨테이너 수송량의 신간별 분포에 따라 컨테이너의 운행시간대를 첨두 시간대, 비첨두 시간대 및 심야 시간대로 분류하여 각 시간대별 평균 수송 시간 및 교통 체증으로 인한 수송 지체수준을 확인하였고, 2) 컨테이너 전용부두로 부터 Off-Dock CY에 이르는 도시 고속도로 및 주요간선도로상에서의 수송시간 및 수송 지체수준을 비교 분석하였으며, 3) 마지막으로, 효율적인 컨테이너 수송체계를 위한 최적 수송시간대 및 도로체계를 제시할 수 있었다. 특히, 컨테이너 수송시간 및 지체수준은 각 운행 시간대에 따라 현저한 차이를 보이고 있었는데, 심야 시간대를 이용하여 컨테이너 수송을 할 경우에는 다른 시간대에 비하여 50%정도의 수송시간 절감효과를 기대할 수 있었으며, 도시 고속도로를 이용할 경우에는 도시 간선도로에 비하여 30%정도의 수송시간을 절약할 수 있었다. 따라서 도시지역의 교통체중을 완화시키기 위해서 심야 시간대에 보다 많은 컨테이너 수송차량이 이용할 수 있는 컨테이너 수송체계가 확립되어야 하고, 산재해 있는 Off-Dock CY를 몇개의 ODCY그룹이나 단지까지 컨테이너 전용 고속도로의 건설이 바람직하고 생각된다.리구에서 조사한 결과 $10^{-3}$ M MGBG 단독 처리구에서 에틸렌 생성량이 가장 높았으며, spermidine과 spermine의 함량은 가장 낮았다. 부정근 형성능이 다소 회복된 $10^{-3}$ M MGBG+ $10^{-5}$M spermine 혼합처리구에서의 에틸렌 생성량은 대조구보다는 다소 높게 나타났다. 부정근 회복능이 가장 높았던 $10^{-3}$ M MGBG+ $10^{-5}$ M spermine + $10^{-4}$ M Cocl$_2$ 혼합처리구에서 에틸렌 생성량은 가장 낮게 나타났으며, polyamine 함량은 가장 높게 나타났다.(Cyperaceae), 명아주과(Chenopodiaceae) 같은 풀들이 하구언(estuary)의 해안가에 주로 서식하였던 것으로 나타났다. 이 시기동안에 해양성조류인 와편모류와 담수성 조류가 동시에 다양하게 산출되는 것은 하구언 퇴적환경이었음을 잘 지시해 준다. 제II화분대(고도, 43.72{\sim}3.36\;m$)가 시작되면서 혼합림은 침엽수림으로 바뀌었으며, 낙엽활엽수들의 서식지가 2엽소나무로 대치되면서 침엽수가 주요 수종을 이루었던 것으로 나타났다. 아마도 이런 산림형태는 자연 기후환경변화 뿐만 아니라 인간간섭에 의해 나타난 결과로 생각된다. 이 시기에 경작식물인 벼과(Gramineae), 옥수수(Zea), 메밀(Fagopyrum)과 논밭의 뚝 등지 에서 서식하는 돼지풀(Ambrosia) 등이 처음으로 산출되는 것으로 보아 인간간섭이 행해졌음을 잘 뒷 받침해준다. 또한 담수성 조류는 변함없이 산출되는 반면, 해양성조류인 와편모류가 산출되지 않는 것으로 보아 해안환경에서 다소 멀 어진

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Efficacy and Safety of the Safe Triangular Working Zone Approach in Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Spinal Metastasis

  • Bi Cong Yan;Yan Feng Fan;Qing Hua Tian;Tao Wang;Zhi Long Huang;Hong Mei Song;Ying Li;Lei Jiao;Chun Gen Wu
    • Korean Journal of Radiology
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    • v.23 no.9
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    • pp.901-910
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    • 2022
  • Objective: This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the safe triangular working zone (STWZ) approach applied in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for spinal metastases involving the posterior part of the vertebral body. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 87 patients who underwent PV for spinal metastasis involving the posterior part of the vertebral body, with or without the STWZ approach, from January 2019 to April 2022. Forty-nine patients (27 females and 22 males; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 57.2 ± 11.6 years; age range, 31-76 years) were included in group A (with STWZ approach), accounting for 54 vertebrae. Thirty-eight patients (18 females and 20 males; 59.1 ± 10.9 years; 29-81 years) were included in group B (without STWZ approach), accounting for 57 vertebrae. Patient demographics, procedure-related variables, and pain relief as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) were collected at different time points. Tumor recurrence in the vertebrae after PV was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: The STWZ approach was successful from T1 to L5 without severe complications. Cement filling was satisfactory in 47/54 (87.0%) and 25/57 (43.9%) vertebrae in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Cement leakage was not significantly different between groups A and B (p = 1.000). Mean VAS score ± SD before and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PV were 7.6 ± 1.8, 4.2 ± 2.0, 2.7 ± 1.9, 1.9 ± 1.5, 1.7 ± 1.4, 1.7 ± 1.1, and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively, in group A and 7.2 ± 1.7, 4.0 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 1.6, 2.4 ± 1.2, 1.8 ± 1.0, 1.4 ± 0.5, and 1.7 ± 0.9, respectively, in group B. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower tumor recurrence rate in group A than in group B (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The STWZ approach may represent a new, safe, alternative/auxiliary approach to target the posterior part of the vertebral body in the PV for spinal metastases.

Regional Development And Dam Construction in Korea (한국의 지역개발과 댐건설)

  • 안경모
    • Water for future
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.38-42
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    • 1976
  • Because of differences in thoughts and ideology, our country, Korea has been deprived of national unity for some thirty years of time and tide. To achieve peaceful unification, the cultivation of national strength is of paramount importance. This national strength is also essential if Korea is to take rightful place in the international societies and to have the confidence of these societies. However, national strength can never be achieved in a short time. The fundamental elements in economic development that are directly conducive to the cultivation of national strength can be said to lie in -a stable political system, -exertion of powerful leadership, -cultivation of a spirit of diligence, self-help and cooperation, -modernization of human brain power, and -establishment of a scientific and well planned economic policy and strong enforcement of this policy. Our country, Korea, has attained brilliant economic development in the past 15 years under the strong leadership of president Park Chung Hee. However, there are still many problems to be solved. A few of them are: -housing and home problems, -increasing demand for employment, -increasing demand for staple food and -the need to improve international balance of payment. Solution of the above mentioned problems requires step by step scientific development of each sector and region of our contry. As a spearhead project in regional development, the Saemaul Campaign or new village movement can be cited. The campaign is now spreading throughout the country like a grass fire. However, such campaigns need considerable encouragement and support and the means for the desired development must be provided if the regional and sectoral development program is to sucdceed. The construction of large multipurpose dams in major river basin plays significant role in all aspects of national, regional and sectoral development. It ensures that the water resource, for which there is no substitute, is retained and utilized for irrigation of agricultural areas, production of power for industry, provision of water for domestic and industrial uses and control of river water. Water is the very essence of life and we must conserve and utilize what we have for the betterment of our peoples and their heir. The regional and social impact of construction of a large dam is enormous. It is intended to, and does, dras tically improve the "without-project" socio-economic conditions. A good example of this is the Soyanggang multipurpose dam. This project will significantly contribute to our national strength by utilizing the stored water for the benefit of human life and relief of flood and drought damages. Annual average precipitation in Korea is 1160mm, a comparatively abundant amount. The catchment areas of the Han River, Keum River, and Youngsan River are $62,755\textrm{km}^2$, accounting for 64% of the national total. Approximately 62% of the national population inhabits in this area, and 67% of the national gross product comes from the area. The annual population growth rate of the country is currently estimated at 1.7%, and every year the population growth in urban area increases at a rising rate. The population of Seoul, Pusan, and Taegu, the three major cities in Korea, is equal to one third of our national total. According to the census conducted on October 1, 1975, the population in the urban areas has increased by 384,000, whereas that in rural areas has decreased by 59,000,000 in the past five years. The composition of population between urban and rural areas varied from 41%~59% in 1959 to 48%~52% in 1975. To mitigate this treand towards concentration of population in urban areas, employment opportunities must be provided in regional and rural areas. However, heavy and chemical industries, which mitigate production and employment problems at the same time, must have abundant water and energy. Also increase in staple food production cannot be attained without water. At this point in time, when water demand is rapidly growing, it is essential for the country to provide as much a reservoir capacity as possible to capture the monsoon rainfall, which concentarated in the rainy seaon from June to Septesmber, and conserve the water for year round use. The floods, which at one time we called "the devil" have now become a source of immense benefit to Korea. Let me explain the topographic condition in Korea. In northern and eastern areas we have high mountains and rugged country. Our rivers originate in these mountains and flow in a general southerly or westerly direction throught ancient plains. These plains were formed by progressive deposition of sediments from the mountains and provide our country with large areas of fertile land, emminently suited to settlement and irrigated agricultural development. It is, therefore, quite natural that these areas should become the polar point for our regional development program. Hower, we are fortunate in that we have an additional area or areas, which can be used for agricultural production and settlement of our peoples, particularly those peoples who may be displaced by the formation of our reservoirs. I am speaking of the tidelands along the western and southern coasts. The other day the Ministry of Agriculture and Fishery informed the public of a tideland reclamation of which 400,000 hectares will be used for growing rice as part of our national food self-sufficiency programme. Now, again, we arrive at the need for water, as without it we cannot realize this ambitious programme. And again we need those dams to provide it. As I mentioned before, dams not only provide us with essential water for agriculture, domestic and industrial use, but provide us with electrical energy, as it is generally extremely economical to use the water being release for the former purposes to drive turbines and generators. At the present time we have 13 hydro-electric power plants with an installed capacity of 711,000 kilowatts equal to 16% of our national total. There are about 110 potential dams ites in the country, which could yield about 2,300,000 kilowatts of hydro-electric power. There are about 54 sites suitable for pumped storage which could produce a further 38,600,000 kilowatts of power. All available if we carefully develop our water resources. To summarize, water resource development is essential to the regional development program and the welfare of our people, it must proceed hand-in-hand with other aspects of regional development such as land impovement, high way extension, development of our forests, erosion control, and develop ment of heavy and chemical industries. Through the successful implementation of such an integrated regional development program, we can look forward to a period of national strength, and due recognition of our country by the worlds societies.

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The Effect of Nutrition Education on the Improvement of Psychosocial Factors Related to Vegetable and Fruit Intake of Elementary School Children in Pre-Action Stages (채소와 과일섭취 증진을 위한 영양교육이 행동전단계 초등학생의 사회심리적 요인의 변화에 미치는 효과)

  • Suh, Yoon-Suk;Chung, Young-Jin
    • Journal of Nutrition and Health
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    • v.43 no.6
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    • pp.597-606
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    • 2010
  • This study investigates the change of level of psychosocial factors of decisional balance, processes of change, and self-efficacy after nutrition education on vegetable and fruit intake of children in pre-action stages. Forty-seven 5th grade elementary school children in Yeongi-Gun, Chungnam-Do were categorized into pre-action stages from a total of 71 children by four-stage questions, and then finally into two stages of precontemplation and contemplation & preparation. After 6 weeks nutrition education, recognition of both of pros and cons of vegetable intake were improved in the two groups of precontemplation and contemplation & preparation. In fruits intake, however, recognition of pros was not changed after nutrition education in either stage, but recognition of cons was improved only in the precontemplation stage. However, no difference in any psychosocial variables was found between precontemplation stage and contemplation & preparation stage. After the nutrition education, the score of consciousness raising of vegetable intake belonging to cognitive process of change increased in the subjects of the precontemplation stage, wheres the scores of dramatic relief, self-reevaluation, environment reevaluation and social liberation increased in the group of contemplation & preparation. In fruit intake, however, no change was found except in the environment reevaluation in the precontemplation group. The behavioral process of change of vegetable and fruit intake did not show any change in either group after nutrition education. Self-efficacy scores of vegetable intake of keeping the foods at hand, eating the recommended number of servings and making time to eat increased in the precontemplation group, while in the contemplation & preparation group, self efficacy scores of shopping for a variety of vegetables, instead of keeping the foods at hands, as well as the scores of the rest two items of eating the recommended number of servings and making time to eat increased after nutrition education. However, in case of fruits intake, no difference was shown in the precontemplation stage except an item of keeping the foods at hand. The results indicated that the stage of change was progressed in the pre-action stage after nutrition education and the scores of many psychosocial factors increased in both pre-action stages. It is suggested that the recognition of cons as well as the cognitive process of change and self-efficacy could be best used as indicators of the assessment of nutrition education program for vegetable intake.

Adaptation Process to Menopause (폐경에 대한 적응 과정)

  • 이미라
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.24 no.4
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    • pp.623-634
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    • 1994
  • Although the average menopausal age has not changed, women's life span has increased. Today's women live longer after their menopause than those in the past, and this calls for attention in both nursing and medical fields. Many studies have revealed how women reacted to menopause and suffered from it. But they did not discriminate the menopausal meaning and effects from the climacteric phenomena. So, this author tried to clarify what menopause itself meant to the climacteric women, by means of grounded theory methodology. The interviewees were 21 women, whose ages were between 46 and 60 years. They were selected by theoretical sampling technique, and the author tried to include all levels of important variables such as age, educational background, religion and job. Data were collected by the author through in -depth interviews and observations in July, 1994. The interviews were mostly done in the homes of the subjects, or in some cases at the author's office or in a hospital. Interviews took from 30 minutes to 2 hours. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed later by a research assistant. Data were analyzed as gathered, by the constant comparative method proposed by Strauss and Corbin. Eleven concepts were discovered from the data, and they were grouped under six higher order categories. These six categories were "to give menopause a meaning", "to experience value change", "to have self-help strategies", "to have no strategies", "to live a life worth living", "to have a sense of powerlessness" Among these "to experionce value change" was . selected as the core category. Five major categories were systematically integrated around the core category. Women's adaptation to menopause was defined as proceeding as follows : Most women felt relief and sorrow at the same time when they faced menopause, and some only sorrow or agony. Then, they consulted with others about menopausal symptoms, or tried to think of them by themselves. Finally, they gave menopause a meaning, which was that menopause and its symptoms were natural phenomena. But menopause made women reflect on them-selves and their past lives. As they reflected on themselves, their value on life began to change. As their value changed, some women seeked self help strategies. Those self help strategies were what they had learned from collegues, professionals or mass media. The quality of their lives depended on whether they practiced self help strategies or not. Three types of lives were found. Twelve women enjoyed a life worth living, and practiced the self help strategies, because they accepted menopause a chance to change. They were characterized by a high educational level, having a professional job and a sincere faith in God. Seven women were living as usual, because they did not have the necessity to change. They were high school graduates and house wives. Two women recognized menopause a chance to change, but they did not try self help strategies. Their characteristic was low educational level. Those who did not try self help strategies complained of powerlessness to varying degrees. The educational background, full-time jobs and faith helped women adapt to menopause positively. But social support was not helpful to women's adaptation to menepause. Three hypotheses were derived from the analysis. (1) The higher the educational level, the more theneed to change. (2) Women with higher educational background will practice self help strategies more than those with lower edcational background. (3) The more women practice self help strategies, the worthier lives they will live. Suggestions for further studies are as follows. (1) Studies to test hypotheses are needed. (2) A study to find the relationship between the degree of practicing self help strategies and locus of control. (3) Spiritual approaches would better be applied to help menopausal women. (4) Education through mass media should be given mere frequently.

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Thioredoxin Peroxidase Manifestation in Radiation-Induced White Rat Lung Tissues (방사선 조사후 손상된 백서 폐조직에서의 Thioredoxin Peroxidase의 발현)

  • Chong, Seong-Cheoll;Park, Joon-Seong;Park, Jee-Won;Lee, Sun-Min;Park, Kwang-Joo;Hwang, Sung-Chul;Lee, Yi-Hyeong;Hahn, Myung-Ho;Oh, Young-Taek;Kim, Hyung-Joong
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.47 no.5
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    • pp.650-659
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    • 1999
  • Background/Aims: It is well recognized that all aerobic cells have the protective mechanisms in order to minimize the tissue damage induced by various reactive oxygen species(ROS). Thioredoxin peroxidase(TPX) which has been recently identified and characterized functions to convert peroxide to water. The protein is also found in various subtypes(TPX-A & B, MER5, HS22 and HORF-06) and is known to be ubiquitous in most human cells. Especially, ischemic brain injuries, partial hepatectomy and radiation induced DNA damages. In treating lung cancer, radiation therapy has a major place in the local control and the relief of symptoms, but radiation induced free radical injury and resulting pulmonary fibrosis has been the major drawback of the therapy. However, little is known about the protective mechanisms and biologic modulations against radiation-induced tissue damages. Methods: Eighteen mice were divided into six groups, 3 in each group, and fifteen had received 900cGy of radiation. The mice were sacrificed according to the pre determined time schedule; immediate, 1, 2, 3 and 6 weeks after irradiation. Extracts were made from the lungs of each mice, Western blot analysis of various subtypes of TPX were done after SDS-P AGE. Examination of H & E stained slides from the same irradiated specimens and the control specimens were also performed. Results: No difference in the intensity of the immunoreactive bands in the irradiated lung samples of the mice compared to the unirradiated control was observed regardless of the time intervals, although H & E examination of the sample specimens demonstrated progressive fibrotic changes of the irradiated lung samples. Conclusion: In conclusion, according to our data, it is suggested that various thioredoxin peroxidase subtypes and catalase which are known to be increased in many repair processes may not be involved in the repair of the radiation injury to the lung and subsequent fibrosis.

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The Contents and Satisfation of Home Care Progral Delivered by Seoul Nurses Association (서울시 간호사회 가정간호시범사업 서비스 내용 및 만족도 분석)

  • Lim, Nan-Young;Kim, Keum-Soon;Kim, Young-lm;Kim, Kwuy-Bun;Kim, Si-Hyun;Park, Ho-Ran
    • The Korean Nurse
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    • v.36 no.1
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    • pp.59-76
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    • 1997
  • The purposes of this study were to identify the contents and satisfaction level of the patients received home care service, and to compare the differences of the contents by the characteristics of the patients. Seventy eight patients received home care service from 1st Jan. to 30th Sept., 1996 were data-collected to analyze the contents and outcomes of home care service. Sixty-nine patients currently receiving home care service were participated to evaluate the satisfaction level of home care service. The data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, $x^2$ test, and ANOVA by SPSS $PC^+$ program. The findings of this study were as follow : 1. The contents & outcomes of home care service 1) The mean age of the subjects was 64.4 years: 58% of them were female. Those who living in Seoul were 83% and the rest of the subjects was living in Kyung-Gi. 2) The subjects who had one diagnosis were 41%. Over 60% of them had the disease of neurologic & sensory system. 3) The mean number of visit was 6. Only one visit was 22%. The mean time of care was 79 minutes. Duration of visit from 31 minutes to 60 minutes were 47 %. The subjects who terminated the visit because of death were 67.3%. 62% of the persons who referred them to the home care service were nurses. 4) The pain after the service was more relieved than before. The amounts of intake, the degree of bed sore, edema & fracture after the service were more improved than before. Health status after the service was improved in general. 5) There were significant differences between initial and last conscious level in tracheostomy care & oxygen inhalation care. There was significant difference between initial and last degree of activity in blood sugar check. 6) There were significant differences on the number of visit in assessment of the status, evaluation & observation, vital sign check, skin care, injection, medication, bed sore care, colostomy care, relaxation therapy for pain relief, patient education, family care, exercise therapy, position change, supply of disinfected equipments and infection control. There were significant differences on visiting time in nasogastric tube care, drainage tube care and oxygen inhalation care. 2. The satisfaction level of home care service 1) 50% were male. Over 60 years of the subjects was 61 %. Those who living in Seoul were 82%. 2) The subjects who had one or two diagnosis were 32% respectively. 55% of the persons who referred them to the home care service were nurses. 3) Total level of satisfaction of home care service was very high. 4) The older the age, the higher the satisfaction level. The larger the number of visit, the higher the satisfaction level. 5) The subjects who were in cloudy state were higher level of satisfaction than in alert or coma state. The subjects whose activity were normal or who needed assistance were higher level of satisfaction than bedridden or immobilized subjects. These findings suggested that the patients had substantial need for posthospital care. They tended to be elderly and to have experienced the wide range of health problems associated with aging, chronicity, including limitations in activities, and other serious health problems. So, the nationwide home care systems beyond the limit of demonstration program by local association and the development of the effective financial system of home based health care are necessary for the clients who are in need of home care.

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The Outcome of Conventional External Beam Radiotherapy for Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Esophagus (식도의 편평상피세포암 환자에서 외부방사선치료의 결과)

  • Jang, Ji-Young
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.26 no.1
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    • pp.17-23
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    • 2008
  • Purpose: The best treatment for advanced esophageal cancer is chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. In spite of the advance of multimodality therapy, most patients with esophageal cancer are treated with radiation therapy alone. This study reports the outcome of the use of conventional external beam radiotherapy alone for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Materials and Methods: Between January 1998 and December 2005, 30 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus were treated with external beam radiotherapy using a total dose exceeding 40 Gy. Radiotherapy was delivered with a total dose of 44-60 Gy(median dose, 57.2 Gy) over $36{\sim}115$ days(median time, 45 days). Thirteen patients(43.3%) had a history of disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, tuberculosis, lye stricture, asthma, cerebral infarct, and cancers. Four patients metachronously had double primary cancers. The most common location of a tumor was the mid-thoracic portion of the esophagus(56.7%). Tumor lengths ranged from 2 cm to 11 cm, with a median length of 6 cm. For AJCC staging, stage III was the most common (63.3%). Five patients had metastases at diagnosis. Results: The median overall survival was 8.3 months. The survival rates at 1-year and 2-years were 33.3% and 18.7%, respectively. The complete response rate $1{\sim}3$ months after radiotherapy was 20%(6/30) and the partial response rate was 70%(21/30). Sixteen patients(53.3%) had an improved symptom of dysphagia. Significant prognostic factors were age, tumor length, stage, degree of dysphagia at the time of diagnosis and tumor response. Cox regression analysis revealed the aim of treatment, clinical tumor response and tumor length as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Twenty-eight patients had local failure and another four patients had metastases. Three patients were detected with double primary cancers in this analysis. A complication of esophageal stricture was observed in three patients(10%), and radiation pneumonitis occurred in two patients(6.7%). Conclusion: The prognosis of esophageal cancer remains poor, in spite of advances in radiotherapy techniques. Radiotherapy is one of the main treatment modalities for the relief of dysphagia and treatment related complications are minimal. It is expected that the addition of chemotherapy or another systemic modality to radiotherapy will improve tumor control and increase the survival rate in advanced esophageal cancer.

Clinical Outcomes of Ultrasound-Guided Transmeniscal Injection in Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis (무릎 내측 구획 골관절염에서 초음파 유도하 경 반월상 연골 주사의 임상적 효과)

  • Jung, Eui Yub;Wang, Joon Ho;Lee, Eui-Sub;Lee, Sung-Sahn;So, Sang-Yeon
    • Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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    • v.55 no.5
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    • pp.418-425
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    • 2020
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to introduce the ultrasound-guided transmeniscal injection in medial compartment knee osteoarthritis and analyze the clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: The electronic medical records of 36 patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis who were treated with an ultrasound-guided transmeniscal injection from March 2019 to July 2019 were accessed for this retrospective review. Using an ultrasound guided spinal needle, the patients received an intra-articular steroid injection at the medial compartment of the knee. A physical examination was conducted at the initial visit (pre-injection), and at one week, four weeks, and eight weeks after the injection. The numeric pain rating scale (NRS), Lequesne index, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) score were measured at each visit and analyzed over time. The percentage change of the patients who revealed substantial improvement was analyzed. The NRS, Lequesne index, and percentage of patients, who revealed substantial improvement over time classified by osteoarthritis grade, were analyzed. Results: The NRS and Lequesne index decreased at one week, four weeks, and eight weeks after the injection compared to the initial baseline, and the pain-relief effect continued without change until eight weeks. The percentage of patients who showed substantial improvement at one, four, and eight weeks was 50.0%, 47.2%, and 52.8%, respectively. The WOMAC scores decreased at one, four, and eight weeks compared to the initial baseline, and the decrease was continued without any difference until eight weeks. The percentage of patients with osteoarthritis stage 1 or 2 who revealed more than substantial improvement was significantly higher at one, four, and eight weeks than those with osteoarthritis stages 3 or 4 (p<0.05). Conclusion: In patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, the pain reduction and functional improvement persisted for at least eight weeks after the ultrasound-guided transmeniscal injection at the medial compartment. In particular, patients with medial compartment osteoarthritis stage 1 or 2 showed more effective pain reduction.